“It’s good to be challenged ! ”
Hilltop was said to be the highest point in Bedford County. The first time I recall Jeff riding up this hill, like a lot of firsts with Jeff, was memorable. About a mile from the bottom of the hill, Jason, Brad, and I, were talking to Jeff, and letting him know how long and steep it was. Jeff, using his half-time, coaching voice said, "It's good to be challenged!" His deep voice echoed up and down the road. I remember getting tickled, but not laughing out loud. It was before 6AM, and we were four guys on an isolated country road, about to be going up a hill that most cyclist avoid. And Jeff, always the coach, was coaching us up on how good it was to be challenged. Jeff made it up Hilltop that morning, and every other hill we attempted during the next five years.
Hilltop was part of our regular morning loop. It is located down the hill from Motlow College. Take Hwy 130 towards Shelbyville, then left on Smith Chapel Road. Go about a mile and turn right on Hilltop.
As soon as you take that right, you begin to gain elevation. Continue about a mile until you see the road disappear into the trees, and the real climb begins. When you begin the steep part, your heart rate and breathing are already increased, and your legs know they have been working. That is a big part of what makes Hilltop so tough. You have spent a considerable amount of energy before the real climb begins. It was a point of pride to us that we went up Hilltop every morning.
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