An alternative: Park somewhere on the Alto side, ride up and over, down the other side to Sherwood and back. The Sherwood climb is 4 miles, but not as steep as the Alto climb. The Highland Rimmers used to do that once a week. 34 miles round trip from the Catholic church in Alto. I prefer not to descend Alto, so go down 41 to Hawkins Cove rd. I used to park at a convenience store by the interstate exit 127.

Another "fun" climb is go up Clouse Hill, circle back to Monteagle, down 41a back to Pelham. Park at the same place, just go north on 50 first.

Thanks David--I was wondering what other climbs might be good. And yeah, I imagine that descending Roark's Cove will be intense. But I'm a real highway dodger and might rather do that than 41A.