I rode with mtnbiker66 this weekend
 

A buddy and I went on a trip to the Smokies and met up with 66, his son "girlscout" (don't ask), and "pappy cheddar" (don't ask about that one either) in DuPont State Forest for a ride on Saturday. They led us on a loop of about 12 miles or so, and it was an absolute blast. This was my first time riding in DuPont, and I was not disappointed.

We started out on a gravel road climb to an old airstrip on top of a mountain, where 66 pointed out all the peaks and gave us a little local history. Then we swooped down one of the flowiest, funnest trails I've ever ridden...lots of high speed roller jumps and berms. We hit a creek crossing which gave us a chance to cool off a little. Next it was off to Burnt Mountain, whose name also accurately described my quads by the time I finally struggled to the summit on my big bike. As always, the downhill was the payoff...high speed roots and rocks are fun to me for some twisted reason. Limited rear braking capabilities (Hayes = suXor5) made it even more interesting. We then checked out the huge 40' stepdown 66 has posted pictures of before, but no one hit it this time around. ;)

Then it was another climb up the slickrock for which DuPont is famous. We didn't stay on the summit long...the descent was calling for some shreddage, and we were forced to accomodate. There was one more descent of note on the way back to the trailhead, swoopy, rutted, and fun. Back to the parking lot exhausted, slightly battered, and out of water...and grinning from ear to ear.

I strongly recommend that anyone who has a chance to ride in that area does so as soon as possible. Sycamore Cycles (the LBS) is a first rate shop. Having a cool local guide who knows the good loops (and lines) was a huge asset too. Mad props to 66 and company for sharing. Oh, and sorry about that puddle...I didn't think it was that deep. :D

We didn't take any pictures, but there are a few shots here that look familiar.

Now, who will join us for a ride?

Glad you had fun,Girscout, Pappy Cheddar,and I had a lot of fun showing you around. Don't worry about the puddle, I sprayed him off at home. Hope your bud heals up, that last drop ate his lunch pretty good. Give him big props from us. There is no way I would do it on the fly without even looking over the landing first. The girlscout got a big kick out of that.Get back up soon we've still got tons of good stuff to put you on.
We have a ride this sat that will be hooking Dupont and Pisgah using bikes only, should be about 50 miles if anyone wants to go.

I wish I could join Y'all, but I don't do weekends..... Sorry

I wish I could join yall...sounds like fun. I have like 8 people bail on rides in whistler this year haha..if I ever make it out there, expect a pm :D Definately sounds liek a blast.

Nice write up and the pics are awesome. I could not ride through there without sliding down one of the falls at least once ;) , Would be a great cool off. So why is there no pic of your buddies wreck? :D

:beer:

After he got cleaned up, it proved to be merely a flesh wound(s), but he's a big guy, so when he goes down, it sounds worse than it usually is.

The funniest pic of the trip would have been of my wreck about 200' out of the parking lot. Riding wheelie, clipped in, started to loop out, grabbed the back brake and the lever bottomed on my shifter before the pads engaged. Girlscout got a kick out of that one too.

Very nice write up.

66 - my brother and I are planning on camping out at the hatchery 9/30 - 10/2. Maybe we will see you around somewhere. Only trail I know for sure we will be riding will be black mountain. I'm leaving the rest of the trails up to my brother. It's kind of handy having a brother that used to be a guide in that area. :)

Where's my flight ticket?! :p :D :beer: Just kidding, sounds like you had a lot of fun! It also sounded like some seriously sick trails. :D

PM me before you come. We'll get together fer sure. It's always fun to ride with new people. I can show you around Dupont if you've never been there.

When you say ya'll it needs to be about 4 seconds long. Like this Yaaaaaa'llllllllllll, now lets try it all together.....Yaaaaaaa'llllllllllll. Very good. I can't take you up on frozen creek to buy some moonshine if you can't speak the lingo. :D

You will have to explain to Mael that "Moonshine" is not the moon light shinning off his white a$$ at night :p Maybe you could get him to try some "Cope" with a bit of ms (or everclear) in it. Just be sure you get that on video :D

:beer:

We really do have some beautiful riding around here. That's why I don't bother riding anywhere else.
Hey LowCel, be sure to check out Daniel Ridge Falls just a short hop from the hatchery. Although it might not be as amazing with the "No-Rain" weather we've had now for the last 3 weeks.... I love it!