GTR Out-And-Back

Here's a good mix of an urban start with rural road riding and notable landmarks to land you at the the air-conditioned, vending-laden (yet free cold water) regional airport terminal a few miles west of Columbus. The route starts at the intersection of Jackson and Garrard, which might make for a nice extension for riders inbound from Pheba on Highway 389. The first few miles are north on Montgomery to Butler Road. Turn right on Butler and enjoy a bit of rural sprawl for several miles, passing over a few creeks, and then a short hill topping out at Stowood. Right on Stowood, more unkempt roads, and soon enough the Highway 82 bypass appears on your right. Continue along to Old West Point Rd and turn left at the church with the steeple. Old West Point Road is much smoother than Stowood, and a bit more hilly as you wind around a VFW post, then short rollers to farmland, where the road straightens out and levels at 16 Section Rd. Turn right at 16 Section and watch for trains. Farmland. Descending gradually to some trees look for Sonny's BBQ on your right, then turn left on Highway 182.

Highway 182 is a two-laner with mostly moderate rolling hills. Soon enough you'll pass the State golf course on your left, and then settle in for a good pace on to cross under Highway 82, then over US-45, but not before passing another BBQ joint on your right. After the community college the road takes on a service-road demeanor, passing through more open farmland, and the big, busy highway on your left. This is probably the flattest section of the route, yet it ascends ever so to 789, where you take a right and continue along a nice section of road to the terminal. Refresh yourself at KGTR. Clean restrooms, cold water fountains, vending machines (with sports drinks), air-conditioning, CNN, and mechanical voices telling you to please watch your belongings.