|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
RR: Tsali Trails NC Smoky Mountians
Outstanding!
I got back from a much needed vacation in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, finished catching up on post vacation duties, now it's my duty as a MTBer to post an RR about the Tsali trails. O U T S T A N D I N G! in case you missed it the first time. If you're into technical riding and challenging single track then Tsali is not for you. But if you open your mind and let the single track take control you'll be shown a whole new world. There are just four loops in the Tsali rec area and they alternate between Equestrian and MTB use on different days of the week. The day I rode the "Thompson Branch" and the "Mouse Branch" loops were open for MTBer's and hikers. The other two loops are simply named "Left loop", "Right loop". The trails are very well maintained and blazed tremendously well. Riding solo on loops is usually never a problem anyway, but the well blazed trails give the non-locals and greater since of security. Honor system donations are due before you hit the trails, $2.00, also at the main trail head there is a nice setup with hanging racks and hoses so you can spray down your rig when you're finished. I've never seen anything like that before (perhaps I live a sheltered life). The Mouse Branch and the Thompson Loop total about 14.5 miles of incredibly tight single track. The trails were so tight I was actually contemplating "cutting down" my bars ;-). The Blackberry bushes bloodied my forearms something fierce, got a few good rips on my neck also. It's strange how you really don't feel the pain or notice that much until you shower, ooooo that smarts! There are lots of whoop-te-doos and some steady, long, not to steep climbs. This sets up some perfect flowing downhills. Between the two trails I rode I'd say there was one semi-technical climb, but don't let that get to you. There's more to mountain biking than just tech stuff. I completed both loops in under two hours. There's no need to ride for time out there when there is so much to see and enjoy. Minor stream crossings, lots of tight switchbacks. The trails take you along a 50 to 150 foot ridge that follows part of the shoreline of Lake Fontana. It's a good thing the trails are tight because if they weren't I would have probably paid more attention to the lake than the trails, that'd be asking for a world of trouble. From what I understand there is a lot of night riding on these trails also. That sounds just a bit better than perfect. Did I mention the SS? What, you thought I write and RR and not mention the SS? Are you nuts or something? The SS seemed to be custom built for these trails. The bike is pure joy. Two Wheels Good == Prefab Sprout ref. If You're ever in the Smoky's Tsali is a MUST! There is a lot of history in the Tsali area, here's a link if you're interested! http://ncnatural.com/NCUSFS/Nantahala/tsali.html Peace, Bill(Spot rear axle still good)Wheeler The mind serves properly as a window glass rather than as a reflector, that is, the mind should give an immediate view instead of an interpretation of the world. :-] |
Ads |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Tsali Trails NC Smoky Mountians
"Bill Wheeler" wrote in message
... Outstanding! I got back from a much needed vacation in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, finished catching up on post vacation duties, now it's my duty as a MTBer to post an RR about the Tsali trails. O U T S T A N D I N G! in case you missed it the first time. If you're into technical riding and challenging single track then Tsali is not for you. But if you open your mind and let the single track take control you'll be shown a whole new world. There are just four loops in the Tsali rec area and they alternate between Equestrian and MTB use on different days of the week. The day I rode the "Thompson Branch" and the "Mouse Branch" loops were open for MTBer's and hikers. The other two loops are simply named "Left loop", "Right loop". The trails are very well maintained and blazed tremendously well. Riding solo on loops is usually never a problem anyway, but the well blazed trails give the non-locals and greater since of security. Honor system donations are due before you hit the trails, $2.00, also at the main trail head there is a nice setup with hanging racks and hoses so you can spray down your rig when you're finished. I've never seen anything like that before (perhaps I live a sheltered life). The Mouse Branch and the Thompson Loop total about 14.5 miles of incredibly tight single track. The trails were so tight I was actually contemplating "cutting down" my bars ;-). The Blackberry bushes bloodied my forearms something fierce, got a few good rips on my neck also. It's strange how you really don't feel the pain or notice that much until you shower, ooooo that smarts! There are lots of whoop-te-doos and some steady, long, not to steep climbs. This sets up some perfect flowing downhills. Between the two trails I rode I'd say there was one semi-technical climb, but don't let that get to you. There's more to mountain biking than just tech stuff. I completed both loops in under two hours. There's no need to ride for time out there when there is so much to see and enjoy. Minor stream crossings, lots of tight switchbacks. The trails take you along a 50 to 150 foot ridge that follows part of the shoreline of Lake Fontana. It's a good thing the trails are tight because if they weren't I would have probably paid more attention to the lake than the trails, that'd be asking for a world of trouble. From what I understand there is a lot of night riding on these trails also. That sounds just a bit better than perfect. Did I mention the SS? What, you thought I write and RR and not mention the SS? Are you nuts or something? The SS seemed to be custom built for these trails. The bike is pure joy. Two Wheels Good == Prefab Sprout ref. If You're ever in the Smoky's Tsali is a MUST! There is a lot of history in the Tsali area, here's a link if you're interested! http://ncnatural.com/NCUSFS/Nantahala/tsali.html Peace, Bill(Spot rear axle still good)Wheeler Nice. Had To Do It Bill (Bill) |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Kansas bill threatens trails; please contact legislators | Brent Hugh | General | 1 | February 28th 04 07:41 AM |
denver trails / commuting downtown to tech center | Tune2828 | General | 9 | October 26th 03 12:35 PM |
Multiuse trails: Left or Right side walking? | kab | General | 4 | October 12th 03 06:50 PM |
Tsali | Nelson Binch | Mountain Biking | 5 | July 23rd 03 12:13 AM |
Rail Trails under fire in U.S. Senate, time to write your Senator | Brent Hugh | General | 0 | July 4th 03 04:53 PM |