12 mile loop in Bent Creek

This entry is about a loop that we ride just about every week. If we could, we would fit this one in more often, but with the nagging responsibilities of every day life, we can’t seem to make it out here other than weekends.

This is a good loop to ride if you want to put in about 12 miles. First ride Hard Times to South Ridge Road out to Sleepy Gap then down to the Explorer Loop, make a left and ride the loop around, connect back in to the Pine Tree Loop, and back along Bent Creek Road to the trail head. There is one section of the Explorer Loop that is marked “hikers” only, but my trail map says this is a bike trail. If you park at the Arboretum’s greenhouse parking lot, this loop is about 12 miles. It is a good ride and it has plenty of good scenery to take in, and unlike the right side of the Bent Creek watershed after you climb up Hard Times, you really have the trails all to yourself.

There has been quite a bit of work done to the Explorer loop. I would like to take my hat off and say thanks for all the hard work that has been done. This trail is a great one and the work that they did just made it that much better.

Follow this link for the latest Bent Creek map and get out there!!
http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek/new_maps_on-line!.htm.

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Getting started the right way….

Ok, so I know that there are tons of people moving to the Asheville area. Many of these newbies might be thinking, “you know, mountain biking would be fun, I think I might give it a shot.” Well, let me put yet another plug in for visiting a reputable bike shop to get fitted for your new adventure. Sure, you can go to Wally World and buy a Mongoose mountain bike and it may do you for a while to see if you are going to like hitting the trails. However, to be honest, those bikes are just what they are Wally World bikes. The name Mongoose doesn’t mean a blooming thing! Bike shops do sell Mongoose bikes, but they are outfitted with better quality components and they will last through the punishment that mountain biking is. A Wally World bike will not. If you plan to do some real hill climbing, and downhill scorching action, get a bike that will take the abuse.

Just a plug for an excellent mountain bike store, Carolina Fatz, they are one of the best in Asheville for getting you outfitted to hit the trails without robbing your wallet. They will get you the stuff you need at a reasonable price. They also have a life-time service on their bikes, so if you hit the trails a little to hard you won’t have to worry about how are you going to fix what ‘cha broke. Stop by and see Jason and his crew, they will hook you up with a great ride and what is better is that they are in the front door of one of the most popular mountain bike areas in Asheville, Bent Creek!

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Tsali…..The WNC Epic!!!

Tsali Recreation area located beside Fontana Lake near Bryson City, NC. This trail system consists of 4 loops that alternate between horseback riders and mountain bikers. Hikers may travel on the trails on any day. There is a $2 user fee per person, and this fee helps fund trail improvements.

Tsali is named after a Cherokee man who once lived in the area. The U.S. Army captured Tsali and his family during the Cherokee removal in 1838. Tsali and others escaped from their captors during the march along present day Fontana Lake.

Ok, enough general information. Mountain biking Tsali is a blast!! The day we were there was the day before the “12 hours of Tsali” mountain bike race. We rode the right loop in reverse with the rest of the racers. While they were picking their lines for the next day, I was just hoping to make it back to the car. The trail is very scenic, but unfortunately, the right loop doesn’t lend itself to many good pictures of the lake as I had hoped to have some to post but maybe next time.

I wouldn’t recommend Tsali to the beginning mountain biker. There are plenty of climbs that would make even the avid rider dismount and push. I would ride for a few months and get your endurance level up then go have some fun.

Tsali has a campground that is first come first serve from April 15-October 31. Personally, after a day of mountain biking, I would be looking for a cushy bed to sleep on, but if camping is your thing, they have a nice campground.

Check out this web site for more detailed information on Tsali.

http://www.mtbikewnc.com/trailheads/tsali.html

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The right bike…

When you begin mountain biking, having the right bike and making sure it is the right size for you is critical to making your ride more enjoyable. If the bike is too small and you are cramped in you could injure yourself and truthfully not want to stick with riding. I mean lets be honest here, if you are trying to get yourself in shape and climb all those hills, you need to be as comfortable as you can be, right?

Do yourself and your joints a favor, get properly fitted to your bike. Have a professional make sure that the bike is the right height, that the handle bars are the right height and the seat is properly adjusted. This will make a world of difference when you are out on the trails. Trust me, this isn’t just a sales pitch for the bike shop to make some money. Oh and too…. spring for the padded shorts… you’ll be glad you did!

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Bent Creek

Bent Creek Experimental Forest has miles of trails that mountain bikers just getting into the sport can tackle and go home feeling good about their ride. Boyd Branch loop is one that is a good one to begin on. You start with a climb up the gravel logging road across from the campground connector/parking area and climb up to a single track downhill. This gives you a good blood pumping work out and the thrill of a single track downhill. Don’t be fooled that this is a trail to not pay attention on, stumps and rocks can spoil your down hill ride if you don’t keep your eyes on the trail.

If you would like to ride this trail or do some exploring on your own, click here for a copy of the Bent Creek Trail map http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/bentcreek/new_maps_on-line!.htm.

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