Fall in WNC

This time of year is my favorite.  I love being outdoors but the fall season is the best in my book.  The leaves changing colors gives a new spin to the same ole landscape that we see every day.  The splashes of reds, yellows and orange just lifts my spirits.

We went for a short ride last night along some familiar trails and I was surprised to see so few people on the trails.  As we rode up South Ridge in Bent Creek a huge Great Horned Owl flew across the trail in front of us and landed in a tree.  We stopped to get a better look at him and he flew from tree to tree not wanting the attention.  A squirrel on the side of the road made this weird chatter sound as the owl was flying around, I am sure he was thanking us for allowing his get away.  I guess owl’s eat squirrels?  Anyway, it was an interesting evening ride.

26 West Mountain Bike Park has new web site

Click the image above to visit their new website and get all the details about the southeast's new mountain bike park.

Take a kid mountain biking day, October 26, 2008

New Mountain Biking Category System for the 2009 Race Season

USA Cycling announced the development and implementation of a new mountain bike category system set to take effect for the 2009 season. The modification to the existing structure comes after significant analysis and dialogue by the national governing body and the National Off-Road Bicycle Association (NORBA) Board of Trustees. 

 

In pursuit of its mission to provide a high-quality racing experience for members across all ages, skill levels and genders, USA Cycling will apply these new categories beginning December 1, 2008 in order to strengthen professional fields and add depth to amateur categories at the grass roots level. 

Courtesy of www.usacycling.com.

Dirty Tutu Race Report – Tsali Challenge

September 16 and 17 was the Tsali Challenge.  This event is a triathlon that takes place on the shores of Lake Fontana on the Tsali trails.  The Challenge includes a 3 mile lake paddle, a 5 mile trail run, and a 12 mile mountain bike ride.  So you ask the question, did I participate?  Well, the answer to that is "no, I did not", but I was there to support some friends that signed up for the race.  Team Dirty Tutu was representin' at Tsali!

“Lucy, you got some trainin’ to do!”

I can't help but have that episode of "I Love Lucy" pop into my head when I am telling myself that I have got to get my butt in gear to get ready for my first mountain bike race.  I know that Ricky's real words were not trainin.  Anyway, I am 2 weeks away from race day and know that nothing I can really do will better prepare myself for the race, but mentally I need to prepare.
Photo courtesy of virginmedia.com

The Dirty Tu-tu’s

"Racing"  Anybody who has been involved in the sport of mountain biking has had that idea come into your mind.  Either you want to watch a race, compete in a race, or fanticize about winning a race.  Whatever your level of interest, you know that there are mountain bike races. I know that racing has entered my mind, and next month I plan to compete in my first ever mountain bike race.  I am not super fast, but I feel like I have a chance at a good finish time.

If you think Industry Nines are bling…

Anyone who rides pretty regular is aware of all the components that you can buy to make your bike stand out from every other person's bike on the trail.  For the past couple of years I have on my wish list to purchase a set of Industry Nine wheels.  I love the fact that they aren't just your typical wheel and if you hold a I-9 spoke in your hand, well, it feels like you are holding air.  Stephen found a web site that can finish out your color anno look on your bike.

Bike Magazine’s article on 90 miles in Pisgah

  I stopped by the post office this morning to clean out a week's worth of mail to find my new issue of Bike Magazine.  I have really enjoyed the subscription to this magazine and after seeing the September/October issue I have one more reason to shout, they have dedicated this issue to east coast trails, yes!

26 West Mountain Bike Park

This is information about the 26 West Mountain Bike Park at Wolf Ridge.  I know several people have been asking if it is open and according to this article in the Asheville Citizen Times, it is now open for business!

What: Grand opening of the 26 West Mountain Bike Park.

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Ribbon cutting is 11 a.m. Park is open 2-8 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 1.

Where: Breakaway Village, at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort in Madison County.

Cost: Day pass is $24, not including bike or gear rental. Season passes are $179.

Highlights: Billed as the only mountain bike park at a ski resort in the Southeast, 26 West Mountain Bike Park officially unveils its 30 acres of downhill biking terrain, after a couple of months testing a “soft” opening, said owner/general manager Ryan Taylor.

Part of the bike park is on the ski slopes, while part is in the woods.

“The big difference between a bike park and a ski slope is skiers are limited to where they can clear the trees,” said Taylor, a professional downhill racer. “Mountain bikers happily welcome the trees.”

But the park is all about safety, Taylor said, and offers a safe environment for families as well as pro riders to practice their downhill skills. Emergency medical technicians are part of the bike park staff. Bikes, helmets and other gear are available for rental, and Taylor said once the park is up and running, he will offer clinics, camps and a venue for races.

One of the best features of the new park, he said, is the lift-assisted trail system.

“People can enjoy the chairlift up and their bikes get transported up by truck and trailer,” Taylor said. “You don’t have to worry about climbing up hills all day. It’s all about having fun.”

What to bring: Helmets are mandatory in the park. Also bring gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirt, arm and leg armor and running or bike specific shoes.

Directions: The park is 25 miles north of Asheville. Take Interstate 26 west to Exit 3. Turn right onto Bear Branch Road, then turn right at the stop sign onto U.S. 23. Take the first left onto Laurel Valley Road. Take first left onto Puncheon Fork Road. Go 3.5 miles and turn right onto Wolf Ridge Road at the Breakaway sign.

Information: Call Taylor at 553-5856 or visit www.26westmountainbikepark.com.