The Pisgah Traver: Picture Story

Kitsuma Trail Head, the start.

Point Lookout Trail,  this used to be a motor road.  At this point was a restaurant.  People used to drive from miles around to eat lunch and see the bears in cages.

Montreat NC

Looking across the valley from Old Toll Rd, view of Heartbreak ridge.

Old Toll is a lot like cobbles...

Heartbreak = tight singletrack

I do not recommend this for dinner..

the next morning,  a look of hurt

Sunrise on the Gravel Grind

Mt Mitchell

Entrance to Mt Mitchell State Park

 

Day 3, the first few miles

 

Laurel Mtn Mountain Laurel Tunnel

Blooming Galax

Davidson River Campground

The Fish Hatchery

I saw quite a few of these little guys

The pavement climb up 215 was hot and long

One of my favorite spots ever.

The trail to Ivestor Gap

The View

The finish at Ivestor Gap

The view from Ivestor

250 miles, home and tired.

The Pisgah Traverse

2 things culminated this weekend.  Both have been on my mind for a couple of years and I have been spending time and energy working towards both.  Many nights spent late on the internet doing research, sleeping behind the house in the yard, picking people's brains etc.

About 1 yr ago, I borrowed a BOB trailer to go on an overnight trip.  I pulled that trailer to work, and planned to ride out of work that evening and take my first self supported trip.  The trip never happened.  I also realized that the BOB was not the tool for the job,  if I planned to ride single track.  Over the course of the year, I was able to purchase bikepacking bags from Revelate Designs, and put together a suitable light weight kit.  Approximately two weeks ago, I was blessed to be able ( with lots of help from friends) copple together a full 29er.  I was ready to go.

It was about the same time, probably a little over 1 yr ago that I found out about the self supported bikepacking genre.  An exciting art form where one mixes backpacking, a former passion of mine, with mtn biking, a current passion.  I researched the Colorado Trail Race, the Trans North Georgia, was inspired by the San Jacinto Eduro and more.  Then I found out about the Great Divide Race, got ahold of Ride the Divide, watched it over and over.  I analyzed, scrutinized and was mesmerized.

I waited for the right window of time to open, and after months of pouring over maps, the time finally arrived and I rolled out.  Since the wife and kid were headed out of town, I was on my own and rode my bike the 20 miles to the start: Kitsuma.  4 days later, I have mapped out a course that I think will challenge the beginner through the elite, and will give anyone who attempts the route a taste of Pisgah in all of it's glory.

For the "single track only" snobs, this is not the route for you.   I wound up riding 250 miles in 4 days and mapped a 190 mile point to point route: starting at Kistuma and finishing at Ivestor Gap.   Yes, Ivestor Gap, in the middle of nowhere.... inspired by the Appalachian Trail's Mt Katadin.  At some point, I might chronicle my adventure here.  For now, here is the route:
Note: Old Toll Rd is closed from Oct 1st-Jan 1st for bear hunting season.  If attempted during this time you must take the alternate route, omitting the Point Lookout Trail through Heartbreak.  Please contact me for alternate directions.
Start- Kistuma Trail Head
Ride the trail to Old Fort Picnic area
Left on Point Lookout Trail (old US 70)
Rt on Hwy 70 west- through Black Mountain NC ( not through Ridgecrest)
Rt on Hwy 9 north (to Montreat)
Rt on Lookout Rd
Rt on Rainbow Rd
 to Old Toll Rd
Rt on Heartbreak
left on Lower HB
Left on Jarrets Creek Rd
Left on Curtis Creek Rd
cross Blue Ridge Parkway to FS 2074
left on FS 472
Rt on BRP
Follow Parkway through Asheville
If the Arboretum is open, there is a water fountain at the base of Hardtimes rd that can be used, if not, take the BRP to Hardtimes rd.
Left on Hardtimes (here Hardtimes Rd runs parallel to the Parkway for 1/4 mile.  there is a dirt pulloff on the right,  pull in there, cross the Mountains to Sea Trail and take a left on Hartimes rd,  if you turn right here, you will come to a 12 ft tall chain link fence/gate and you will know you went the wrong way)
left on South Ridge Rd
left on Bent Creek Gap Rd
over Bent Creek Gap, Rt on Wash Creek,Rt on Spencer Branch
left on Trace
through parking lot to lower Trace
veer right on unsigned "Fisherman's", cross river, follow dirt path/road to gate at 1206/ Yellow Gap Rd
at 1206, water and camping available to the left at N Mills River Campground
rt on 1206
Rt on Laurel Mtn just down hill from Yellow Gap
left on Pilot Rock
rt on 1206
left on FS 476
Left on FS 5018- Funneltop Mtn
rt on Horse Cove
rt on Squirrel Gap
left on Buckhorn Gap
straight on Clawhammer/ FS 5058
Left on Gravel rd at horse stables to Hwy 276
(to the left on 276 is Brevard for re-fueling and camping)
rt on 276
left on FS 475 towards Gloucester Gap
left on Davidson River Trail
left on FS 475
20 feet over Gloucester gap, rt on gated FS 5003
left on 140A
rt on 140
left on Sumney Cove
Rt on hwy 215
cross under Parkway
rt on Flat Laurel Creek
Through Parking lot to Ivestor Gap Trail
Finish at Ivestor Gap

Approximately 190 miles, I have no idea of elevation gain or any other data really.  I did it in 4 days (including riding to the trailhead and home from the finish, 3 days is more accurate).

It is a demanding course with single track, double track, gravel rd, pavement, remote....all of the above.

Who is up for it?

Trips For Kids WNC needs your help!

Help us help the kids in the WNC mountains.   We have 3 days to collect over 6000 endorsements.  Click the link above and endorse now!! http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/1585

Fletcher Flyer

I was excited this spring when I realized my life schedule would leave room on the calendar for me to participate in the Fletcher Flyer,  the flattest century around with roughly 5000 ft of climbing, put on by the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club.  It has been at least 3 yrs since I have done this one and I remember that it was a fun ride. 

Sunday morning my alarm went off at 6am and I could not remember why my alarm was going off so early.  I ran through a list of options in my head before I knew that today was the day.   I got up, and started to get ready: pumping tires, lubing chain, bagel in the toaster.   Sipping my coffee and chewing the bagel covered in peanut butter and honey while checking the weather forecast,  I found that this was going to be a hot one.  I reminded myself to ride within my limits and not go out too hard.  I had made that mistake too many times and pushed myself past the limit way too many times.

The wife and kid would be coming out to Fletcher Park to see me finish and I really did not want to have us driving two vehicles out there.  I decided that I would ride the 10 miles to the start finish and ride home with them after the event.

The 10 miles was peaceful and cool.  There is not much traffic on a Sunday morning and the sun was just barely coming over the ridge line.  I enjoyed the warm up, keeping my heartrate low and drinking lots of water. 

I arrived at the park,  chatted with friends, ran to the trees one last time then rolled to the start to chat with more friends. 

It always amazes me how fast these rides start out.  There is no money on the line, no king of the mtn, just the possibility of bragging rights and stomping on fellow participants.  Either way, I knew that hanging with the fast group, if it was in my limits, would be a free ride for several miles.  So, I hung with them.  I was pushing my envelope a little bit, but decided to stay with the group until the first rest stop.  Most of them did not even stop, but I was out of fluids so I stopped.  Motion Makers, Pro Bikes and Youngblood bikes were all there doling out pretzels, water and gatorade.  I took some  pretzels and water. 

Back on the road, the rest of the day is kind of a blurry grind.  I was able to get in with another group for the next 20 miles to the next rest stop, where I stopped again to fill up.  I remember Craig from Ski Country Sports was there, with some other people,  one lady diligently making pb and j's.

Mile 40-60, it seems like we went through Brevard and rode a portion of the Assault on the Carolinas route.  Grinding along, I got in with another group and made some good time.  I was hoping to get my first sub 6 hr century, and was on par to complete the ride in 5 hrs.  I didn't aim for the 5 hr mark, because it was starting to get hot, and I have learned that heat shuts me down.  If I let my heartrate get too high in the heat, I wind up in the back of an ambulance with an IV, I know this from experience.

Back through the rest stop with about 80 miles to go.  I stopped and quickly refilled my bottles, greeted a couple of friends and hit the road.  It was hot and I maintained a steady pace.  At one point my thermometer read 99 degrees in the full sun.  

I was wearing the new kit from Liberty Bikes,  it is Hiuncappie Brand and has some sweet mesh built in.  It breathed really well and was comfortable.  At times, it felt like air conditioning.  

I ground through the out and back section then on to the last rest stop.  So many times I have been told by volunteers that "it is all down hill from hear" only to learn that there was another huge climb,  I am wary about believing what I hear.   so, when Tavis and Rachel told me that there were 10 miles left, I checked and doubled checked that they had their facts straight.  

Cool, 10 miles to go.  I grabbed a couple of pecan sandies and ground on down the road.  I was please after a couple of miles to find that I was on the Thursday night Liberty ride route.  I put it in cruise control and ground away.  I glanced to the left, upwind, and noticed the industrial sized sprinklers.  Then I smelled what smelled like Georgia on a hot summer day.  Chicken poop, liquid form being sprayed on the field and the spray drifting across the road.   euw....

The last couple of miles I picked up the pace and paid for it.  It was hot and my heart rate went too high.  I finished but could not enjoy the awesome spread of food at the finish.  I loaded up and headed home, lacking appetite due to the heat. 

I ended up under 6 hrs, around 5:40.  I am proud of that and glad to have a solid ride under my belt. 

I look forward to next year!

Pledge Drive

As you may know, I launched Trips For Kids WNC back in November.  Since that time, I have submitted an application to become a 501(c)3 non profit organization, ( we are currently pending which enables us to accept tax deductible donations),  acquired a small fleet of bikes, co-promoted a Take A Kid Mtn Biking Day-Spring,  and facilitated over 300 kids on mountain bike outings.

This program has already seen huge success thanks to the help of a lot of people: See our sponsor page here.

 I wanted to spend some time evaluating our needs and developing a sound budget, before running a pledge drive and now we are at that point.  I have a number in mind that I have figured out, and if we reach this goal we will be at a point of minimal functionality.  What I mean by that is that we will be able to function as a bare bones operation, be able to offer a quality and safe program, taking at risk kids on mountain bike outings.  Anything donated above this amount will be icing on the cake. ( chocolate icing!!).

I am looking for 125 dedicated people, clubs, organizations and companies, who will pledge $20 per month for 1 yr.  That's it.  Simple.  I know it does not sound like much, but it is, and the results of these pledges and the impact you will have on our community will be huge.

Are you up for the challenge?

Contact me: stephen@tripsforkidswnc.com  or go to : http://tripsforkidswnc.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=452688  to get started today.

Thanks for your consideration.
Stephen Janes

The Bikepacking Machine

The Machine

 I got a new bike built up. Its a miracle bike really.  I've been thinking about building a full 29er for a bikepacking specific bike for over a year now.  The plan was to get one this winter or spring,  then life happened and plans fell through. 

I went ahead and put it out there that I was considering a full 29er and things started to go my way.  Friends called with parts they had that they needed to move on.  Liberty Bikes had the rest of the parts that I lacked.  Before long, I had my new bikepacking machine built up. 

As I write this, I find it difficult to express how grateful I am for the opportunity to build this bike.  When you see me ride by and see the smile on my face you will understand.  

I hope to upgrade the frame in the future to something sweet and hopefully handbuilt,  but for now, I'm pleased, and look forward to many adventures!!

5-16

Mike, Mike and Stephen

Mike (in the middle) recruited me to ride along for a little ways and help pace, or rather distract from the pain on the Assault on Mt Mitchell.  I parked in Marion and road towards the guys until I met them at the rest stop 10 miles from Marion.  I rode with them through Marion and up Hwy 80 to the BRP before turning around to head back to the truck and them home.

It was an awesome day for a ride and had a fun time exchanging stories.  It was a great ride with great friends!!

Mike and Mike reached the top and will spend the rest of the week eating pizza and chocolate chip cookies!!

Great ride M & M!!

5-14

I was at the Lake Eden Arts Festival in Black Mountain.  The storms had rolled through and the sky was slightly overcast.  My truck was parked on the adjacent Grovestone property way down the "gravel road of death".  If you have been to this festival you know what I mean; a person could end up walking for 15-20 minutes to get to a vehicle, and if a person were carrying a kid or something else.....

I walked to the security tent to find out if the shuttles were still running, knowing that they were not, but hoping they would offer me a ride.  The thing about the "gravel road of death" is that it is separated by a series of lakes.  My truck was a 3-4 minute walk from the security tent, but the lakes were in the way.  I pointed almost to the exact location of my truck telling the security guards.  The looked at me and said," There's a trail right there".  Surprised, I made sure that the trail was legit.   They asked if I had a light, I said "no" but was ok, because the moon was out and I was able to see enough to get down the trail. 

I climbed up and over the embankment, slipping on some roots and sliding down the other side.  It was quiet on this side and I was alone between the lakes.  I walked softly, listening to the sound of the frogs and crickets, not realizing that there was a very real possibility I was being watched.  I made it to the truck and home.

The following night,  equipped with the knowledge of the trail, I was ready with a flashlight.  It was a good move because the sky was dark and the moon nowhere to be seen.  I climbed up and over the embankment,  walking carefully down the other side.  I paused for a moment to take in the night sounds then started walking softly.  I took about 20 steps and heard crunching in the undergrowth next to me.  The next 10 seconds are emblazoned in my memory and I will never forget what I had the privilege of experiencing. 

I heard the crunch, my mind told me it was something big, these thoughts flash through my mind: deer, bear, person.....I immediately turned and directed my small beam of light on the sound while at the same time, letting out a startled yell.  By the time I had turned, and shined the light, in a flash, all that I glimpsed was the right rear haunch, a charcoal black fur covered haunch, followed by a 3 foot long cat tail covered in the same fur.....mountain lion.

I have heard both sides of the story. The Forest Service and scientists deny that they exist.  The locals, woodsmen and old timers confirm their existence.  I have always held a hope that they are still out there and now I believe.  Very few people have caught a glimpse of this stealthy animal, and I have now joined them.

They are out there....

5-10/11

I woke up close to midnite, the wind howling in over the ridge and into the valley.  It was dark but I could feel the trees being bent by the wind.  I had forgotten to check for widow makers so I crawled out of my sleeping bag and turned on the flashlight.  The air was filled with millions of particles of dust, pollen and debris. I did a double take, then checked for widow makers.

For just over one year now, I have been dreaming and scheming about bikepacking. I scoured the internet, talked to friends and,  worked extra jobs to earn the money to purchase the equipment.  I loaded the bike, unloaded the bike, reloaded the bike,  slept in the back yard, got frustrated, and got excited.  I got to do a coupled of paved road trips, both 2 nights, one camping and one cushy.  But I yearned for the day that I would load down my Siren and hit some dirt.  ( a couple of months ago, I had attempted a trip but aborted because the timing was not right).

The day finally came and the timing was right.  I left after dinner to maximize family time, planned to ride into the Pisgah National Forest, spend the night and return the next morning.  I headed out the BRP and down through the Arboretum, up Hardtimes Rd.  The main thing on my mind was where to sleep.  I really want to be able to stealth camp, just pull off somewhere in the woods and bed down, but whenever I lean that direction, the alarms in my head go off, telling me to go to a campground.  I'm not sure what is up with that, but it happens. 

As I crested Bent Creek Gap, I made the decision to head to N Mills River Campground.  Later, I would be glad that I made the decision.  I cruised down Wash Creek Rd, enjoying the scenery. Near the road that leads to Trace Ridge Parking, I ran into David Knupp and his friend Brian.  We pedaled together chatting about riding and life.   The air was humid and with a chance of strong storms into the campground.  It was getting dark as I completed the set up, of which I totally forgot to take a picture. 

After getting set up, I sat down for my second dinner around 9pm:  frozen bean and cheese burritos.  I brushed my teeth and settled under my tarp to listen to the night sounds before drifting off to sleep. 

Fast forward to midnite when I was startled awake by the howling wind.  The thunder and lightning were getting closer and there was an occasional spattering of rain drops.  I looked up into the trees, looking for the dead branches and tree tops but didn't see any.  I noticed that the trees surrounding my site were tulip poplars.  They were waving in the wind and knowing that they could easily snap, I formulated an escape plan and headed for the concrete bath house where I sat for 45 minutes to wait out the storm.

It turned out to be a good decision.   The storm was rough and the sky opened up, dumping buckets of rain as soon as I got to the bath house.  I sent an OK message on the Spot Tracker so that the wife would know that I was ok and settled in to watch the lightning.

And the rain, and listen to the sounds of a storm passing through the woods.  As I sat there thinking about my fears, I came to the realization that everything I do does not have to be epic.  A simple overnight trip like this, staying at a luxurious campground was fine with me.  I don't need to curl up under a tree in the middle of the woods, by myself to feel complete.  (it would be nice to add that skill to the repertoire, but not necessary).  It was a good realization, and as soon I was formulating a big route through Pisgah NF,  a 3-5 day route with options. 
After the storm passed, I headed back to the tarp, laid out my bedroll and crawled in. I heard the loud crack of a limb, seconds after about 100 yrds away I heard the loud thump of a large branch smash into the ground....then I drifted of to sleep.

I woke up and got moving around 6 am.  I could hear thunder rumbling in the distance and decided to pack up and head out before the rain rolled in if it was going to.  I enjoyed some coffee and a honey bun to get me going.  I was the first one up and out of the campground and virtually had the road to myself. 

Up and over Bent Creek Gap, and onto South Ridge rd, I decided to lengthen the trip and rode some of Explore and Pine Tree before heading up Hard Times rd where I got on the BRP and headed home.  

50 miles for an overnight trip, and I wanted to keep going.  I'm excited to get my first off road trip under my belt and look forward to many more.

5-7: PMBAR

 I saw a notice that Eric, the race promoter was looking for a volunteer to be out in the woods all day to play cop, making sure that no one used FS rd 5015.  I thought about it briefly and after a quick e-mail to make sure the location would allow the wife and kid to come visit without having to stay all day, I committed. 

Official

 Then I started thinking about how long 12 hour in one spot really is and wondered what I should do to pass the time.   I settled on pancakes for the racers.  I started making a list: batter, plates, forks, knives, napkins......syrup....  The list got long and my motivation for that idea waned.   I continued to chew on the idea and settled on grilled cheese sammys and Cokes.

I went shopping and dropped $150 of my own money on groceries,  ouch.  But it was for a good cause so I let it go and was thankful that I had the means to provide a smile for so many people ( groceries are ridiculously expensive).  10 loaves of bread, 2 giant packs of cheese, 6 bags of chips, grapes, 75 cans of coke - the real stuff, 6 packs of sandwich cookies, one pack of butter, and a few other things and I was ready to go.

Waiting

 I got to Yellow Gap just before 8 am and got set up.  It took about 30 minutes.  Then I waited, and waited and waited some more.  I tried to read, but it was chilly with a cool breeze blowing through the gap.  I wandered around, then started to second guess myself:  was this the right day?  Is the race tomorrow?  I knew how long it would take for the first riders to get out there, so I decided to wait a little past that time, and if  I had not seen anyone yet, I would form a plan. 

String of Cowbells

 Finally a little after 10am the first team rolled through.  Stopping briefly.  2 minutes later the second team,  about 5 minutes later, the 3rd team.  After that there was a steady stream of people rolling through until around 6pm.  One cool thing about this unofficial rest stop was that it was at the bottom end of a lollipop loop.  The racers had to go out and come back through, so anyone who went for this checkpoint, had to come back through. 

Pisgah Oasis

 So I started grilling and kept the sammys coming until I ran out of bread,  approximately 111 sammys later, and I closed the grill.  I still had some chips and cookies left and people continued to enjoy them until the last team came through right at 7pm....and they still had 3 hours to ride!

The set up

 I have never been on this side of the table at a rest stop before, and I never knew just how much fun it could be.  Would I rather have been racing?  Yes, I was glad that I could be involved.  See, for me racing is not all about winning or losing.  There is more.  It is about community,  meeting new people, hanging out with old friends.   Encouraging each other, helping each other.  Cyclists (road and mtb and other...)  are a large group of people with common interest,  we have all been brought together from so many different places, so many interesting situations.  Some are running from something, others are running towards something,  but on race day, we are all headed towards the same goal,  and it is good to be a part of that community.

End of the day

As the last team rolled down the road, I had 1 hour left.  I was fairly sure that no one else would come by, but Eric had asked me to stay until 8pm so I did.  The bright sun had gone down over the ridge and the green glow started to dim.  I sat back in the plastic chair and closed my eyes, soaking it in.  Thinking back on the day and smiling to myself.  Rumors of grilled cheese and coke had apparently spread across the forest, and had possibly helped some people make it just a little farther in this race.  And that thought made me feel good, because that's what I love to do:  help people.

That is why I started Trips For Kids WNC,  to help kids in my community.  To help kids who are less fortunate,  who have the capabilities and talents but not the means to get on a bike and ride into to forest.

So, if you were one of the lucky ones, to roll up to the Pisgah Oasis at Yellow Gap,  and enjoyed a grilled cheese sammy and cold Coke,  it is your turn to consider helping me out.  Please consider making a donation to Trips For Kids WNC so that I can continue to get kids on bikes.

Have a great day!

5-3

 After spending most of last weeks free time cutting, splitting and stacking firewood,  my body is worn out.  I guess  I should have spread the work out over a couple of weeks, but it is done now, and ready for winter. 

Not having the energy to ride, but restless, I ended up going for a little hike on the MST: 

Bursting with Green

Bright Green

More Green

Even when the sun went behind the clouds it was green

fallen tree pulled up a rock

I'm also stricken with allergies and taking the meds messes me up.  Hopefully in a couple of days, I'll feel back to normal again!

4-23

One picture.  That's the only one I took.  It doesn't say much,  just proof that Carey was out in the woods.  I didn't even get a picture of Zeke who was out there too.  Bummer,  it was an awesome day to be out in the woods....mainly because my old pack rendered the camera inaccessible. 

Carey sent me a message a couple of weeks ago asking if I would guide her through Pisgah.  She had never been to Trace and wanted to check it out, recon for the upcoming PMBAR.  I was excited to do it, and excited because she wanted to spend at least 6 hrs on the bike.

I realized today that this is why I continue training, even though I am not actively racing:  so that I can go on a 6 hr ride, in Pisgah,  at the drop of a hat.

We had planned on riding Friday, but rain moved in so we changed the date to Saturday.  We met up at 9 at Davidson River area and were on the bikes before 9:30am.  We headed past the horse stables and up Clawhammer,  Zeke taking off through the woods, manhandling his single speed.  We took a chill pace up the climb before finally reaching Buckhorn Gap.  I took the opp to pick Carey's brain a little about training and pace.

Up and over the gap,  down into the valley on the other side, we cruised down the single track.  Taking a right on S Mills River we grinned all the way down to the bridge.  Walking over the slicker that snot bridge, we took a left on Squirrel. 

I had not ridden Squirrel since the trail work had been done and cannot really complain.  I felt like the work was needed, although I can understand how some of the veteran Pisgah riders miss some of the more techy features.

I was absorbed by the beauty of the forest and vowed to get out here more often once the wife finished nursing school, in 13 months...

At the intersection of Horse Cove, we took the quick down hill on Laurel Creek to the river crossing that brought us to the intersection of Bradley Creek or the forest service road that lead up to Yellow Gap.  Feeling adventuresome,  and never having ridden Bradley Creek,  we chose the new trail.  We each took a guess at how many river crossings we would experience and pushed on.   Stopped at one of the river crossings, a 3 inch long bug landed on my leg, and I admit, I squealed a little bit.  I simply don't like things crawling around on my body uninvited. 

After 10 river crossings, ( I won the guessing game) we reached Yellow Gap Road: 1206.  Zeke was ready to head back, and Carey wanted to continue on to Trace Ridge.  Knowing what was coming, I longed to ride with Zeke, but held true to my commitment and went with Carey.  

The temps were rising and I was concerned about overheating.  The pace we were holding was perfect for me.  I was glad to find that North Mills River Campground was open and we could fill up on water.  I had been conserving a little bit too much.

At the water stop, Carey pulled out a Coke....note to self: next time bring a Coke,  and a PB and J.

After filling up on cold water, we headed up the pavement on Wash Creek Road, up to Spencer Branch.  The steep grunt past the gate up to the single track was a kicker, with the sun beating down on us.   When we finally hit the downhill on Trace Ridge, I was spent and digging deep for the will to continue.  I was closer to home at this point that I was to my truck in Brevard.

We hit the Trace Ridge parking lot and Carey was so pumped that she wanted to go again.  If I had been game, I really was convinced that she would go again.  But at this point, I was close to overheating and needed to head back.  Fortunately,  she didn't push the issue. I would have waited in the parking lot and taken a nap if she had though!

On down lower Trace, which I had never ridden was a blast.   Then came the 1206 gravel grinder section back to Hwy 276.  We ground the gravel, chatted a bit, but mostly ground away.  We were both tired and hot and ready to be finished. 

As we rounded a bend we saw Sam and Trish with the kids and stopped for a couple of minutes to chat.  It was good to see them out in the woods. 

We continued our push to the pavement and after several disappointing turns to find only more gravel, we came to the pavement.  We barely paused before ducking down into time trial positions and hammering out the last couple of miles.  Rolling back into the parking lot with smiles on our faces, each having accomplished our personal goals for the day: 6.5 hrs riding and 61 miles we greeted Zeke, and took a quick soak in the Davidson River.

It was a great day to be in the woods with great friends!

CYMBL

CYMBL: Carolina Youth Moutain Bike League
Race #1
Falling Creek Camp. 

The kid's first race was last Sunday.  We had planned on trying to camp out the night before, but with temps dipping close to freezing in some areas, we opted to stay home and stay warm.  

In the truck on the way out, he would not stop talking.  He was so excited that this day was all about him. 

We arrived at the low stress venue and got checked in.  I wished that I had bought a CYMBL T-shirt for him,  I could do that at the next race.  We were to spend the morning monitoring the "Skinnies Comp".  After a while no one showed up, so we went out and walked some of the course.  I misread the map and we walked a lot of gravel road.

When race time came, the kids lined up with the dads grouped behind. 

The gun went off and the 7-8 yr olds took off like little greased lightnings.  200 yrds into the course was a steep gravel road that switch backed a couple of time.  The kid rode as far as he could before jumping off and alternating between running and walking to the top. 

Breathing heavily, he got on the bike and got some momentum.  Turning onto some singletrack, we realized that we had not walked the correct route.  What can you do? 

The kid was raging single track like I had never seen him do before.  Neither one of us were mentally prepared for the technical (for a kid his age) singletrack, but he was attacking it and riding rock gardens and switchbacks with confidence.

And then he crashed.  Slamming his already skinned elbow, from a previous high speed crash, into the trail.  He had a long sleeved shirt on but it still hurt like mad.  The tears started to flow, but with a little encouragement he go back on the bike.

He pushed hard for 25 minutes, and wound up in 7th place out of 9 kids.  (hmmm,  that looks a lot like my results).  He is at the bottom of his age group though, so as he grows,  so might his results. 

I'm so proud of my little mtn bike racer!!

The best part is he loves it and looks forward to doing it again!!

The next race will be held at Jackson Park: May 22.

2011 Race Dates:

• April 17, 2011 - Falling Creek Camp - Tuxedo, NC

• May 22, 2011 - Jackson Park - Hendersonville, NC

• August 28, 2011 - Camp Carolina - Brevard, NC

• September 18, 2011 - Christ School - Arden, NC

• October 23, 2011 - Championship at Falling Creek - Tuxedo, NC

.....4-17

I just wrapped up my most memorable and fun spring break ever.  The wife and kid both had spring break scheduled at the same time and I took advantage of it by making sure we all had fun.  Movie at the theatre, bike rides, camping, fishing, visiting with friends, some Okie Dokies BBQ,  Healthy Kids Day bike rodeo, the Carolina Youth Mountain Bike League Races and topping it off with a bike ride of my own....fun.

The Kid, before his race.  He killed it.

 Parents were allowed to ride along with the kids during the race for safety and to encourage.  The field got spread out pretty quickly after the start as there was a 100 yard hike a bike up a gravel road.  The kid is at the bottom of his age group in the 7/8 yr olds.  He is still 6 but they group the kids by age at the end of this year.  He took off and hiked up the road, running some and walking some.  Hitting the single track he road most of it and crashed once hard.  He saddled back up and rode on.  I was behind him encouraging him, coaching him and pumping him up.  Halfway through the race, I got really annoyed....with myself.  Realizing I was talking too much, I asked him if I was.  He said "yes".  So, I cut back and let him race his race.  And guess what?  He did great without me!   

waterfall in the woods

Covered Bridge

 After getting home I had time to get out for a ride.  I rolled down the Parkway to Bent Creek.  A couple of miles into the ride, I got passed by 3 roadies....who didn't say a word.   Why?  Why don't people out riding bikes, doing the exact same thing at least greet with a hello?

I jumped up to the trio and got in the slip stream.  Nothing like a free ride on a long stretch of pavement.  A couple of minutes of drafting later and the guy in back said to the guy in front," Hey Jeff,  this guy on the mtn bike says he wants you to go faster".  Jeff picked the pace up a little bit, but they could not shake me.   A long downhill then the long steep climb to the I-26 overpass.   Jeff could not keep the pace and rotated around, I sat on the back still.  Then guy #2 and the girl, picked up the pace and got a gap.  I sat behind Jeff for a second and should have gone around. I watched as the girl stood up and put a couple of bike lengths between herself and guy #2.   I could not let that happen, so I went around Jeff, then around guy #2.  It took a little while, but by the top of the climb, I had reeled in the girl and tucked in behind her.   I hope they greet me next time, I'll take it easy on them! 

The bike, the woods, the sunshine

4-10

The view from the deck

 After some severe thunderstorm action Saturday night we woke to a beautiful day on Sunday.  The clouds hung low in the valley for most of the day, giving us the illusion of flying high above.  We ate some homemade cinnamon rolls and hit the road around 9am. 

 We were moving slow, enjoying the warmth and letting the blood flow to our legs.  I was feeling good,  ready to pound out some miles.  The big question was whether or not the parkway was closed from Mitchell to Bull Gap.  If it was closed with a no bikes sign, we would have to backtrack, giving us 20 extra miles for the day.  That would be truly epic.  

Mr Technology make a phone call

 After calling the parkway recording, we road on, trusting that the recording and not the sign was correct.  I asked Mike 3 times if he wanted to take the alternate route, but he declined...hardcore. 

The rest of the ride was uneventful.  Simply grinding along at a touring pace, enjoying the scenery and chatting it up.  A quick refill at a spring on the side of the mountain, a few more climbs and we were at the Craggy Visitors Center

two tunnels

Green Knob Fire Tower in the distance

Entrance to Mt Mitchell

Craggy Garden VC

 After the long downhill and a few more uphills, we parted ways. It was warm and we were successful.  220 miles over 3 days,  roughly 17,000 ft of climbing made for a good training block.  I felt stronger as the days went by and my confidence in my fitness is good.

parting shot from and epic ride...