Last Updated April 4, 2024
The Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 event in Lookout Mountain, TN, is not just another mountain bike race—it is Chattanooga’s Ultimate Endurance Mountain Bike Race, creating a dynamic synergy of excitement, challenge, and beauty. For mountain biking aficionados considering a trip to participate in this riveting event, the journey promises a blend of grueling single track, rock gardens, climbs, and smooth, flowy trails, coupled with a vibrant atmosphere of music, food, and camping post-race.
What sets this race apart is its harmonious blend of diverse terrain, allowing riders to explore the 5 Points Trail system, Lula Lake Land Trust, the Cloudland Connector Trail, and Moonshine Trails. It’s not just about the race but the experience, the community, and the joy of mountain biking. Organized meticulously by Roost Racing, founded by lifelong mountain bikers and racers, the event aims to provide unforgettable mountain bike racing experiences enriched with well-organized events and memorable post-race celebrations. The opportunity to race through private properties, owing to the graciousness of private landowners, adds an exclusive touch to the experience, making it a must-try for every mountain bike enthusiast, one of the many reasons Strambecco rates the event as one of the best mountain bike events in the Southeast.
Event & Course Info
The Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25, with its start time for the 50-mile at 9:00 a.m. and the 25-mile at 9:15 a.m., promises a thrilling ride from the entrance to the Lula Lake Land Trust. For those embarking on the 50-mile race, be prepared for approximately 4700 ft. of elevation gain, while the 25-mile route challenges riders with an elevation gain of about 2700 ft. Since a portion of the Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 course is on private property, no map or turn-by-turn is available, and the course map shared below is not official but gives you an idea.
50-Mile Route: Starting from the main gate of the Lula Lake Land Trust, this route begins on the pavement to thin the pack before hitting Five Points and combines most of the trails in the Five Points system with multiple segments of the Cloudland Canyon Connector Trail (CCCT). Around 35 miles into the race, after enjoying about 25 miles of prime singletrack, racers will experience several miles of trail on private property, linking the CCCT and Five Points to the trails at Lula Lake.
25-Mile Route: This route, albeit shorter, promises the same exhilaration and challenge, covering some of the private trails with an elevation gain of roughly 2,700 ft.
Racers in the 50-mile route will find aid stations at the Ascalon Rd parking lot, Longbranch Connector, and in Lula Lake core property, while the 25-mile racers will have aid at Longbranch Connector and in Lula Lake core property.
The Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 charm is not confined to the trails. Racers can relax and revel in the post-race festivities including podium awards, camping, music, vendors, and food, savoring a well-deserved meal from Greg’s Sandwich Works, and refreshing beverages.
The Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 is more than just a race; it’s a journey through diverse terrain, a challenge with climbs and downhills, and a celebration of the mountain biking spirit. Whether you are a seasoned mountain biker or a curious enthusiast, the combination of rugged trails and festive atmosphere makes this event an exhilarating adventure.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
Taking place in Lookout Mountain located just outside of Chattanooga, Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 offers free tent/car primitive camping at Lula Lake Land Trust where the race starts and finishes. There is also camping at Cloudland Canyon State Park or unique camping locations in the area.
For those looking to sleep in a hotel, lodging options for the event include The Westin Chattanooga and Courtyard Chattanooga Downtown, as well as a variety of great vacation rentals.
The culinary scene in Chattanooga, TN, is a diverse and vibrant amalgamation of flavors, offering a rich palette of dining options ranging from upscale eateries serving gourmet cuisine to quaint cafes and bustling food joints specializing in local and international flavors. The city’s food landscape is adorned with a myriad of choices, whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, eclectic vegetarian dishes, savory international fare, or sweet treats, making it a gastronomic haven for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Enjoy restaurants along the Tennessee River, like Tony’s Pasta Shop & Trattoria and Scottie’s on the River.
Chattanooga, TN, with its distinctive blend of scenic beauty and adventure-laden landscapes, emerges as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly in the golden hues of mid-October. If you haven’t had enough mountain biking at Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25, be sure to check out Raccoon Mountain, which stands out as one of the top spots. With over 29 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult, bikers can enjoy the thrill of traversing through rocky outcrops, dense forests, and smooth paths, experiencing the crisp autumn air and the tapestry of fall colors.
For rock climbing aficionados, the Tennessee Wall (T-Wall) is an iconic destination. Nestled along the Tennessee River Gorge, the T-Wall, with its myriad of climbing routes, offers a challenging and exhilarating experience amidst the vibrant foliage of mid-October. The sandstone cliff line, known for its superb rock quality, provides a variety of traditional climbing routes, making it a favorite among climbers. The stunning views of the river gorge, combined with the colorful array of falling leaves, create a mesmerizing backdrop as climbers ascend the craggy faces.
Finally, mid-October brings out the enchanting beauty of Lookout Mountain, making it a must-visit for hikers and nature lovers. The mountain offers a plethora of trails, each unveiling a different facet of the area’s natural beauty. Hikers can explore the iconic Ruby Falls, a breathtaking underground waterfall, and relish the panoramic views from the Lookout Mountain Tower. The trails lead adventurers through dense forests, past serene streams, and to stunning overlooks, allowing them to witness the vibrant autumnal transformation of the landscape.
Related Events
While Lula Lake 5 Points 50/25 is the only event produced by its organizer, there are many other top mountain bike events in Tennessee and the broader Southeast region, including the Cohutta 100 – Big Frog 65 from Chainbuster Racing, which is part of the National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE). Also taking place in the Chattanooga area is the annual Gran Fondo Hincapie – Chattanooga from Hincapie Events, which is part of its Hincapie Gran Fondo Series and an event we consider to be one of the Best Road Cycling Events in the Southeast.
For multi-sport endurance athletes looking for other events in the state of Tennesee and the broader Southeast region, be sure to check out our full list of Strambecco Best in Class road, gravel, and trail running events.
