Mountain Biking the Upstate

This will be one of our Thursday Night options throughout the summer. We will meet in the parking lot around 6 to get started, and then try to regroup in the parking lot again around 7pm to allow those who can't get there by 6 a chance to join us. Plans will be to ride at least 2 laps, possibly 3. Pace will be determined by those present, and we will not leave the park until we are sure everyone in our group is OK. Make sure you have at least one good light that is bright enough to ride comfortably at night. Having 2 fairly bright lights are even better. I use a light on the handlebars that is more of a flood light, and a fairly bright light on the helmet that is more of a spot, but still has a good spread. If you don't have a light and would be interested in trying a night ride, post a message below, and maybe we can find a light to loan for the ride.

Weekend of Camping, Riding, Eating, and just hanging out with great folks. Feel free to join for as much or as little as you wish. We will arrive Friday afternoon (I will be staying at Turkey Creek Campground), and ride the Right and Left loop on Friday afternoon. We will either go into town (Bryson City) for Dinner,or we may try cooking at the campsite depending on interest. Saturday we will ride Mouse and Thompson around 10 a.m. or so, and then the afternoon schedule is a bit more flexible. Some of the Charlotte group will be going to Fire Mountain (30 minutes away), and some may elect to ride Thompson again. In the past, we have just hung out at the campground and then went to Rivers End restaurant at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Sunday we pack up, and then go ride a loop of either Left or Right, and occasionally both, before heading home. The Charlotte Groups plans are somewhat different, as they travel back early Sunday and stop at Lake James, which is out of our way. The description from George is below: Tsali trail system is one of the best in the USA! I've been there several times and it's really an awesome riding weekend! Some people camp out, some get hotel/motel/cabin for the weekend. Bryson City is 10 miles away with breweries and restaurants! Turkey Creek Campground and Freeman Hotel are next to each other and 3 miles away from Tsali. I plan to stay at the Tsali Campground for the convenience. No alcohol on public campgrounds. $2 cash per rider per day. Pack plenty of water, snacks, tools, spares tube and whatever you might need. Tsali trails are for intermediate level riders due to the 10+ mile length. Fire Mountain is a real mountain with lots of climbs and drops! The speed will be party pace and many breaks in between! As always fast riders ride fast and slower riders ride slow. For those who want a faster ride with fewer breaks, meet up time is 30 minutes ahead for a lap or two. We will see you guys on the trail. Friday 3pm Left/Right Loop, 20+ miles. Saturday 1030am Mouse/Thompson 15 miles. Saturday 4pm Fire Mountain at Cherokee (30 mins away). Sunday Lake James ride on the way back to Charlotte. I'm turning 44 on Saturday so I plan to enjoy some Fire Mountain downhills and grab some dinner in Cherokee. Ride bike have fun!!

This will be one of our Thursday Night options throughout the summer. We will meet in the parking lot around 6 to get started, and then try to regroup in the parking lot again around 7pm to allow those who can't get there by 6 a chance to join us. Plans will be to ride at least 2 laps, possibly 3. Pace will be determined by those present, and we will not leave the park until we are sure everyone in our group is OK. Make sure you have at least one good light that is bright enough to ride comfortably at night. Having 2 fairly bright lights are even better. I use a light on the handlebars that is more of a flood light, and a fairly bright light on the helmet that is more of a spot, but still has a good spread. If you don't have a light and would be interested in trying a night ride, post a message below, and maybe we can find a light to loan for the ride.

This will be one of our Thursday Night options throughout the summer. We will meet in the parking lot around 6 to get started, and then try to regroup in the parking lot again around 7pm to allow those who can't get there by 6 a chance to join us. Plans will be to ride at least 2 laps, possibly 3. Pace will be determined by those present, and we will not leave the park until we are sure everyone in our group is OK. Make sure you have at least one good light that is bright enough to ride comfortably at night. Having 2 fairly bright lights are even better. I use a light on the handlebars that is more of a flood light, and a fairly bright light on the helmet that is more of a spot, but still has a good spread. If you don't have a light and would be interested in trying a night ride, post a message below, and maybe we can find a light to loan for the ride.