Marcia-

Amanda and I are going out to Christ School on Thursday to firm things up.  (I will wear my best suit).  This is going to be a great starting location!  I agree with you and Ron that Terry's Gap is the way to go.  Here's what I see:

Christ School Rd., Mills Gap Rd, Terry's Gap Road, Old Clear Creek Rd. (at Fruitland), Slick Rock Rd. (still need to look at that winding road), Hwy 64 (fast downhil), Hwy 9 through Lake Lure (the prettiest part of the Ride), County Line Rd, Edwards Rd., Sumner Rd., Camp Sand Pit Rd., Maple Crk., Griswold, Hwy 108 into Rutherfordton, S. Main to Stonecutter, Pine Ridge Rd., and South Church Rd. into Forest City. 

(All thoughts, changes, etc., more than welcome!!)  I haven't driven this route yet, but I estimate just under 60 miles.  We could have Bearwallow (as you suggest) as a Hardcore alternative.

Amanda and I are meeting at Liberty at 11:30 on Thursday and I plan on spending the rest of the day scouting a route.  ( I have taken the day off, yeah!).

Hope to see you soon.

-David