Oak Mountain Epic- what to expect?

[bamwa]

Hello Southeastern folk,
I'm visiting Atlanta and plan on hitting the Oak Mountain Imba Epic on the way
back to ATX with my girlfriend. I would like to get some info on this ride before
I go.Such as.....
It says 26 miles. How long does this take?
Perferred route?
Best place to park?
Doggie day care place in Birmingham? (will trade beers and money for dog sitter)
(13 yr old mellow retriever)
Can a novice ride the whole loop and walk the hard parts?
Thanks in advance for the beta, peeps

[bamwa]

Oh yeah, if anyone in the Birmingham area wants to tour guide us (and put a dog in your backyard) that would be super awesome.
Looking at riding Saturday morning I think.

[ironlegsracer]

A causal pace will be about 2-3 hours. A novice will have little trouble. Go in the main gate and follow the main road, take the first right. Go to the last parking lot on the right, known as the south trailhead parking lot.Most people do a clockwise loop starting behind the bathrooms on the lake trail. Alot of people post rides on BUMP BUMP is the club that builds and maintains Oak mtn trails.

The Oak Mtn Experience - YouTube

[bamwa]

Thanks bra. I'm on my way. Will roll this afternoon, and the temp is great

[rogerfromco]

Enjoy - those are my old stomping grounds, but by old I mean it's been 20+ years since I rode there, but it still sticks in my mind as stunning!

[ironlegsracer]

Enjoy - those are my old stomping grounds, but by old I mean it's been 20+ years since I rode there, but it still sticks in my mind as stunning!

I've ridden OMSP since 1979. The last few years things have really changed. Lots of new stuff!