TRANSYLVANIA Destination Transylvania Discover Our Parklands DuPont State Recreational Forest Blue Ridge Parkway Bracken Mountain Gorges State Park Headwaters State Forest Pisgah National Forest
4 8 9 11 16 14 15 12
WHEN AND WHERE TO RIDE Assault On The Carolinas Brevard Area Trails (BAT) Map Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Bike Friendly Attractions Great Bike Routes Group Rides Rides and Races The Riveter Waterfalls of Transylvania
74 38 75 68 26 50 20 94 70
CYCLING/SERVICES/GEAR Sycamore Cycles Squatch Bikes and Brews The Hub
52 58 54
CYCLING/SERVICES/GEAR E-Bikes Gulo Composites Puts A New Spin On Wheels Rentals Riders’ Choice For Gear COMMUNITY Breweries Brevard College Pisgah Chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association Erica Zaveta Shanna Powell and Endless Bikes
86 62 60 18
90 72 84 76 80
PROTECTING OUR TRAILS Transylvania Always Volunteers Saving Trails
45 46
WHERE TO STAY Accommodations Listings
42
B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2 0 2 0 I S A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E T R A N S Y LVA N I A T I M E S , I N C . This magazine was made possible by a collaborative effort between The Transylvania Times and the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. Writer - Park Baker Ad Design and Production - David Metcalfe Cover Photo: Park Baker
Bike Transylvania Editor - Sean Trapp Advertising Sales - Leigh Trapp and Jessica Alexander Design - Leigh Trapp
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DESTINATION TRANSYLVANIA
Transylvania County has become known as a world-class cycling destination in recent years, and the cycling scene continues to evolve in exciting ways. We’ve added more miles of trail and reworked some old ones, added to our ranks of top-tier cyclists and created new programs for youth cycling. You can even buy wheels with cutting-edge carbon spokes made right here in Brevard. Transylvania is home to World Cup downhill racers and several U.S. national champions in multiple cycling disciplines. The close access to a wide variety of terrain gives cross-country racers hundreds of miles for training, and gravity riders can find plenty of rocks, roots and drops to practice on. Road cyclists will tell you that cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway can be magical, and our forest roads make Transylvania a gravel rider’s paradise. Simply put, no matter what kind of bike you ride, Transylvania offers you some of the greatest riding you’ll find anywhere in the country, and a temperate climate where you can ride most of the year. That’s why athletes train here, companies test products here and our college has a cycling team that keeps winning national championships. And it’s why, year after year, more and more cycling enthusiasts make Transylvania County a must-visit destination. Transylvania has been home to a dedicated crew of riders for years, but it began to gain more national attention back in 2011, when BIKE Magazine came here to test the latest bikes and equipment for their annual gear guide, “The Bible of Bike Tests.” The magazine’s staff praised not just the diverse trails of Pisgah and DuPont, but also the bike-friendly vibe that Transylvania County has cultivated. A couple of years later, the popular blog Singletracks added Brevard to its Top Ten Mountain Bike Destinations in North America, along with locations such as Moab, Utah and Whistler, British Columbia. That same year, the city of Brevard opened the Bracken Mountain Recreation Area, featuring 7.1 miles of hiking and biking trails that connect Brevard directly to Pisgah National Forest. Two years later, Trek Bicycles came here to test its new mountain bikes, attracting about 30 journalists and editors from around the world who praised the incredible riding in Transylvania. (continued on pg 6) 4 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
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That same year, the folks at The Bike Farm brought the Red Bull Dreamline to the Oskar Blues REEB Ranch. The two-day BMX dirt jump event brought in some of the best riders in the world to compete on a course designed and built specifically for them. The course, while toned down a little, is now the REEB Ranch bike park. There are kid zones, big hits and everything in between. The county has also seen incredible growth in the road cycling scene. The Assault on the Carolinas road ride in the spring is capped at 1,000 riders and sells out every year. The spectacle of 1,000 riders pedaling through downtown Brevard is a sight not to be missed, as riders embark on a grueling 100K that takes them into South Carolina
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and back over Caesar’s Head. The charitable event raises funds for the Rotary Club of Pisgah Forest, which supports numerous local charities. The WNC Flyer, hosted by the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, is another 1,000-rider sell-out event that starts at Brevard’s Oskar Blues Brewery. The ride takes cyclists throughout the French Broad River valley and raises money to support and promote cycling in the region. In 2016, Cycle NC returned to Brevard for its third annual Mountain Ride, a two-day cycling festival that was hosted by Brevard College. There’s also an ongoing effort to convert the unused railroad between Brevard and Hendersonville into the Ecusta Trail, a proposed 18-mile multi-use path. And every year, Transylvania is home to some of the greatest mountain biking events in the region: The Pisgah Stage Race, Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventure Race and the Swank 65, just to name a few. In fact, every weekend there seems to be a ride, a race or trail work being organized, and every year it just keeps getting better. There’s a thriving cycling-centered community, with group rides almost every day of the week, and three bike shops to keep your wheels turning. There’s also a great local beer scene, and restaurants that can hook you up with everything from sushi to barbecue. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. It’s Transylvania, a truly one-of-a-kind place that is a dream destination for bikers.
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DISCOVER OUR PARKLANDS
More than 70 percent of the land in Transylvania County is public forestland. In fact, the word “Transylvania” means “across the forest.” Our county is unique, truly, in that there are more different kinds of public lands here than anywhere else. We have national forests, recreational forests, a national park, game lands, a state park and a newly opened state forest, all in one county. There are three main forests in Transylvania County: The Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest in the northern part of the county, DuPont State Recreational Forest in the southeastern part of the county and Gorges State Park in the southwestern part of the county. The Blue Ridge Parkway also bisects Pisgah along the northern edge of Transylvania County, and the city of Brevard has created the Bracken Mountain Preserve, a 7.1-mile trail system that connects the city of Brevard directly to Pisgah National Forest. Headwaters State Forest opened to the public in 2018, conserving more than 7,000 acres of working forestland. Headwaters State Forest is a destination more for wildlife viewing and a backcountry experience, with little trail development, and no plans to open the forest to mountain bikes. Transylvania’s extensive woodlands create countless opportunities for mountain biking and road cycling. Please enjoy our public lands responsibly: many of the trails are multi-use and are open to hikers and equestrians. Bikers yield to all other users and extra caution should be used near horses. Proper etiquette has riders dismounting and communicating with horse owners. It’s important to remember that our public lands are actively managed forests and there is more going on than just people recreating. At any given time there may be hunting groups, logging operations, military training ops, wildlife studies, bike races, commercial users and even controlled burns. Be aware of what is going on around you while visiting our woods. Pay attention to signs, trail closures and, most importantly, your footing while exploring our waterfalls. People die every year exploring here; usually they lose their footing. Stay at the bottom of waterfalls, always let someone know where you are going and take a map. Most importantly, have fun!
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The diversity of DuPont State Recreational Forest’s trail system – from flowing trails like Ridgeline to the granite domes of Big Rock – offers fantastic mountain biking opportunities for riders of all skill levels. In contrast to Pisgah’s technically challenging routes, DuPont has a more moderate difficulty level, making it ideal for beginning to intermediate riders. There’s a kids’ loop and double track near the Guion Farm Parking Area that make DuPont perfect for families. The roads and trails of (continued on pg 10)
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DUPONT STATE RECREATIONALFOREST FAST FACTS •Ridgeline is one of the most popular trails on the East Coast •Unique granite domes are uncommon in this part of the country •DuPont State Recreational Forest was established in 1996 •A better alternative to Pisgah for new riders •Convenient access to popular waterfalls such as Triple Falls and Hooker Falls •Filming location for movies such as “The Last of The Mohicans” and “The Hunger Games”
the forest are well marked at intersections, making it easier to navigate. And this relatively young trail system makes great use of elevation in a tight network, facilitating shorter loops and creating the opportunity for riders to enjoy several fantastic downhills with moderate climbs in just a few hours.
Check website for current COVID updates
10 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
The Blue Ridge Parkway creates a natural border at the county line as it crosses through Pisgah National Forest. Throughout the year it gets a lot of visitors – more than any other national park in the country. The peaks, waters and trails within its boundaries are protected from development forever. A through-hike trail, the Mountains to Sea, runs along the Parkway crest, passing over several 6,000-foot peaks, through balsam forests and across some of the coldest creek water you’ll ever step in. It is a real treat to be able to ride a bike on the Parkway. It is well maintained and has a low motor speed limit, which makes cruising one of the best experiences in Transylvania County. Many cyclists prefer riding the Blue Ridge Parkway in the offseason, when there are fewer cars. A ride from Brevard up to Black Balsam, the highest bald in Transylvania County on the Blue Ridge Parkway, climbs more than 4,000 feet up U.S. 276 from the entrance to the forest, and is a scenic by-way.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FAST FACTS •Spectacular road biking with 360 degree views at times •469 miles long, runs from North Carolina to northern Virginia •Riding the Parkway is one of the best cycling experiences in the county
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Pisgah National Forest is the most visited national forest in the country. It takes up about 50 percent of our beautiful county and has more singletrack waiting for exploration than you can hike or bike. Pisgah is home to some of the best rock-climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking in the country and arguably the world. There’s a reason that the best mountain bike suspension companies in the business have satellite offices surrounding Pisgah National Forest: you simply can’t find the diversity of trails that is right in Brevard’s backyard anywhere else. All that gnarly singletrack makes for some great product engineering. Professional racers and weekend warriors inhabit these hills, and every year more people fall in love with riding in Pisgah.
PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST FAST FACTS •Bennett Gap Trail, shuttle-able, high-speed well-ridden trail •Farlow Gap, arguably the most technical mountain bike trail in western North Carolina •Spencer Branch, a new-school mix of berms, rock gardens and sustainable trail design •More waterfalls than can be listed, including Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock •160,000 acres with 172 miles of legal mountain bike trails •Home to two of the first Wilderness areas in the eastern U.S., Shining Rock and Middle Prong •Location of the first school of forestry in the country
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Gorges State Park lies on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, on the border with South Carolina in the southwest part of the county. This part of the county is the wettest, with an average recorded rainfall that rivals Seattle. There are four main rivers that form the gorges that give the park its namesake. When the water is high, these rivers draw the boaters out for Class V+ whitewater runs, but when it’s low the ďŹ shing down there is about as close to wilderness as you can get. There’s not much mountain biking out here yet, but there are some good gravel miles out here.
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GORGES STATE PARK FAST FACTS •Named by National Geographic as one of the “50 of the World’s Last Great Placesâ€? in 2012 •Access to the Horsepasture River, a federally designated Wild and Scenic River •Foothills Trail, a 77-mile through-hike trail runs through the park •Founded in 1999 •8,000 acres with over 22 named waterfalls
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Headwaters State Forest opened to the public in 2018, adding 6,730-acres to public lands that can be explored in Transylvania County. The new forest will be managed as a “working forest” and open to foot traffic only, with a few parking areas built to access waterfalls and entry to the forest’s interior. On the forest’s southern end is the Foothills Trail, a 77-mile through-hike trail that runs from Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest, S.C., to Table Rock State Park in Pickens County, S.C. Throughout the forest, a network of unmarked trails and old logging and 4x4 roads crisscross the property, and the Forest Service intends to leave it that way. There are no plans for any facilities, including bathrooms, in the forest. Visitors will be expected to practice Leave No Trace ethics, plan ahead and prepare, travel on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what they find, respect wildlife and be considerate of other visitors. There will be no camping allowed in the forest. Visitors can expect informational kiosks at future parking areas off Glady Fork Road, Sassafrass Mountain and Gum Gap that will lead them to noteworthy destinations.
Locals can expect habitat improvements throughout the property, such as the harvesting of mature white pine stands, prescribed burns, trout stocking and other forms of wildlife rehabilitation in the future.
HEADWATERS STATE FOREST FAST FACTS •Access to the Foothills Trail, a 77-mile thru-hike trail •Home to a number of hard to access waterfalls •Creates nearly contiguous public land along the S.C. state line •Foot traffic only – not open to mountain bikes, horses or ATVs
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Bracken Mountain is Brevard’s own trail system right outside of downtown, with a couple of loop options and three of its own trails on the property. Hikers and bikers can also connect to Pisgah through a Forest Service road all the way to the ďŹ sh hatchery. Bracken has some educational kiosks scattered around the trail, so visitors can learn a bit about the history of the land and the ecology of the forest.
www.longcanetrails.co g m epicrides@gmail.com (828) 606-5107 606 5107 16 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
TUESDAY TUESDAY
BRACKEN MOUNTAIN FAST FACTS •7.1 miles of city owned multi-use singletrack •Featured in the Pisgah Stage Race •Established in 2012 •400 acres in total •Built by more than 75 local volunteers
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FEELING THE URGE TO BUY A NEW PIECE OF KIT, OR LOOKING FOR A GREAT GIFT FOR YOUR FAVORITE CYCLIST? WE ASKED LOCAL RIDERS WHAT GEAR THEY COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT.
RICHIE TRENT
PAT LOONEY
Richie Trent -“Gulo Composites wheels of course. These are superlight and tough wheels tested in Pisgah National Forest. The engagement is excellent and they are serviceable – made right here in Brevard, N.C. “
Pat Looney - “My favorite piece of gear is the Hayes Dominion brake. I have them on all my bikes, and they’re powerful, easy to work on and I love the ergonomics of the lever.”
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JOSH MOORE Josh Moore - Easily my Kitsbow Coleman Valley Bib Knickers are my favorite piece of gear. They fit snug for all-day comfort and have stash pockets for snacks and other gear.
SHAUGHN ZALESKI Shaughn Zaleski - “I can’t do a big ride without my Platypus water filter and soft bottle combo. With as much water as is around here you can just carry this thing and fill up instead of carrying all your water on your back.”
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RIDES AND RACES COVID 19 Note: For summer and fall events, please check the event organizers’ websites to verify that these events are still taking place. Cancelled events that have not been rescheduled are listed by the month in which they normally occur so riders can look into signing up in 2021.
GRAVEL GRINDERS Aug. 15 – Bootlegger 100 – Rescheduled from April, the Bootlegger starts and ends in Lenoir, N.C. and travels into Pisgah National Forest. • www.pisgah productions.com Sept. 12 – Pisgah Monster Cross Challenge – This 72-mile gravel endurance event features over 8,700 feet of climbing and some of the best gravel roads that Pisgah and Nantahala have to offer. • www.pisgahproductions.com
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Sept. 19 – Dirt Diggler – Starting and finishing the Sept. 19at– Dirt REEB Ranch, this Diggler – Starting 50/50 of paved and blend finishing at the and gravel roads features REEB Ranch, this 50/50 a backcountry/gravel of blend of paved andtour gravel Transylvania and aHenderson roads features backcouncounties. • www.blueridgeadventry/gravel tour of Transylvania tures.net and Henderson counties. • www.blueridgeadventures.net Sept. 20 – Asheville Off-Road Series – Offroad running, gravel grinder and duathlon Sept. 20 – Asheville Off-Road Series – Offevents on the Biltmore Estate grounds. road running, gravel grinder and duathlon• www.idaph.net events on the Biltmore Estate grounds. • www.idaph.net Road Rides April – Assault on the Carolinas – This charitable fundraiser for
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RIDES AND RACES ROAD RIDES April – Assault on the Carolinas – This charitable fundraiser for the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club starts in downtown Brevard and takes riders up the infamous Caesar’s Head climb. • www.assaultonthecarolinas.com June – Hunter Subaru WNC Flyer – This Blue Ridge Bicycle Club fundraiser takes riders from Oskar Blues Brewery on a beautiful tour of the French Broad River valley. • www.wncflyer.com Oct. 10 – White Squirrel Cycling Classic – This fall ride takes cyclists from Oskar Blues Brewery along the French Broad River valley into Henderson County and then back to Brevard. • www.blueridgeadventures.net
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ENDURO MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES July 10-12 – Green River Enduro – Rescheduled from May, the Enduro is part of the weekend-long Green River Games featuring a new kids’ course, an e-bike race, a paddle-bike-run event and more. • www.greenrivergames.com Oct. 31 – Pisgah Enduro – Rescheduled from June to October, this race held in Old Fort sends riders down some of the most famous Pisgah trails like Heartbreak and Kitsuma. • www.pisgahproductions.com
OCT TO O OBER 10 0, 2020 0, 0
27,, 42,, & 65 MIL LE ROUTES S
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RIDES AND RACES
CROSS-COUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKE RACES
April – Pisgah Stage Race – The flagship Pisgah race sends riders on five days of singletrack adventure, featuring some of the Southeast’s most rugged trails. • www.blueridgeadventures.net July 25 – Jerdon Mountain Challenge – The little brother to the ORAMM • www.blueridgeadven tures.net July 26 – ORAMM – The Off-Road Assault on Mount Mitchell draws riders from around the world to Old Fort, N.C., for this classic Pisgah race. • www.blueridgeadventures.net Sept. 26 – Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventure Race – Rescheduled from May, teams will race between checkpoints on routes varying between 50-80 miles with 9,000-15,000 feet of climbing. • www.pisgahproductions.com Oct. 10 – Pisgah 111k – Rescheduled from May, this endurance cross-country race takes riders on 62 miles of Pisgah’s finest trails and mountain roads. • www.pisgahproductions.com Oct. 10 – Pisgah 55.5k – Rescheduled from May, this race is nearly 100 percent Pisgah singletrack and features many of the great Pisgah classic trails. • www.pisgahproductions.com Oct. 24 – Double Dare – This two-day Pisgah mountain bike race will have teams of two racing for checkpoints all over Pisgah. • www.pisgahpro ductions.com Nov. 14 – The Couch Potato – Not ready to tackle the Swank 65? Check out this toned-down Pisgah mountain bike race. • www.blueridgeadventures.net Nov. 15 – Sycamore Cycles Swank 65 – This cloverleaf tour of trails is leafy, hard and true Pisgah. • www.blueridgeadventures.net
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BIKE ROUTES The following list of routes provides a sampling of popular rides in Transylvania County. Please note that these cue sheets should be used in conjunction with a map; they are not a map replacement. Visitors are strongly advised to seek guidance and purchase maps from the area bike shops or visitor centers before heading out on a ride. Not only can they help keep you from getting lost, but they can also help you choose a ride appropriate for your skill level. Mileage estimates are provided to approximate the length of a ride, but are not exact. Elevation profiles are made possible courtesy of www.strava.com. Time estimates reflect MINIMUM expected ride times; rides could definitely take longer depending on skill level, conditions, etc. In addition to maps, riders should carry a cell phone and/or GPS device, but be aware that cell service is not available everywhere in the county. Riders should also be sure to have plenty of water and nutrition. These routes are provided as a public service for informational purposes only. Neither The Transylvania Times, The Transylvania Tourism Development Authority nor any groups or individuals who have contributed to this publication make any guarantees regarding the accuracy of these routes or the condition of the referenced roads and trails, nor are they responsible for your personal safety or liable to you for any loss or injury incurred while following one of these routes. Keep in mind that Transylvania County is beautiful but it also has many remote areas. Please seek guidance from an area professional to ensure that your visit to Transylvania County is safe and enjoyable.
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GRAVEL RIDES ross loops, gravel grinders – whatever you like to call them – are becoming more popular each year. Transylvania has no shortage of great gravel roads to cruise on, and they see little traffic. Many
C
BIKE ROUTES of these roads are rough and full of braking bumps, and are open to vehicles. Stay on the inside of corners at all times; sometimes people drive fast on Forest Service roads.
LOCAL GRAVEL LOOP Intermediate/Advanced Approx. 35 Miles. 3 + Hours DIRECTIONS •From Transylvania County Courthouse go southwest on S. Broad St. •Stay straight on Country Club Rd. when U.S. 64 veers right (at Sunset Motel). •Right on S. Country Club Rd. •Right on Island Ford Rd. •Straight across Rosman Highway (U.S. 64) •Left on Cathey’s Creek Rd. – turns to gravel shortly. •Stay on Cathey’s Creek about 8 miles. •Turn right down the hill on 475 at the four-way gravel intersection. •Gravel turns to pavement, left on 475-B (gravel). •Left uphill onto U.S. 276. •Right on FS 477 (Avery Creek Rd.).
•Left on U.S. 276. •Right at intersection of U.S. 276, U.S. 64 and N.C. 280. •Left on Ecusta Rd. at Lowe’s and get on bike path. •Follow bike path to Brevard. •After boardwalk, bike path turns into Poplar St. •Quick left on Fisher Rd., then right again on bike path. •Quick right on McLean Rd. •Left on Railroad Ave. •Left on Probart St. •Right on Oaklawn Ave. •Left onto W. Main St. in Brevard, which will take you back to the courthouse.
Tour de Pisgah Advanced Approx. 80 Miles. 4 + Hours This is the former route of the Pisgah Monster-Cross Challenge from Pisgah Productions. About 20 miles of this ride are on the Parkway, and there are gravel sections in between pavement. It could take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to finish. Front and rear lights are required on the Parkway at all times. DIRECTIONS •Start at Pisgah Ranger Station. •Right from parking lot onto U.S. 276. •Left onto FS 475.
•Right onto Indian Creek Rd. •Right onto N.C. 215. •Left onto Blue Ridge Parkway access road, left onto Blue Ridge Parkway. •Right onto 5000 Wash Creek Rd. •Right onto Yellow Gap Rd. (FS 1206) •Left on U.S. 276. •Left onto Avery Creek Rd. (FS 477) •Left onto U.S. 276, which will take you back to the ranger station.
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BIKE ROUTES
GRAVEL RIDES
Cascade Lake To Rich Mountain Intermediate Approx. 30 Miles. 2.5 + Hours About 50 percent gravel, this 30-mile ride will take you along the scenic gravel road that skirts Cascade Lake, then up and over Rich Mountain, which offers some spectacular views amid picturesque mountaintop pastureland. After the climb, the hairpin turns and steep descent coming off Rich Mountain are exhilarating. DIRECTIONS •From Transylvania County Courthouse, head southeast on E. Main St. (U.S. 276). •Left onto Elm Bend Rd. (Veer left, don’t go hard left onto Parkview.) •Left on Wilson Rd. when Elm Bend ends. •Right on Old Hendersonville Hwy. •Right on Everett Rd.
•Right on Hart Rd. •Right on Cascade Lake Rd. (gravel). •Stay straight on Cascade Lake Rd. when it turns back to pavement. •Right on U.S. 276 when Cascade Lake Rd. ends. •Right on Rich Mountain Rd., which starts as pavement, changes to gravel, then back to pavement after you cross the top of the mountain. •Right on Becky Mountain Rd. •Right on U.S. 276. •Right on Wilson Rd. •Left on Elm Bend Rd. •Right on U.S 276 (don’t go hard right onto Parkview), which will take you back into downtown Brevard.
DuPont Gravel Tour Intermediate Approx. 15 Miles. About 2 Hours This fun but quick gravel ride will take riders around and through DuPont State Recreational Forest. Most of the gravel roads within the forest are in great shape and well maintained, but the backside, Pinnacle Mountain Road, will give riders a more technical taste of back road riding in Transylvania County. DIRECTIONS •Start at Guion Farm parking area in DuPont State Recreational Forest. •Make a right out of the parking lot onto Sky Valley Rd. •Right on Pinnacle Mountain Rd. after about 4 miles. •Stay on Pinnacle Mountain Rd. for several miles of 28 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
up and down gravel pedaling. This off-the-beatenpath gravel road is open to vehicles, but the road is often in rough shape. •Turn right onto Reasonover Rd. when Pinnacle Mountain Rd. dead ends into Green River Rd./Reasonover Rd., which becomes pavement. •After you pass Reasonover Lake, there will be a gated gravel road, Conservation Rd., in about 1/4 of a mile. Make this right turn and stay on Conservation Rd. until you see the paved airstrip. •Cross the airstrip and stay on Conservation Road until in dead-ends into Buck Forest Rd. •Right on Buck Forest Rd., which will take you back to the Guion Farm parking area.
GRAVEL RIDES
BIKE ROUTES
Out and Back in Gorges State Park Intermediate Distance and Times Vary This is a killer cross ride in Gorges State Park, about 30 minutes west of Brevard. Gorges sits on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and four large rivers drop to South Carolina, flowing through the park. There is little singletrack in the park yet, but the Auger Hole Road is a beautiful out and back. Riders can get about 35
miles in this remote and rugged tract of land. This ride starts at the Frozen Creek trailhead on the east side of Gorges State Park. Riders will cross through the gated road and ride until they feel like turning around. That’s the beauty of an out and back.
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES DuPont Cloverleaf Intermediate Approx. 15 Miles. 2.5 + Hours Here are some of the classic DuPont rides, including the famous eastern Slick Rock. Only 12 miles in length, this cloverleaf shaped ride will take riders on some of the more technically challenging trails in the forest. DIRECTIONS •Park at the Corn Mill Shoals parking lot. •Make a left out of the parking lot onto the pavement. •Make a left at the first gate on Tower Rd. •Stay left past the old rock quarry. •Left on Buck Ridge Rd. •Left on Micajah Trail. •Right on Wilke Trail back to the pavement. •Left on Cascade Lake Rd., followed by an immediate right around gate onto Corn Mill Shoals Rd. •Cross the airstrip and stay on Conservation
Road until in dead-ends into Buck Forest Rd. •Right on Buck Forest Rd., which will take you back to the Guion Farm parking area. •Make the first left on Longside Trail. •Left on Pine Tree Trail. •Right on Cascade Trail. •Left on Sheep Mountain Rd. •Immediate right turn on Pine Tree Trail and cross the pavement again. •Ride Pine Tree Trail back to Longside Trail. •Left on Corn Mill Shoals Rd. •Bear left on Little River Rd. and go past Cedar Rock Trail. •Make a left on the other end of Cedar Rock Trail. •Climb the trail until the intersection with Big Rock Trail. •Right on Big Rock Trail. •Left on Corn Mill Shoals Rd. •Right on Burnt Mountain Trail. •Left on Corn Mill Shoals Rd. back to the parking lot.
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BIKE ROUTES
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES
Cove Creek Loop Intermediate Approx. 15 Miles. 1.5 + Hours This intermediate ride is a great first-time ride in Pisgah. A gravel road climb will take riders past the climbing access area for Looking Glass Rock, as well as past some prime camping spots. DIRECTIONS •Park at Fish Hatchery parking lot. •Left on FS 475 from parking lot. •Right on FS 475-B (gravel), your first intersection. •Climb this gravel road for about 4 miles. •Make a left on FS 225.
•Turn left at gate and sign for Cove Creek Trail. •Continue on trail until you reach Cove Creek campground. •Make a right out of the campground and head down the gravel and cross the bridge. •At the gate make a left onto the gravel, which quickly turns to pavement. •Right on Davidson River Trail. •Right on FS 475 (paved road) and return to Fish Hatchery parking lot.
Cove Creek to Daniel Ridge Intermediate Approx. 10 Miles. 2.5 + Hours This mountain bike ride is a great step up for intermediate level riders and consists of a mellow climb up Cove Creek Trail with a few stream crossings, then across to Daniel Ridge on an old jeep road that has grown into single-track. The descent down Daniel Ridge follows the creek, and there is a good swimming hole down there. DIRECTIONS •Park at Fish Hatchery parking lot. •Left on FS 475 from parking lot. •Left on Davidson River Trail. •Left on 475. •Immediate right around Cove Creek Campground gate; the trailhead is on your left just before the
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campground. •Take Cove Creek Trail until you go through the gate at the top . •Left on FS 225-B; continue around next gate – this is rolling doubletrack until it dead ends. •Make a left where the old car part looks like a stork. •Right on Daniel Ridge. •Continue left on Daniel Ridge at intersection with Farlow Gap. •Cross the big metal bridge, go through the gate. •Left on FS 475. •Right onto Davidson River Trail. •Right onto FS 475 and return to Fish Hatchery parking lot.
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES
BIKE ROUTES
Farlow Gap Advanced Approx. 11 Miles. 3 + Hours Farlow Gap is a destination for many mountain bikers and what many people consider to be one of the most difficult trails in Pisgah. Fall line rock gardens, stream crossings and mountain coves covered in ferns await the adventurous on this ride that could take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours depending on skill level. Not recommended for new/intermediate riders. It is recommended that you notify someone of where you are going, and always take a map. DIRECTIONS •Park at the bottom of Daniel Ridge trail, about
three miles past the Fish Hatchery. Daniel Ridge parking lot will be the first parking lot after the pavement ends and the road turns to gravel. •Right on FS 475 to intersection at Gloucester Gap. •Right onto FS 229 Pilot Mountain Rd. •Go through the gate. (229C) •Right onto Farlow Gap. •Continue down Farlow Gap. This might take a while. •Right onto Daniel Ridge Trail. •Continue down old jeep road at bottom of trail. •Cross the large metal bridge. •Through the gate at the parking lot.
Maxwell to Black Mountain Intermediate/Advanced Approx. 12 Miles. 1.5 + Hours Another classic Pisgah ride, it begins with a big climb up a fire road. Then you get to ride Black Mountain Trail, one of the most popular mountain bike trails on the East Coast. The ride ends back in the parking lot and is a true loop. DIRECTIONS •Park at the Pisgah Ranger Station. •Right from parking lot on U.S. 276. •Right on FS 477 (look for the horse stable sign) •Right onto Clawhammer Rd. (FS 5058) in the back of the horse stable parking lot. •Right onto Maxwell Cove Rd. (FS 5099) until you reach fire ring at the top (Pressley Gap).
•Right uphill onto Black Mountain Trail. •Continue on Black Mountain Trail downhill to the next intersection. •Make a right at the intersection, continuing on Black Mountain Trail. •When you reach the gravel, make a right back to the parking lot.
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BIKE ROUTES
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES
Buckhorn Buckwheat Bennett Gap Advanced Approx. 18 Miles. 2.5 + Hours This loop takes riders down some steep and burly terrain, but there is a nice warm-up on a gravel road. With great views and screaming descents. DIRECTIONS •Park at the Pisgah Horse stables on FS 475. •Climb through the gate to Buckhorn Gap. •At the top, make a left on Black Mountain Trail and climb, climb, climb.
•Go through the intersection with Avery Creek Trail and stay straight. Climb some more. •Once the trail reaches the gravel road, across the road is the Bennett Gap trailhead. Stay straight on this until you reach the bottom. Make a left on the gravel and the horse stable parking lot is on the right.
Bracken Mountain Loop Intermediate Approx. 8 Miles. 1.5 + Hours The trails at Bracken Mountain Preserve were built a couple of years ago as part of a community effort. Volunteer labor and passion built this 8-mile network. It connects to Forest Service Road 475-C, which climbs up from the fish hatchery in Pisgah. If you’re going to explore beyond Bracken, take a map.
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DIRECTIONS •Start at the Bracken Mountain parking lot. •Head up the bottom of Bracken Mountain Trail. •Make a right on Brushy Creek Trail, pedal uphill about a half hour. •Left on Mackey Ridge Trail. •Straight on Bracken Mountain Trail. •Stay on Bracken Mountain Trail all the way back to the parking lot.
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES
BIKE ROUTES
Thrift to Black and Upper Sycamore Intermediate/Advanced Approx. 7 Miles. 1.5 + Hours These are the closest accessible mountain bike trails from either of the bike shops at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. They are the after-work quickies for locals, but during the middle of the day you probably won’t see many other people. DIRECTIONS •Start from the Black Mountain parking lot. •Climb up Thrift Cove Trail past the bottom of Black
Mountain Trail. •Stay left on Thrift Cove Trail at the intersection with Grassy Rd. •Climb Thrift for about 15 minutes. •Continue straight on Black Mountain Trail. •At the bottom climb back up Thrift Cove Trail. •Right on Grassy Rd. •Left on Upper Sycamore Cove Trail. •Right on U.S. 276 and return to parking lot.
Easy DuPont Spin Easy Approx. 8 Miles. 1 + Hours DuPont is about 10,000 acres of state owned recreational forest and it’s often regarded as a good stepping-stone to some of the more committed riding in Pisgah. But DuPont has its variety: on the western side of the forest are more technical trails, and on the eastern side some of the more flowy sections of singletrack can be found. This loop is great for beginners and intermediate riders alike, but the seasoned mountain biker will have a blast as well. DIRECTIONS •Start from the Lake Imaging parking lot. •Go through the gate in the corner of the parking lot. •Stay straight past the bottom of Ridgeline Trail and wind around Lake Imaging.
•Make the first left onto Jim Branch trail. •Climb Jim Branch Trail, make a right on Locust Trail. •Stay straight on Hilltop Trail. At the end of this trail there is a nice waterfall. •At the end of Hilltop Trail, make a right onto Lake Imaging Rd. •Make a left at the bottom of the hill, before the bridge, onto Buck Forest Rd. •Stay straight on Buck Forest Rd. for about 15 minutes of relatively flat gravel cruising. •Make a left onto White Pine Trail. •Make a left onto Hickory Mountain Rd. •Stay straight on Hickory Mountain Rd. until you reach the intersection of Ridgeline Trail. •Stay on Ridgeline Trail until it intersects with the road. Go right to return to parking lot.
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BIKE ROUTES
MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES
Backside DuPont Loop Intermediate 2 + Hours This mountain bike ride will take riders on a nice tour of the backside of DuPont. The ride starts and ends at the Fawn Lake parking lot, which is about a five minute ride from the lake itself. The water is pretty warm, so it makes for a nice spot to end the ride. There is a little gravel climb here, but the loop is mostly singletrack. DIRECTIONS •Park at the Fawn Lake parking lot on Reasonover Rd. •Make a right out of the parking lot through the gate and head downhill. •Make the first turn onto Reasonover Trail. •Stay on Reasonover Trail, cross the creek and climb. •Make a right on Turkey Knob Rd. •Climb until the intersection with Poplar Loop. This trail is best ridden counter clockwise, so take the second entrance on the left off Turkey Knob Rd. •The loop will bring riders back to Turkey Knob Rd.,
make a left and come back the way you came toward Reasonover Creek Trail. •Right on Reasonover Creek Trail. •Reasonover Creek Trail will spit riders out on Camp Summit Rd. Climb Camp Summit until the intersection with Conservation Rd. •Make a left on Conservation Rd., climb until you reach the airstrip at the top. •Make a right on the actual airstrip pavement and ride it to the end where there is an overlook. •Left on Airstrip Trail, continue downhill until the intersection with Corn Mills Shoals Trail. •Left on Corn Mills Shoals Trail, climb until the intersection with Laurel Ridge Trail. •Left on Laurel Ridge Trail. •Right on Mine Mountain Trail. •Mine Mountain Trail ends on the gravel road just above the Fawn Lake parking lot. From the end of Mine Mountain Trail, make a left to get to the lake, or right back to the car.
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A Few Good Climbs
BIKE ROUTES
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALAN HUNT
ROAD RIDES Intermediate Approx. 40 Miles. 2.5 + Hours It’s difficult to put together shorter climbs in the neighborhood, as many climbs can be 10+ miles long. We’ve done that for you, and highlighted a route that has some good climbing in it but won’t have you standing for a solid hour. DIRECTIONS •From Transylvania County Courthouse go southwest on S. Broad St. •Stay Straight on Country Club Road when U.S. 64 veers to right (at Sunset Motel). •Right on S. Country Club Rd. •Left on Island Ford Rd. •Right on Walnut Hollow Rd.
•Pass East Fork Rd. on right, at which point Walnut Hollow Rd. becomes East Fork Rd. •Right on Greenville Hwy. (U.S. 276). •Left on Cascade Lake Rd. •Right on Staton Rd. •Right on Crab Creek Rd. •Left on Jeter Mountain Rd. •Left on Crab Creek Rd. •Right on Everett Rd. •Left on Old Hendersonville Hwy. •Left on Neely Rd. •Right on Park Ave. •Right on E. Main St. and return to courthouse.
Assault on the Carolinas Loop Difficult Approx. 65 Miles. 4.5 + Hours Riders looking to get in a practice ride on the 100k Assault loop can follow these directions. Starting in town and rolling along the river, riders will have a few climbs before the long descent into South Carolina. The descent is full of hairpin turns, but the road is well maintained, and there is a gas station at the bottom of the downhill. The infamous climb up Caesar’s Head on U.S. 276 will test your legs and lungs, and there is usually a head wind coming back into town on U.S. 276. This ride is a workout for advanced riders only. DIRECTIONS •From Transylvania County Courthouse, head southwest on S. Broad St. •Stay straight on Country Club Rd. when U.S. 64 veers right (at Sunset Motel). •Right on S. Country Club Rd. •Left on Island Ford Rd.
•Right on Walnut Hollow Rd. •Right onto East Fork Rd. (aka Charlie’s Corner). •Left on Middlefork Rd. •Left on Pickens Hwy. (U.S. 178). •Cross Continental Divide. •Cross over Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy (SC 11) at stoplight. •Left onto Table Rock Rd. (SC 288). •Left on Pumpkintown Hwy. (SC 8). •Right on SC 11. •Left on SC 8. •Left on Greenville Hwy. (U.S. 276). •Cross Caesar’s Head. •Cross Continental Divide. •Left on Barclay Rd., which becomes Country Club Rd. •Right on Gallimore Rd. •Left on Greenville Hwy (U.S. 276), which will take you back to the courthouse. 2 0 2 0 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 35
BIKE ROUTES
ROAD RIDES
Easy Spin Easy Approx. 25 Miles. 1.5 + Hours This easy spin from downtown Brevard follows the river valley, with rolling terrain and no big climbs. It’s a great ride for beginners, with beautiful mountain views and little traffic. DIRECTIONS •From Transylvania County Courthouse go southwest on S. Broad St. •Stay straight on Country Club Rd. when U.S. 64 veers to right (at Sunset Motel) •Right on S. Country Club Rd. •Left on Island Ford Rd. •Right on Walnut Hollow Rd. •Right on Hannah Ford Rd.
•Right on Calvert Rd. •Right on Whitmire Rd. •Right on U.S. 64 •Right on Green Rd. •Left on Hannah Ford Rd. •Left on Walnut Hollow Rd. •Left on Island Ford Rd. •Right on S. Country Club Rd. •Right on Barclay Rd. •Left on U.S. 276 (Greenville Hwy). •Right on Wilson Rd. •Left on Elm Bend Rd. •Right on Main St./U.S. 276 (Greenville Hwy). •Stay on Main St. into downtown Brevard.
Etowah Loop Easy Approx. 35 Miles. 2.5 + Hours This beautiful ride follows the river valley around Etowah. Many of these roads are included in the regular Tuesday night Worlds ride. See the group rides section for more information. DIRECTIONS •From Transylvania County Courthouse, head southeast on E. Main St. (U.S. 276). •Left on Park Ave. •Turn left to continue on Park Ave., which becomes Neely Rd. •Right on Old Hendersonville Hwy. •Right on Everett Rd. •Left on Crab Creek Rd. •Right on Talley Rd., which becomes Pleasant Grove Rd. at Henderson County line. •Left on Grove Bridge Rd. (aka Post Office Road). •Right on New Hendersonville Hwy. (U.S. 64). •Immediate left on King Rd. 36 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
•Right on Blantyre Church Rd., which becomes Turnpike Rd. •Right on Brickyard Rd. •Straight at stop sign onto McKinney Rd. •Cross over U.S. 64 again. •Left on Etowah School Rd. •Right on Pleasant Grove Rd., which turns into Talley Rd. at county line. •Left on Crab Creek Rd. •Right on Cascade Lake Rd. •When Cascade Lake Rd. turns left and becomes gravel, stay right onto Hart Rd. •Left on Everett Rd. •Left on Old Hendersonville Hwy. •Left on Neely Rd. •Right on Park Ave. •Right on E. Main St., which will take you back to the courthouse.
BIKE ROUTES
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALA
ROAD RIDES Lake Logan Loop Advanced Approx. 80 Miles. 5 + Hours This road ride features two really big climbs and two really big descents from the Blue Ridge Parkway. This route offers amazing vistas, well-maintained roads and a circumnavigating tour of Pisgah National Forest. This ride is for advanced riders only. DIRECTIONS •From Transylvania County Courthouse go southwest on S. Broad St. •Stay straight on Country Club Rd. when U.S. 64 veers to right (at Sunset Motel). •Right on S. Country Club Rd. •Left onto Island Ford Rd. •Right on Walnut Hollow Rd. •Right onto Hannah Ford Rd. •Left onto Calvert Rd. •Left on Old Rosman Hwy. (SR 1388). •Go through the town of Rosman and make a left on Old Turnpike Rd. •Right on Rosman Hwy. (U.S. 64). •Left onto N.C. 215 (Parkway Rd.).
•Climb to the Blue Ridge Parkway. •N.C. 215 becomes Lake Logan Road as you cross Parkway and begin descent. •Right to stay on N.C. 215 (Love Joy Rd.). •Right on Cruso Rd. (U.S. 276). •Climb this road back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and descend the other side. •Right at intersection of U.S. 276, U.S. 64 and N.C. 280. •Left on Ecusta Rd. at Lowe’s and get on bike path. •Follow bike path to Brevard. •After boardwalk, bike path turns into Poplar St. •Quick left on Fisher Rd., then right again on bike path. •Quick right on McLean Rd. •Left on Railroad Ave. •Left on Probart St. •Right on Oaklawn Ave. •Left onto W. Main St. in Brevard, which will take you back to the courthouse.
Parkway Loop Advanced Approx. 60 Miles. 3.5 + Hours Riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the many blessings of Transylvania County. Summertime on this road can be busy, and blinking lights are required while riding on the Parkway at all times. Weather can be much different up there than in town, so take a jacket just in case. DIRECTIONS •From Transylvania County Courthouse, head southeast on E. Main St. •Left on Park Ave. •Left to continue on Park Ave., which becomes Neely Rd. •Right on Old Hendersonville Hwy. •Left on Ecusta Rd. •Right on Asheville Highway U.S. 64/U.S. 276.
•Left on U.S. 276. •Climb until you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway. •Right on Blue Ridge Parkway on-ramp, left on Parkway. •Right on N.C. 215 access road, right on N.C. 215. •Left on Rosman Hwy. (U.S. 64). •Right on U.S. 178. •Continue straight at light onto Old Rosman Hwy. •Right on Calvert Rd. •Right on Hannah Ford Rd. •Left on Walnut Hollow Rd. •Left on Island Ford Rd. •Right on S. Country Club Rd. •Left on Country Club Rd., which will take you back to the courthouse. 2 0 2 0 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 37
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BREVARD AREA TRAIL SYSTEM (BAT)
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The Brevard Area Trail System (BAT) is a network of cycling and pedestrian-friendly routes that allow folks to get around without having to drive. If singletrack or drop bars aren’t your thing and you want a more relaxed way to experience cycling in Brevard, it’s easy to get 10 or so miles in on the municipal trail system. On the following page you’ll find a detailed map of downtown Brevard. Along the path you will find easy access to bike shops, breweries, grocery stores and other destinations like the Brevard Music Center, the Brevard Lumberyard Arts District, the Farmers’ Market, the library and the Franklin Park pool and playground. All of these destinations are easily accessible by bike in Brevard, and most of the connecting paths through town are flat and easy cruising. Ride the BAT and experience Brevard in the best way possible, by bike.
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SALES SERVICE GEAR GROUP RIDES RENTALS
170 King St., Brevard, NC (828) 877-2453 /SquatchBikes /SquatchBikes squatchbikes.com 2 0 2 0 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 41
PLACES TO STAY IN THE LAND OF WATERFALLS From legendary four star resorts to rustic cabins, Transylvania County has lots of lodging options for you to consider, many of them conveniently located to help you make the most of your cycling excursions. Check out our handy accommodations finder and see just how fast we can get you settled into a room (or suite) that’s the perfect home away from home. Many of our accommodations offer bike-friendly amenities, too!
LEGEND: Wireless internet Handicap accessible Pool Pets allowed
Take advantage of special deals and promotions at ExploreBrevard.com.
RESORTS/LODGES
BED & BREAKFASTS
GREYSTONE INN, THE 220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway • 828-966-4700 greystoneinn.com
BROMFIELD INN, THE 60 Woodside Dr., Brevard • 828-577-0916 thebromfieldinn.com BROOK TROUT INN 19259 Rosman Hwy, Sapphire • 828-273-3700 brooktroutinnsapphire.com
PILOT COVE FOREST LODGING 319 Gateway Junction Dr., Pisgah Forest 828-772-1667
HOTELS, MOTELS, INNS & HOSTELS BLACK BEAR LODGE OF SAPPHIRE 19386 Rosman Hwy, Sapphire • 828-553-6535 blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com COMFORT INN & SUITES 2228 Asheville Hwy., Brevard • 828-862-8900 ihg.com EARTHSHINE 1600 Golden Rd., Lake Toxaway • 828-862-4207 earthshinenc.com GEAR DOWN staygeardown@gmail.com • 828-877-GEAR (4327) HAMPTON INN 275 Forest Gate Dr., Pisgah Forest • 828-883-4800 hamptoninnbrevard.com HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS (SUMMER 2020) 196 Asheville Hwy., Brevard • brevardexpress.com MT. TOXAWAY MOTEL & COTTAGES 18825 Rosman Hwy., Sapphire • 828-966-4582 PISGAH INN, THE Milepost 408.6 Blue Ridge Pkwy. • 828-235-8228 pisgahinn.com RIVERBEND LODGE 4259 Pickens Hwy, Rosman • 855-962-5634 riverbendlodge.com SUNSET MOTEL 523 South Broad St., Brevard • 828-884-9106 thesunsetmotel.com
CAMPBELL HOUSE 243 West Main St., Brevard 800-553-2853 • campbellhousebrevard.com INN AT BREVARD 315 East Main St., Brevard • 828-884-2105 theinnatbrevard.com KEY FALLS INN 151 Everett Rd., Pisgah Forest • 828-884-7559 keyfallsinn.com PINES COUNTRY INN 178 Tomfoolery Ln., Pisgah Forest • 828-884-7195 pinescountryinn.com RED HOUSE INN, THE 266 W. Probart St., Brevard • 828-884-9349 brevardbedandbreakfast.com
VACATION RENTALS Below are listings with multiple units or properties. For a full list of vacation homes go to our website at ExploreBrevard.com/lodging.
ADVENTURE VILLAGE CABINS 129 Israel Rd., Brevard • 828-862-5411 • theadventurevillage.com APPALACHIAN HAVENS Brevard • 828-884-6712 • appalachianhavens.com ASH GROVE MOUNTAIN CABINS & CAMPING 749 East Fork Rd., Brevard • 828-885-7216 ash-grove.com BABBLING BROOK COTTAGE 828-290-9771 • bear8.com
Insider tips, itineraries, and more at ExploreBrevard.com 42 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
Mountain View Vrbo # 309729
DuPont Outpost Vrbo # 1005521
Cabin and Cottage Rentals Easily accessible to Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Forest and Downtown Brevard Country Haven Vrbo # 1148284
Appletree Cottage Vrbo# 907178 Bear Ridge  Vrbo #309725
Managed by: Mandi Burdette Looking Glass Property Mgt Mandi@lookingglassrentals.com
828-338-9198 Owners: Clay and Lisa Sykes www.lookingglassrealty.com 2 0 2 0 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 43
BARKWELLS Woody Farm Dr., Pisgah Forest • 828-891-8288 barkwells.com BEAR RIDGE PROPERTIES 828-862-8434 • vrbo.com/309725 BIG BRANCH CABINS, LLC Busted Rock Rd., Brevard • 828-885-2972 bigbranchcabins.com BRADLEY CREEK FALLS LODGE & EVENT CENTER 925 Pine Shore Dr., Brevard • 352-242-0167 bradleycreekfalls.com CABINS AT SEVEN FOXES Seven Foxes Ln. off Slick Fisher Rd., Lake Toxaway 828-877-6333 • sevenfoxes.com COZY COTTAGE & PISGAH ADVENTURE CABIN 828-577-3543 • vrbo.com/412196 | vrbo.com/872461 | vrbo.com/1396804 | pisgahbikehouse.com DOG WOODS RETREAT 115 Bluebird Trail, Brevard • 828-507-3020 dogwoodsretreat.com KEY FALLS CABIN 151 Everett Rd., Pisgah Forest • 828-884-7559 • keyfallsinn.com LINGERLONG COTTAGES 52 & 63 Lingerlong Ln., Brevard • 828-553-3197 • Lingerlong.com MCCRARY’S CABINS AT DUPONT STATE FOREST DuPont Forest • 828-329-7709 MOUNTAINS & MEADOWS AT TURKEY PEN & FERN COVE 828-329-8430 • mountainmeadownc.com RED HOUSE INN VACATION RENTALS Brevard • 828-884-9349 • brevardbedandbreakfast. com SASSY GOOSE Cedar Mountain • 828-966-3200 • SassyGoose.com SUTTON KNOB 7737 Greenville Hwy., Brevard • 828-862-8134 bookings.deerridgepm.com TROUT HOUSE FALLS VACATION RENTALS 704-691-2131 • trouthousefalls.com
LAKE TOXAWAY COMPANY 100 Waterfall Circle • Lake Toxaway, NC 28747 • 828-966-4260 laketoxaway.com MASTER DIAMOND 828-490-1004 • masterdiamondnc.com PETE KEY PROPERTIES 828-577-3435 • petekey.com SUSAN BREEDLOVE PROPERTIES 16096 Rosman Hwy., Lake Toxaway • 828-966-4026 breedloveproperties.com WHITE SQUIRREL REALTY 828-877-3434 • WhiteSquirrelRealtyBrevard.com
CAMPGROUNDS ADVENTURE VILLAGE 828-862-5411, theadventurevillage.com ASH GROVE MOUNTAIN CABINS & CAMPING 828-885-7216 • ash-grove.com AT THE RIDGE CAMPIN’ AND FISHIN’ 828-885-2267, attheridge.com BIKE FARM, THE 828-577-3673 • www.thebikefarm.com BLACK FOREST FAMILY CAMPING RESORT 828-884-2267 • blackforestcampground.com CHERRYFIELD CREEK LUXURY GROUP CAMPGROUND 828-884-5713 • cfaia.org DAVIDSON RIVER CAMPGROUND 828-862-5960, 877-444-6777 recreation.gov (search Davidson River) LAZY J 828-966-3834 • lazyjcampground.com MOUNTAIN FALLS MOTORCOACH RESORT 828-966-9350 • mountain-falls.com PANTHER RIDGE CAMPGROUND 828-553-0373 • pantherridgecampground.com RIVERBEND RV RESORT 828-966-4214 • riverbendrvresortnc.com RIVERBEND LODGE & CAMPGROUND 855-962-5634 • riverbendlodge.com Barkwells
RENTAL AGENCIES DEER RIDGE PROPERTIES 7737 Greenville Hwy., Brevard • 828-862-8134 deerridgepm.com HAZEL FISHER & ASSOCIATES 976 Blue Ridge Rd., Lake Toxaway • 828-966-9012 lake-toxaway-estates.com
Insider tips, itineraries, and more at ExploreBrevard.com 44 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
Since 2017, Transylvania Always, a committee of Transylvania County Tourism, has been leading the way in efforts to protect Transylvania County’s natural resources. Early projects included partnering with the Pisgah Conservancy, Trout Unlimited and several other organizations to reroute portions of the Cantrell Creek trail away from the streambed, as well as assisting in the development of a new trail connector between Pisgah National Forest and the City of Brevard’s Bracken Mountain Trail System at Horse Cove/Joel Branch. The committee has also been front and center in focusing attention on waterfall safety. In addition to posters, waterfall safety cards and dedicated media events, Transylvania Always recently produced a video featuring emergency responders and forest leaders that was shared across multiple media outlets. The committee’s efforts over the past year underscore the group’s wide-ranging efforts and its emphasis on collaboration. Recent grants include funding for a trail rehabilitation project headed up by Carolina Climbing Coalition, a roadside cleanup undertaken by Mountain Sun Community School and a Citizen Science Lab being created by the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association. “There are more than 25 organizations doing important sustainability work in Transylvania County,” said Aaron Baker, chairperson of Transylvania Always. “We want to support those organizations to help with high priority projects. But we also want to help knit these partners together in ways that help us achieve even greater things by working collaboratively.” To that end, Transylvania Always hosted a sustainability symposium with facilitated discussion among key partners in outdoor recreation, land management, forest services, and emergency services to identify common issues and determine ways they can work together to make a difference. “We had over 60 attendees representing 40 different entities,” said Baker, “And I believe we all came away with the understanding that we are equal to the task of being the best possible stewards for these remarkable natural resources.” The organization has also begun work on a “sustainability assessment” through a sustainable tourism organization, Green Destinations. “The goal is to create a baseline for our sustainability efforts across 30 core criteria,” said Clark Lovelace, executive director of Transylvania County Tourism. “By identifying our strengths and weaknesses, we can determine where to best deploy our resources and our efforts.” Because sustainability requires everyone to do their part, Transylvania Always has also developed a dynamic “Leave It Better” public service campaign to underscore the role that visitors can play in looking after Transylvania County’s woods and water. “We’re excited to start sharing this campaign through our various social media channels,” said Lovelace. “Our hope is that we can turn every visitor into a champion of our public lands.”
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Each year thousands of hours of volunteer trail work go into maintaining local singletrack. It’s not just for mountain bike use, though, and the U.S. Forest Service relies on the impassioned volunteer labor from groups like Pisgah Area Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (Pisgah Area SORBA, or PAS), the Carolina Mountain Club and the Back Country Horsemen of Pisgah. These groups continue to dig, cut out trees and work to educate visitors (and locals), despite not getting paid. Their work is critical for maintaining our community’s heavily used trail system. The U.S. Forest Service estimates that there are around 7 million visitors to forest lands in North Carolina annually. Outdoor recreation has exploded in popularity as technology makes mountain biking, climbing and other forms of recreation easier and more fun. Despite an increase in use, the U.S. forest service has consistently lost funding in recent years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for fiscal year 2021, the forest service’s national budget was cut by $155.6 million. Since 1995, the national forests in North Carolina have lost one-third of their full time staff, going from 275 in 1995 to 185 last year. In DuPont, the land is run by the state of North Carolina, and the state government has allocated additional funding for new staff and recreation specialists. But in Pisgah, there is no more money coming in without a major shift in public land management at the national level. So, local groups like PAS have come up with unique ways to meet these challenges. Rather than risk losing trail access due to unmaintained trails or safety concerns from downed trees or storm debris, folks like Matt Meach, the current PAS president, and Allen Frost, PAS trail crew leader coordinator, are rallying volunteers. (continued on pg. 48)
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Allen essentially runs damage control in Pisgah with the help of five other volunteers who live in Brevard, Mills River, Bent Creek, Asheville and Canton. Each of those folks helps identify trail needs on the ground, so Allen can direct PAS resources, equipment and workdays. “With 60 work days a year we needed some reorganization,” says Matt. The Adopt-a-Trail program has also been successful. Businesses and individuals can adopt trail in Pisgah National Forest through the program, and are required to host trail work days on their adopted favorite trail and work within the parameters set by the U.S. Forest Service. The program provides a way for companies to market themselves and give back to a resource that might be dear to them. Matt said the businesses that sign up must conduct no less than four trail work days a year and will be responsible for maintaining an open corridor. “There are some trails in Pisgah, like Farlow Gap, that are not adopted currently. That trail is hard to get to, and we have a few other trails in Bent Creek also that need to be adopted,” said Matt. He said the trail system surrounding this region wasn’t designed for mountain biking in mind, and that many of the old school practices for trail maintenance have changed. Water bars, for example, are no longer standard practice. The U.S. Forest Service now uses rolling grade dips, and volunteers do a lot more rock armoring and stretching out the elevation loss of a trail to mitigate erosion. Last summer the Forest Service contracted a trail crew to do a major overhaul of trails like Avery Creek, Upper Black Mountain and Buckwheat Knob. Slated for future maintenance and a major reroute are Butter Gap and “Middle Black.” Both descents have become badly eroded, and sediment from Grogan Creek, where Butter Gap is, has been clogging the intakes at the fish hatchery. Black Mountain Trail itself has become a gutter and needs to be rerouted. A reroute will offer a better use of elevation and make the ride down less of a “hold on” experience. Some local trail users are freaking out because of the change in the character of the trails. “People are panicked,” said Matt. “It’s really just us working on that backlog of trail maintenance. We’re not choosing to do this. The Forest Service chooses which trails need work, and we either fix them or they close them. “I get a lot of people, they say ‘they ruined the trail’
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or ‘dumbed it down.’ I had one young lady say, ‘You're dumbing down the trails and people are going to get hurt on them.’ If I'm dumbing down a trail, how am I increasing risk?” asks Matt. So, next on their list is the Middle Black project. The reroute of this section is going to cost $100,000. But the alternative, according to Matt, is a $300,000 “bandaid fix” for the current trail corridor, and if they went that route, the trail will need work again in a few years time. With the new reroute, forest rangers will close the existing corridor. “We want to work purpose-built sustainability into this descent, and we want to have someone on the ground this summer working on that project,” he said. Allen says they’re just following the direction and guidelines from the U.S. Forest Service. “The Pisgah Ranger District’s budget only gives them $12 a mile for trail maintenance or projects. And then, if there is a major roadslide somewhere, then that money gets redirected to fix that,” said Allen. Bent Creek, just outside Asheville, is where PAS needs the most help, according to Matt. He said only 25 percent of the trails in Bent Creek have been adopted, which requires PAS to pick up a lot of that slack. “The struggle we have there is that it is so overrun that we can't keep up, it's just overpopulated,” he said. “We really need more help. If someone could come to the table with dollars or time, it would be huge for us.” Discussions about spreading out some of the mountain bike traffic throughout the region had some folks hopeful about some trails in Gorges State Park, just west of Brevard, but PAS was recently disheartened by the state’s decision to use funding for trail and recreation development in other parts of the state, partly due to the high concentration of trails in the Brevard area already. “Gorges State Park is very underutilized, where you have Pisgah and DuPont getting pounded by mountain bikers. But in Gorges, as we recently found out, mountain bike trails are not on their master plan. The Raleigh decision makers are trying to execute a master plan that does not include mountain biking. The funding sources have mentioned to us that it’s very hard to justify building new trail when you already have so much, so they’re looking at other communities where the money might be better spent,” he said. That leaves volunteers like Matt and Allen to continue leading workdays, continue certifying local folks who might be willing to run a chainsaw, and remaining positive about the future of mountain biking in western North Carolina. To learn more, or better yet, contribute some time or money to Pisgah Area SORBA, visit www.pisgahareasorba.org.
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COVID-19 Note: As of our June deadline, these long-standing local group rides have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. It’s uncertain when they will resume, so please check the relevant Facebook page or website for current information.
MONDAY BEGINNERS RIDE
Monday Beginners Ride with Sycamore Cycles (March-October) This ride is ideal for those who are new to mountain biking or are looking to meet fellow riders and learn new trails. The leaders like to mix up the route, but they always head for DuPont. This ride rolls out at 6 p.m. Sycamore Cycles offers a special group ride rate for rental bikes. See the Sycamore Cycles Facebook for more information.
Tuesday Night Worlds Jokingly named for the “world-class” pace set by the faster cyclists, this road ride usually splits into groups of different skills levels. The route is relatively flat, so riders can get in leg–speed workouts and draft off each other to achieve training goals. The “A” group route is about 35 miles; the more casual paced groups have a lead rider who ensures no one gets lost or left behind. The ride meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Ingles grocery store in Etowah, which is about a 15-minute drive from Brevard toward Hendersonville on U.S. 64. The ride rolls at 6 p.m. rain or shine.
TUESDAY NIGHT WORLDS
WEDNESDAY PARKWAY CLIMB
WEDNESDAY SQUATCH BIKE RIDE
Wednesday Climb to the Parkway This might be the longest standing group road ride in the county. The ride meets Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Black Mountain trailhead next to the Ranger Station. This is an informal group ride with no set pace which may split into more than one group.
Wednesday Squatch Bike Ride This no-drop mountain bike ride leaves from Squatch Bikes & Brews in downtown Brevard. Sometimes the ride heads toward Bracken Mountain, sometimes it heads into Pisgah. See the Squatch Facebook page for more information.
REEB Thirsty Thursday Ride Every Thursday the REEB Thirsty Thursday Ride rolls out from the Oskar THURSDAY Blues Brewery on the bike path to Pisgah National Forest. This no-drop ride REEB lasts a couple of hours and runs year round, requiring lights during the colder RIDE months. Riders can order a burger from the food truck at the brewery and it will be waiting for them when they get back. See the Oskar Blues NC Facebook page or Oskar Blues website for more information.
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Thursday Ride with Sycamore Cycles This mountain bike ride is typically in Pisgah, but once a month it’s held in DuPont. While this is a no–drop group mountain bike ride, it is an advanced ride and riders should come prepared with water, spare tube and tool. This ride rolls year-round from Sycamore Cycles at 6 p.m. See the Sycamore Cycles Facebook page each for more information.
THURSDAY RIDE WITH SYCAMORE CYCLES
Thursday /Sunday Ladies’ Rides This ladies-only mountain bike ride rolls Thursday evenings throughout the summer and the third Sunday of every month. This no-drop ride has a casual pace and meets at different trailheads weekly. Check the Sycamore Cycles Facebook page for more information.
THURSDAY/ SUNDAY LADIES’ RIDE
Saturday Spin and Grin The Saturday morning Spin and Grin is a social ride that usually breaks off into two groups. The ride often heads out toward the western end of Transylvania County, so riders will get a tour of the less-traveled backcountry roads. Riders leave at 9 a.m. from the Farmers’ Market on East Main Street.
SATURDAY SPIN & GRIN
SATURDAY WITH SQUATCH BIKES
Saturday with Squatch Bikes This Saturday morning social ride usually heads to DuPont for a no-drop ride. Check the Squatch Facebook page for weekly updates and weather cancellations.
Sycamore Sunday Social The Sunday social mountain bike ride is open to everyone and it is a no-drop ride. Kids, adults, new riders and experienced racers gather for a casual, social-paced ride. Check the Sycamore Cycles Facebook page for more information.
SUNDAY SYCAMORE SOCIAL RIDE
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The crew at Sycamore Cycles has been spearheading the local mountain bike and cycling scene for many years. Owner Wes Dickson has been riding and racing mountain bikes in Pisgah since he was 15. He opened his first shop in Brevard in 2000, using funds from a furniture loan (the bank wouldn’t loan the 23-year-old money for a bike shop). He moved the shop near the entrance to Pisgah Forest three years later, and now has a second location in Hendersonville. Sycamore Cycles offers repairs, professional bike fits and suspension set up. It’s also the goto spot for pre-ride caffeine and post-ride recovery smoothies. They carry Rocky Mountain, Specialized, Yeti, Salsa and Giant/Liv bicycles, as well as clothing, accessories and rentals. The Pisgah Forest location’s inventory is weighted toward mountain bikes, while the Hendersonville location stocks more road bikes. Community engagement has always been a big part of the Sycamore Cycle’s philosophy: they lead several long-standing group rides, support trail work and have donated equipment and time to youth cycling initiatives. This year, Wes helped launch the Brevard Youth Cycling Association and a local chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). 52 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
PHOTO BY SEAN TRAPP
SYCAMORE
CYCLES “Cycling had a huge impact on me when I was young, and I want to pass that on to today’s kids,” said Wes. “Riding is a just great way for kids to make friends and build confidence.” To fill a niche market that Wes felt was lacking in both the cycling and food scenes, he partnered with Scott Unfried, owner of Flat Rock Village Bakery, to open Crank Coffee. The smoothie bar and coffee shop inside Sycamore Cycles serves smoothies, pastries, tea and, of course, many variations of coffee. For more information, call Sycamore Cycles at (828) 8775790 or visit www.sycamore cycles.com.
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THE
HUB
Mountain bikers pack in like sardines on any weekend afternoon at The Pisgah Tavern. People are often covered in mud, blood and sweat, and stories about an epic wreck or getting caught in a summer thunderstorm fly back and forth over pints of micro-brews. The Tavern is located inside The Hub at Backcountry Outdoors, and is the brainchild of Sam and Jordan Salman, Brevard College graduates with a passion for all things outside. The Hub opened in 2008, and carries Santa Cruz, Transition, Evil, Revel and Norco bikes, but it’s more than just a bike shop – they offer anything you need for a mountain adventure. “It doesn’t even have to be about bikes,” said Sam. “It can be river tubing, backpacking or anything. We keep a staff that keeps their
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HUB
THE
eye on the latest and greatest products for the ladies and the men. There’s a constant evolution in outdoor gear.” The Hub’s staff strives to create a scene centered around the mountain lifestyle, to encourage young couples and families to get out in the woods, and to support the outdoors community. To that end, The Hub donates a portion of their rentals to the Pisgah Trail Fund, established by the Pisgah Conservancy at The Hub’s request in 2018. Through rental fees and direct donations, The Hub has provided more than $12,000 to the fund, which supports trail creation and maintenance. In the Tavern, Jordan and Sam strive to have a unique beer selection, brews you can’t typically find in Brevard or Asheville. “I try and stock seasonal craft beers and, of course, local beer, but still try and bring in the niche market beers,” said Sam. The Hub has a rotation of food trucks in their parking lot, offering everything from barbecue to pizza to Cuban cuisine for after-woods adventures. “We have so much more to offer than just being a bike shop. It’s a great place to drink beer, buy gifts or just hang out. We’re an outdoor spot,” said Jordan. For more information, call (828) 8848670 or visit www.thehubpisgah.com.
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SQUATCH BIKES & BREWS
Squatch Bikes & Brews is Brevard’s newest bike shop, having opened on King Street in 2016. In addition to being a full-service bike shop, Squatch serves up several great beers on tap, making it the ideal place for a post-ride brew. The shop’s warm, friendly vibe and knowledgeable staff fit in perfectly in Brevard’s coolest up-and-coming neighborhood, the Brevard Lumber Yard Arts District. The shop is owned by former Ohio residents James and Lauren Matty, who moved here because they love cycling and the outdoors. James was in the construction and landscape business in Ohio, but, like many people, the Mattys have found happiness in the mountains. “The draw for us is the outdoor lifestyle,” said James. “Western North Carolina has everything. We have been coming down here for years, as often as once every six weeks or so just to ride.” As a cyclist, James knows the Brevard area. His go-to mountain bike ride is Bracken Mountain, where he said he could get a nice mix of everything from fast and flowy downhill to an invigorating climb right off the bat. The other members of the Squatch team, Sean Bartasek and Pat Looney, 58 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
have both relocated here for the biking scene, as well, and keep the shop running smoothly. Squatch is in the middle of a neighborhood that has been revitalized. The Lumber Yard Arts District began to take off a few years ago with the renovation of an iconic local building, the Brevard Lumber Company. The district is home to the popular music venue, 185 King St. and Noblebräu Brewing, Vescovo Neighborhood Eatery is just across the street from Squatch Bikes and Brews, and Magpie Meat & Three is a popular Southern style restaurant. UpCountry Brewing is in the Lumber Yard as well. Things are jumping down on King Street Squatch carries Ibis, Mondraker, Kona and Chromag bikes, and accessories. They offer suspension tuning, custom builds, rentals, a weekly drop-free group ride and extensive knowledge of all things cycling. For more information, call (828) 877-BIKE (2453) or visit www.squatch bikes.com.
SQUATCH BIKES & BREWS
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Whether you’re on family vacation looking for a fun activity, or an experienced rider wanting to try out a new bike, Transylvania County is the perfect place to rent a bike. We have three bike shops offering rentals from the top brands in the industry, and a diverse selection of trails for you to test them on. From flagship lines to boutique models to entry-level hardtails, the bike shops in town have you covered. It’s strongly recommended that you reserve your bike ahead of time; demand for rentals can get pretty high in the spring, summer and fall. Shops will need to know a bit about you when you rent, so have this information ready when you call or make an online reservation: height, weight, pedal preference, and where and when you want to ride. Each shop has different brands, ranging from around $40 for basic hardtails to $90 or $100 for top-of-the-line full-suspension mountain bikes. Sycamore Cycles also rents drop bar all-road bikes. Inventory changes frequently, so it’s best to contact each shop to see what is available. •The Hub rents Santa Cruz, Transition, Revel and Norco. (828) 884-8670, www.thehubpisgah.com •Squatch Bikes & Brews rents Ibis, Kona, and Mondraker. (828) 877-2453, wwwsquatchbikes.com •Sycamore Cycles rents Specialized, Yeti and Giant/Liv. (828) 877-5790, www.sycamorecycles.com
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GULO COMPOSITES PUTS A NEW SPIN ON THE WHEEL
Brevard's KEIR Manufacturing is reinventing the wheel with its latest product launch – the first bicycle wheel system with braided, impact-resistant, carbon fiber spokes. The product marks KEIR's first consumer product and new brand, Gulo Composites, and CEO David Watkins believes it’s going to be the first successful carbon fiber spoke on the market. “We've got the lightest, strongest, toughest wheels in the world, in terms of bikes. They're great for mountain bikes,
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gravel bikes and road bikes,” said Watkins. “It's been a four-year odyssey in discovery and innovation. It's very exciting for Keir Manufacturing, which has been in Brevard for 37 years in technical ceramic composites and abrasive products.” Gulo Composites launched its wheel systems this spring after over 13,000 hours of research and development and is offering its top-of-the-line wheel sets to cycling enthusiasts for a tougher, smoother cycling experience. There are several other bike component
manufacturers in the area, in part due to the thriving cycling scene present in western North Carolina. Cane Creek, Ohlins USA and Industry Nine are all big-name bike component brands in the Asheville and Hendersonville area, but now Brevard has a component manufacturer to call its own. Watkins hired former professional cross country cycling racer and mechanical engineer Richie Trent to help develop the wheels, and Trent believes Gulo's technology can do what other component manufacturers couldn't. “It's very difficult to make a carbon bicycle spoke. Many companies have tried to do it...they've just never been super successful with it and there hasn't been a system that works well with it. I can
probably list four to five bike companies that have tried to make wheels with carbon spokes, with very low levels of success. Some of them just basically end up making an entire carbon fiber wheel, where all the spokes aren’t separate from the rim or the hub. They’re actually bonded all as one piece. So, that's one solution that they've come up with, but it's not great, because if you break one piece or one spoke or anything, the whole wheel is trashed.” With Gulo’s wheel system, the spoke itself is made of braided fibers, like a rope, whereas previous attempts to make a carbon spoke were made with prepurchased sheets of woven carbon fiber fabric that were cut into tiny, spoke-sized pieces. Watkins had been looking for a way to break (continued on pg 64)
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GULO COMPOSITES PUTS A NEW SPIN ON THE WHEEL into the consumer market, and the idea to create bike components came about when KEIR developed technology that could braid carbon composite fibers. After attending a conference in 2016 on composite bicycle components, he got the idea of using the technology for carbon spokes. Carbon fiber components have been popular over the last few years for bike components due to their strength and lightness, but they also have a reputation for not having impact resistance – an incredibly important aspect for a component to have, especially in rough terrain like Pisgah National Forest. Cyclists have been testing out the technology in Pisgah for a year now, and independently of each other have said the Gulo wheels make for a smoother, more responsive ride, said Watkins. The spokes are also lighter than traditional steel spokes – 40 percent lighter per spoke – which makes a difference, especially on steep climbs like the kind you'll find around Brevard. “One of the drawbacks and kind of the difficult things to convince people of about a carbon spoke is that it's impact resistant,” Trent said. “That's going to be the number one question people have when they look at any carbon spoke. They're going to think, ‘Man, that looks cool but how will that tiny little thin rod of carbon fiber not just shatter apart?’ That's the common thought or idea about how car-
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bon fiber fails...that’s what we’re up against, but that's what we've designed our spokes to handle.” Trent said he’s been riding on his Gulo wheels for a year now and he has not been able to break a spoke. “This is a very rugged area for mountain Biking...you're constantly hearing and seeing rocks and sticks and things get up into your wheels, and they pang off of your spokes,” he said. “For that reason, these are great. They can withstand a lot of impacts. I've never broken one. Well, actually, it’s pretty much impossible to break one under any traditional terms. Everything will break at some point, but basically we run a ton of impact tests on these spokes and...when we compare them to what a traditional steel spoke will take under impact, ours can take way more before they lose tension.” Another aspect of the wheel that Trent and Watkins feel will make it more appealing than other attempts at a similar technology is that the spoke, rim and hub system are custom made to support the technology, and can be serviced like a traditional wheel system at a bike shop. Watkins admits the technology comes with a steep price tag; the wheel sets start at around $2,450. However, for enthusiasts looking for a more comfortable ride and racers looking to lighten their bikes (continued on pg 66)
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GULO COMPOSITES PUTS A NEW SPIN ON THE WHEEL without sacrificing durability, the product is unique to the market. Gulo's wheel sets are geared towards three types of cycling – mountain Biking, gravel riding/cyclo-cross and road riding. For road riding, Trent said road racers in particular will love the Parkway Series wheels for their rigidity and efficiency. “The bike frames and the wheels and everything on a good high-end road bike, everything is super stiff so that power transfer is immediate and there's no lag, no flex in anything,” he said. “Our road wheels are going to be super stiff. It's all about stiffness and efficiency and going really fast for the road.” For gravel and cyclo-cross riding, Trent said he believes their Allpave Series of wheels is one of the lightest wheels on the planet, which makes a big difference in the grueling nature of gravel and cyclo-cross racing. And, as an avid mountain biker himself, Trent said the PNF Series wheels will be able to handle the wear and tear of Pisgah's terrain, all while being lighter and stronger than traditional wheels. Watkins said the company filed for six patents in April and are the first to the market with this technology. Additionally, the company has received some press from popular cycling outlets. The wheels are being reviewed on the popular mountain bike website Pinkbike, and the full write-up on them should be coming out soon. For more information, visit www.gulocomposites.com.
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BIKE FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS
There’s more to Brevard than just endless trails and roads. If you’re looking to find something else to do in town, or if you want to hire a guide to show you around, there are plenty of options right in town or within a few minutes drive. REEB Ranch Just outside of town is the Oskar Blues REEB Ranch, with a full-on bike park that will thrill everyone from kids on balance bikes to skinny jean dirt jumpers to folks who want to blaze down tree-lined singletrack. REEB offers family memberships as well as individual passes, and day passes if you’re just in town for the day. Memberships include 10 percent off merchandise, a members-only camping weekend and three guest passes for friends. The REEB Ranch hosts a variety of events throughout the year. For more information go to www.reebranch.com. Red Wolf Tours Red Wolf Mountain Bike Tours offers private guided tours throughout Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. They strive to customize trips to each individual’s goals and abilities, whether that’s a leisurely ride finished with a swim in a lake, or an attempt to knock out as much mileage and climbing as possible. Whatever your goals are for your trip, they can design a ride that works for you. www.redwolftours.com (828) 384-6713. Carmichael Training Systems Explore the beautiful trails of Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest and Paris Mountain State Park with experienced and certified CTS Mountain Bike Guides. No matter your ability level, they can craft unique half-day, full-day or multi-day guided mountain bike tours for you. Book a trip with CTS to experience a thrilling ride and get a real taste for the stunning Brevard area mountain bike trails. www.trainright.com (866) 355-0645.
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REEB Tours The folks at REEB will set up the routes, load the truck and pack the cooler so you can focus on riding. Their mountain bike tours will show you the best the area has to offer, whether you’re looking for epic all-day rides or a family beginner holiday. Staying at the Ranch puts you at the doorstep of DuPont State Recreational Forest and a short ride away from the epic, worldrenowned trails of Pisgah National Forest. For more information visit www.reebranch.com. Pura Vida Adventures Joe Moerschbacher has had a guide service in Brevard for 15 years. His primary focus these days is canyoneering down steep creeks and waterfalls, but he also loves to lead mountain bike trips all over Pisgah and DuPont. Located near the entrance of Pisgah National Forest, Pura Vida can take families canoeing and show hardcore athletes a day of adventure. www.pvadventures.com (772) 5790005.
RIDE THE BEST TRAILS
The Bike Farm The Bike Farm’s mission is to provide a base camp for all your needs while out on two wheels. Located just north of the entrance to Pisgah, the Farm set up includes “glamping,” regular tent and car camping and hot showers. Full service guides through Pisgah and DuPont include shuttle services, all-day backcountry rides, and adventures catered to individual or group needs. The Bike Farm has a full line of Yeti demo and rental bikes on location as well. www.bikefarmpisgah.com (828) 577-3673.
All rides with us are private and catered to your specific skill level! 828-384-6713 www.redwolftours.com
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WATERFALLS OF TRANSYLVANIA If there’s one thing Brevard is better known for than great biking, it would have to be waterfalls. Transylvania County is actually called the Land of Waterfalls. It’s also a temperate rain forest, which is why locals jokingly refer to it as the land where water falls. Fortunately, the abundance of water combines with our mountain topography to create spectacular cascades. We’ve laid out some of the best waterfalls that are accessible by bike. Be careful when exploring our waterfalls. People die every year by getting too close. Help us keep them open to the public by following some simple guidelines: •Stay on marked trails. •Wear appropriate footwear. •Do not climb rocks above or below waterfalls. •Always let someone know where you’re going.
WATERFALLS ACCESSIBLE BY MOUNTAIN BIKE & GRAVEL BIKE Bridal Veil Falls – Easy Ride Ride time: One hour round trip. Directions: •Park at the Buck Forest parking lot in DuPont. •Ride through the gate at the back of the lot. •Go straight under the covered bridge. •Turn right after the bridge on Conservation Rd. •Turn right on Bridal Veil Falls Rd. •Leave your bike at the bike corral and enjoy the view.
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
WHALE BACK FALLS
Whale Back Falls – Easy Ride Ride time: One hour round trip. Directions: •Park at the Pisgah Center For Wildlife Education/Fish Hatchery parking lot on Fish Hatchery Road (FS 475). •Ride out of the fish hatchery parking lot back onto the main road and make a left. •Make a left onto Davidson River Trail. •Stay on Davidson River Trail for about two miles. •There is a distinct left turn off this trail that leads down to the falls. There is no sign but you can hear the waterfalls.
WATERFALLS ACCESSIBLE BY ROAD BIKE It’s easy to do a waterfall tour on a road bike too. Waterfalls worth checking out are around every corner if you know where to look. Here are a few that don’t require much sidetracking! Please note that all of these falls are on two lane roads that can get a good bit of traffic, especially during warm weather, so be considerate of drivers and ride with caution. 70 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
LOOKING GLASS FALLS
Looking Glass Falls You could call Looking Glass the easiest waterfall in the county to visit, and it’s one of the waterfalls on the Parkway Loop in our road routes guide. Located in Pisgah National Forest on U.S. 276, it’s about 5 miles from the intersection with U.S. 64 and N.C. 280. The falls are located on the right side of the road not far past Fish Hatchery Rd. (FS 475); you can’t miss it. There is a long roadside parking lane. Connestee Falls This waterfall is hidden just out of view on U.S. 276 in the Cedar Mountain community. It’s worth noting that traffic can get heavy on U.S. 276, especially on nice weekends. To get there from Brevard, pedal south on U.S. 276 toward the South Carolina state line. About 6 miles from town the road turns uphill and climbs a steady grade for a solid two miles. On the right after the road levels out there will be signs for Connestee Falls and a defined area where other people will be visiting the falls. The ride to and from the falls should take the average rider about an hour and a half. Hooker Falls Hooker Falls, located in DuPont State Recreational Forest, is one of the county’s most iconic falls. While not technically roadside, there is a large parking area and a wide footpath upon which you can walk your road bike. The rocky “beach” around the pool at the base of the falls is a popular area for visitors during the hot summer months. The Hooker Falls access area is on DuPont Road, and can be accessed from either U.S. 64/Crab Creek Road on the Hendersonville side of Brevard, or from U.S. 276/Cascade Lake Road/Staton Road if you’re coming from Cedar Mountain.
HOOKER FALLS
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For the 2020 athletic season, Brevard College – which has become a national force on the collegiate cycling scene – has added a varsity level gravel squad to their already impressive mountain, road and cyclocross disciplines. Head coach Brad Perley said that gravel events are filling up racers’ calendars all over the country, so with the proximity to so many gravel roads in the Brevard area it was a natural next step. “The addition of the gravel focused program here is the newest thing with the team, and with the college acknowledging that it’s a varsity sport now, it will give us more opportunity to expose our athletes to more events and to the community,” he said. Perley said he expects the discipline to continue to grow in popularity and he thinks that there will eventually be a collegiate gravel season. “We have students getting involved in those kinds of events. It’s kind of a no-brainer for us to add it; these events are community focused and attracting sponsors. These races are more like festivals; it’s a great opportunity for our students, regardless if they’re World Cup racers or new riders. It’s kind of the perfect event. Low barrier, low pressure,” he said. “There’s so much money being pumped into the gravel riding side of the industry, it can’t really be overlooked.” Brad said that dedication to gravel events has helped his team because the discipline will provide some cross-over training for athletes who only participate in mountain bike or road season. Spring is also the traditional collegiate road-racing season, so Brad and his athletes are preparing for road nationals, which is held in Augusta, Ga. 72 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
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The Brevard College athletes have also become involved with the NICA league that started this year (see page 84), and each week Brad and a rotation of students meet the NICA administrators to help coach and mentor the younger kids. This fall, Brevard College will host its home mountain bike race at the Oskar Blues REEB Ranch; the short track event will be held on campus again this year. “That’s a great way for other students on campus to see what’s going on at a collegiate bike race,” he said. “We just confirmed Sept. 5 and 6 we are hosting our home mountain bike races. The dual slalom, downhill and cross country races will be back at the REEB Ranch.” Collegiate mountain bike nationals are in Durango, Colo., this year, and Brad said his student athletes are really excited about that trip. Stay up to date with the Tornados by following them on Facebook and Instagram.
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ASSAULT ON THE CAROLINAS
From its humble beginnings in 2000 with less than 50 riders, the AOTC now attracts more than 1,000 riders to downtown Brevard. A fundraiser for the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club, the Assault has generated over $300,000 in charitable grants for more than 15 local charities. Although the 2020 Assault on the Carolinas (AOTC) was cancelled due to COVID-19, next year’s event is slated for April 21, 2021. It’s quite a sight to see so many riders line up on Main Street for this sell-out event. There are two routes to choose from – the 50K, which meanders along the beautiful valley roads of Transylvania County, and the 100K, which takes riders into South Carolina and up the grueling climb over Caesar’s Head. Most riders choose the 100K, and they return year after year, some from as far away as Canada. Camaraderie and community support are a big part of the Assault’s success. Local residents line up to cheer on riders as they leave town, and the fully supported ride is staffed by dedicated Rotary volunteers, who have put in thousands of volunteer hours. According to ride director John Buford, another key to the Assault’s success is sticking to the core competencies: a beautiful and challenging route, great traffic control and safety, a welcoming community and family-friendly atmosphere, a hot meal after the ride and a reasonable price. “That’s what keeps them coming back,” he said. To learn more about the Pisgah Forest Rotary Club and their charity ride, visit www.pisgahforestrotary.org. For more information about the AOTC, visit www.assaultonthecarolinas.com.
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BLUE RIDGE BICYCLE CLUB
The Blue Ridge Bicycle Club (BRBC) is a 501(c)(3) bicycling advocacy group that promotes education, healthy living and cycling-related safety, and provides funding for a variety of cycling projects in western North Carolina. The group’s only fundraiser, the Hunter Subaru WNC Flyer, has been ongoing for 17 years. The picturesque ride begins at Oskar Blues Brewery and allows riders to enjoy the beautiful rolling hills of the French Broad River valley without long mountain climbs. The event was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19 but is expected to return in June of 2021. Capped at 1,000 riders, the Flyer offers full century, metric century, half century and half metric routes. The event concludes at the brewery with BBQ, music and first brew compliments of Oskar Blues. The WNC Flyer has been named the best ride in WNC by the Asheville independent weekly Mountain Express. Funds raised from the event have allowed BRBC to contribute more than $325,000 to bicycle advocacy, including greenway expansion projects and grants to support cycling and pedestrian projects. BRBC has given $20,000 to Henderson and Transylvania counties for the promotion of the Ecusta Trail, has committed $25,000 to help Hendersonville, Laurel Park, Flat Rock and Transylvania County develop bicycle and/or pedestrian plans, and donated a Bike Fixit station outside Oskar Blues Brewery. Visit www.blueridgebicycleclub.org to learn more about BRBC. For more information and to register for the 17th Annual Hunter Subaru WNC Flyer, visit www.wncflyer.com.
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ERICA
Erica Zaveta might be one of the best all-around competitive bike riders in Brevard. Her skills and dedication have taken her to professional road teams, World Cup mountain bike races and, lately, she’s been pursuing cyclo-cross podiums. Erica got her start chasing her dad on a mountain bike around the rocky woods of Pennsylvania, and she soon began hanging out with other cyclists at the local bike shop. “The owner was a super good dude, and I started going with them on group rides,” she said. “My parents would drop me off, and I would go with the shop guys. That changed me. Those guys brought me to road races and then mountain bike races. They taught me how to ride in a group, racing strategy and so many other things.” Erica crashed every single race for the first year while
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road racing, and says she’s covered in scars. “Back then they put the women in with the Masters 55+ class and those guys do not like to crash. I crashed so many of them. I’m sorry,” she said. Her first introduction to a national level race was at Seven Springs, Penn., where she raced the 17-18 junior category. She started looking at colleges, and found a few that had cycling programs. It took her a couple schools to find the right fit, but eventually she chose Brevard College, where she wound up taking the downhill, cross country, cross and road national titles multiple times. There are few riders who can round off each discipline like that, and her work at Brevard College laid a healthy foundation for the world stage. After college she raced in England for a professional mountain bike team, MODA Bike Magic. The team folded after a couple of seasons, but during that time she raced 12 World Cups, the UK National Series calendar and other races. “When I raced World Cups I had memories of like, ‘I might die here, this is really scary.’ There were times when I would throw myself down super steep banks, through rock gardens and sometimes in the worst conditions. I crashed probably a million times and at points I was almost in tears. It was so hard, but so much fun.” When the team folded, Erica took some time off before making the switch to road racing. (continued on pg. 78)
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ERICA “The (mountain bike) race scene just kind of dried up in the U.S., so I made the jump to road racing. In mountain bike racing all my housing and food and travel and gear had been compensated, but I wanted to make money, and it was just more feasible in road racing. The teams are bigger, there’s six women in a race at one time. Usually the teams are 10 or 12 on the roster. There’s always been more money in road racing.” She got picked up by a few domestic teams and worked her way up the ladder, eventually landing on a World Tour team, Psylance. Her time was spent in training camps in Barcelona and road racing through the Czech Republic, Germany and other countries with her mostly European teammates. After a few years of racing professionally and traveling, Erica said she lost some of her passion for road racing and began questioning why she was there. In need of change, she came back stateside. Like many professionals, Erica had always raced cyclo-cross, on the side because it fits between many cyclists’ main race calendar. Soon she had rediscovered her passion for racing in cyclo-cross, and raced professionally 78 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
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for the 2019 calendar. In addition to racing, Erica has been a professional cycling coach since 2012. Her degree in exercise science and her extensive cycling experience make coaching the perfect fit for her. “I have experienced it at all levels, from being a kid, World Cup racing, in college and the bigger road teams. I have a lot of experience and knowledge, and I want to help people avoid the same mistakes I had to figure out on my own,” she said. She now works with Cycle Smart and focuses on developing a personal relationship with clients – knowing when to push them, and knowing when they are tired or stressed or need more family time. Having worked for several coaching firms over the years, she has extensive experience and really enjoys her work. Her clients range from moms training for their first marathons to doctors who want that extra snap in their sprints to triathletes. To learn more about Erica, see her coaching profile at www.cycle-smart.com.
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ENDLESS BIKES “I’d rather be rad than fast.” That’s one of the splashy bumper stickers available from Endless Bikes, a phrase coined by its owner and Brevard resident Shanna Powell. But, in Shanna’s case, she’s actually both. Shanna is a mountain bike icon, with tens of thousands of followers on social media. You’d be hard pressed to find a bigger and more genuine smile than the one cast by this business owner and skills coach, and she’s hard to miss. You might find her ‘racing’ an enduro in a tutu or wearing costume fairy wings way out in the forest, and wonder what exactly is going on. It’s called fun, and Shanna has made having fun her job. Along the way she has captured niches of the cycling industry that really bring out the best in her clients and herself. Originally, whitewater kayaking is what brought Shanna to western North Carolina from Maryland. The elevation changes, numerous creeks and rivers and frequent rain create excellent kayaking opportunities, but the sport is dangerous and
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the risks are sometimes great. Seeking her fix in a safer manner, Shanna shifted her focus toward mountain biking and began working at Youngblood’s Bicycles in Asheville. “With mountain biking I can get the Class V rush without the Class V water,” she said, noting that it’s hard to drown on a bicycle. (continued on pg. 82)
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Mountain biking also allows Shanna to get out in nature, which she loves. She can identify most of the local flora and fauna, which is impressive in a temperate rainforest. There is a reverence for the environment in the way she observes her surroundings. “I feel free on mountain bikes and you can get way out there in the woods with your friends and have snacks,” she said. And she does roll out the spread on a big ride: cheese, sausages, spreads, wine. It’s a much classier mid-ride snack than gels and supplements. Shanna soon found herself racing on a four-person team in the 24 Hours of Pisgah – a race held at Camp Carolina about 15 years ago – and was hooked. “I got to ride the same course over and over again like five or six times, and that was the first time I was able to ride a section of trail and then do it again and again and make actual progress. I learned so much that night,” she said. That event also gave Shanna a chance to enjoy the camaraderie of the mountain biking community. “I come from the kayak community, which is also really close, but that first year at the 24 Hours of Pisgah they were having a fundraiser for Trish Stephenson, who was racing full-time then. That was really cool. They were helping her out and everyone was racing bikes and hanging out and getting pizza at 2 a.m. It was just a really good time, and I made a lot of friends that night.” ENDLESS BIKES As her tastes for bikes and trails developed, she spent the next 10 years almost exclusively on single speed hardtails. (Shanna says geared bikes were her gateway drug to mountain biking.) That’s how she became involved with Endless Bikes, a single speed company, which she eventually purchased from the original owner and relocated from Asheville to Brevard, putting her closer to the trails in DuPont and Pisgah. The single speed crowd is a unique community; they value simplicity over complicated linkages and dangling parts. Sometimes that’s because bikes and parts are expensive, but sometimes that’s just how they roll. Endless has taken Shanna to the Single Speed World Championships several times. She’s been to Japan, Australia and Alaska to attend the infamous event that is known for being a party
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as much as it is a race. Endless Bikes has always been known for its singlespeed cogs, chain rings and single speed conversion kits, but Shanna also started making cogs for geared bikes a few years ago. The narrow-wide rings hold the chain securely on a long travel bike, and soon she will have direct mount rings available for geared bikes as well. SHARING THE JOY In more recent years Shanna has become passionate about teaching other people how to ride and has become a certified skills instructor. She wants to empower women to get out there and have more fun. “I love when people become better and safer and more fun riders because then they have a better time,” she said. “When they get something or learn something new, and you see it, and then you see their riding change, it’s just awesome and is a vessel to get to know people in a really cool way. “My clients have become my friends,” she continued. “There are some awesome women out there. It gets really personal and you get to know them. Sometimes we talk about bikes or sometimes we talk about life while we work on skills. It's cool to share something that you know in a really relaxed and fun way.” To learn more about Shanna and Endless Bikes, follow her @endlessbikegirl or visit www.endlessbikes.com.
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PISGAH CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC CYCLING ASSOCIATION As local cyclists grow up and start families of their own, youth cycling programs and events are a natural development in any bike town. In Brevard, there is no shortage of opportunities for kids to get out on bikes with passionate members of the cycling community. These adults teach kids not only how to ride a bike off-road if they want to, but how to do it in a safe, courteous and self-sufficient way. There are even clubs for learning about racing and instilling some fun competition. This year, Transylvania County is home to the newly formed Pisgah chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association. NICA has clubs across the country: in 2018 more than 18,000 students participated in the program nationwide, with over 9,000 coaches and more than 10,000 volunteers dedicated to youth cycling. The adults do all the work organizing local races and events, and the kids ride. NICA even has programming focused on engaging more girls in cycling through their GRiT (Girls Riding Together) program and has a Teen Trail Corps program to promote trail
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maintenance and stewardship. Local shop owner Wes Dickson and a couple of other dads in Brevard, Tripp Presnell and Keith Arbogast, all have kids who ride, and getting a NICA chapter started had been on their minds for a while. Tripp is the team director, Wes is the team coach and Keith is the bean counter. The NICA team is part of a larger community cycling club that Wes, Trip and Keith have spearheaded, the Brevard Youth Cycling Association. On nice days these guys, with some other local volunteer help, lead a pretty big group of kids through the local trails and teach them how to have fun riding a bike in the woods. Rainy days might find them riding gravel. The club has some loaner bikes for kids with bikes in disrepair, but most kids have their own bikes. And any bike will do, as long as it is in good working order. “The community involvement is really cool,” said Wes. “We have people showing up, like Matt Champion, who was in the 4-H bike club when I opened Sycamore Cycles in 2000. Matt was one of the students in that club. He mentors the kids. Both the Arensmans’ (local pros) come out and help us. We have about 10 coaches regularly showing up. It takes a village, you know, and it's a lot to ask anyone to meet here.” During the rides, coaches work with the kids to teach mountain biking fundamentals like cornering, bike/body separation and con-
trolled stopping. Tripp said that some of the kids have never even been on trails, and he loves to watch their progression. “We have fourth and fifth graders who wanted to go up Bracken Mountain and back down. The progression is pretty amazing. These kids have really come a long way,” he said. “We rely on guys like Ryan DeGarmo, who is a professional mountain bike instructor. He’s great at coming up with skills and games, he’s really good at that. It’s very clear they’re the professionals in the group.” Tripp works with the beginner kids, which is the age where he sees the most amount of growth. “That's the most fun for me, seeing that growth so quickly and watching kids gain confidence from cycling,” said Tripp. “There’s one particular kid in my group, the other day we were just climbing a gravel road, and he stopped and said he didn’t want to climb anymore. But with a little encouragement and push he reached the top and was just glowing.” All three local bike shops have sponsored the club, and they have received some corporate sponsorship also. Companies like Industry Nine, Fox, Reeb Ranch and others have provided support for the club and youth cycling. To learn more about the Brevard Youth Cycling Association, visit their Facebook page or email info@brevardyouthcycling.org.
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If you’re a cyclist, no matter where you live or how you ride, you are probably aware of the electric bicycle, or e-bike. An e-bike has an electric assist motor that kicks in as the rider pedals, amplifying the rider’s output. These bikes are battery powered and must be recharged, but people are using them to commute to work, as delivery vehicles for their jobs and even to get wild game out of the woods while hunting. The e-bike has been a polarizing topic in the cycling world, but no matter how you feel about e-bikes on trails, nobody can deny their benefits for commuting. Local riders here in Brevard use them frequently, and with the Brevard city council voting to allow them on the Brevard Area Trails System (BAT),
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more are sure to follow. One such family of e-bike riders is the Agrella-Sevilla family. Lauren, owner of the Brevard Yoga Center, is the primary e-bike user in this one-car family. Her job has her shuffling between different places to teach classes, picking up her sons from school, and making trips to the grocery store and back home. She’s able to do almost all of it without a car. “We believe in using less petroleum in our lives, and getting rid of a car was a solid and feasible step for our family,” said Lauren. “We feel lucky it was an option for us, as we know it's not for every family, for any number of reasons. Matthew is a carpenter, and we felt we still needed one vehicle to allow him to transport materials to the jobs he's working. But my work – offering yoga and mindfulness practices around town – requires minimal stuff. We sold our second car two years ago and bought a bike that could transport our two young sons (who were 2 and 5 at that time), our groceries and errands, and a set of yoga mats.” Lauren said she searched for months for a bike that could be all-weather, knowing how often it rains in Brevard. (Locals may have seen her two boys riding in the front of the bike, nice and dry under its shelter while Lauren pedals.) She and Matthew wound up purchasing a used Butchers & Bicycles bike, and Lauren believes having the cargo area in front is crucial for her peace of mind. “Having the boys on a bench seat with seat belts and a cargo bin that's on the front of the bike feels better on the road than towing them behind us in a trailer. I feel more visible to vehicles, and having an eye on the boys brings peace of mind. (continued on pg. 88)
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“We looked for a while at bikes without e-assist, but given that some days I cover 20 or so miles, and knowing that our boys are not small and continue growing, we had to be realistic about what was feasible. In order to be sustainable in the long run, we wanted to keep enjoying the daily commutes, and burning out our legs and enthusiasm wouldn't have been the way to go,” she said. Lauren is able to do about 90 percent of her week’s travel on her e-bike, and sometimes her kids carpool with a neighbor on stormy days. But, she said the bike serves as a car the rest of the time, and now, when they leave the house, heading for the e-bike is a force of habit. Lauren claims the e-assist on her bike is a game changer. “E-assist, if you’ve never experienced it, is miraculous, really,” she said. “Our bike can carry two kids and a week's worth of groceries, and has carried adults from time to time, as well. Its capacity is about 300 pounds. We tote vacuum cleaners and boxes and tools and it works with all of that. “There are five levels of battery assist and the rider decides which is best for a given situation. Starting to pedal kicks in the battery. If you're not pedaling, the battery isn't working. Heading up a steep hill with a loaded bucket, I need the top level of assist and still have to stand up and work to get the bike up the hill. I routinely pedal 20 miles in a day and it doesn't wear me out, though my heart rate does get up and my legs do work.” Dr. Ora Wells is also a fan of the e-bike. He has been a pediatrician in Brevard for 38 years and knows the importance of remaining active and mobile in the later parts of life. His commute from his home by the high school to his office at the Transylvania Regional Hospital campus is about five miles one way, and he intentionally goes around the long way to avoid traffic. His route takes him up the hill past Bethel
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“A’ Baptist Church, and he says if he didn’t have the pedal assist, he would have to get off and walk. “And that’s just embarrassing,” he says. “But if I’m on flat ground, I don’t use the motor at all. I just love it.” Wells can keep up with traffic if he adjusts the motor to its highest setting, even uphill. He uses the bike at night safely, as well, because his M2S bike is outfitted with lights and his helmet has mirrors. He said he needs the mirrors because he’s old, and his body turns the way his head turns. Ora purchased the bike from the Asheville based company M2S bikes because he said he likes to support local businesses, and a local shop put it together for him. His hands do get cold on some days, but he has heated motorcycle gloves and bar mitts to cover the handlebars, so he can still enjoy his commute as much as possible. Ora turned 68 this spring and encourages anyone who wants to get out and move their bodies to try an e-bike. The key to remaining active as you age, he said, is finding something you enjoy. “It’s just a hoot,” he said. “Nobody can get on an e-bike and not smile.” TC and Leah Webb have also been bit by the e-bike bug. In addition to being parents of two children and having jobs as a videographer and a nutritionist, they are training for the Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventure Race (PMBAR). After pedaling all day for fun and fitness, the last thing they want to do is pedal a regular bike around town for transportation. They use a pair of e-bikes to carry their two children to school, run errands and attend social events, all without using a car. One of the bikes is a cargo bike with a space on the back that can be used as a seat, and the other is a more traditional looking bike that they can connect a trailer to for even more cargo space. Leah likes the trailer more because it feels safer. “With the trailer we’ve had two kids and everyone’s stuff in there. We've had well over 100 pounds in there,” she said. “It allows you to scoot around town, and it’s almost faster than driving,” said TC. “And you’re setting a good example too. We want to make sure we’re being good role models for our kids, so when we show up on a bike and pick them up and pedal home, people see that and it might make them believe that they’re more capable than they think.” Leah says it’s not so much an exercise thing, but it’s just an easy way to commute short distances, spend time outside and cut down on their carbon footprint. “Plus you kind of slow down and are able to take stuff in more,” she said. “When you're in your car Located a short walk from Brevard’s driving through town you're stop and go, but when you're cruising on the bike, it's more relaxed.” quaint but vibrant downtown.
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60 Woodside Dr., Brevard, NC 828-577-0916 thebromfieldinn.com 2 0 2 0 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 89
BREWERIES
Outdoor recreation communities are often home to some great breweries, and Brevard is no exception. In fact, when you come off the trails in Pisgah, you’re only moments away from one brewery, and just a couple minutes on the community bike path from another. If you stay on that path, there are three more breweries in downtown Brevard. That’s five great breweries that are less than a 20-minute bike ride from each other! Brevard’s oldest existing brewery is the Brevard Brewing Company, located downtown on East Main Street. The relaxed, community-friendly atmosphere at Brevard Brewing Company has made it a favorite spot for locals to enjoy conversation over a pint of one of the world’s oldest crafts. Owner and brew master Kyle Williams offers German-style lagers in addition to American ales. Williams said it is the only brewery in western North Carolina to specialize in lagers, which can be more costly to produce and require patience to brew due to a long aging process. According to Williams, most mass-produced lagers are light and lack flavor, whereas many craft breweries strive to make consistently bolder and hoppier brews. Brevard Brewing Company’s goal is to give beer lovers the best of both worlds – beer that is both drinkable and flavorful. For more information, visit www.brevard-brewing.com. UpCountry Brewery is located in the Lumberyard District at 212 N. King St., Suite B, behind Squatch Bikes and Brews and Magpie Meat & Three. UpCountry Brewery was founded in West Asheville in 2016 by craft beer industry veteran John Cochran, co-founder of Terrapin Beer Company. UpCountry’s mission is to create awesome experiences while sharing their passion for craft beer, local music
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and getting outside. Their newest location in Brevard’s Lumberyard District was opened in 2018. For more information, visit www.upcrountrybrewing.com. Of course, if you’re a mountain biker, you know that Oskar Blues, as a company and as a culture, is cut from the mountain biker lifestyle of “Work hard, play hard.” Oskar Blues pioneered the canned craft beer movement, making great beer more accessible for outdoor enthusiasts, and access to trails is a big part of why Dale Katechis brought his business here. He had been visiting the area for years to ride mountain bikes, and began coming so often that he bought another bike to leave here. “One thing led to another,” he said. “I sketched it out on a napkin, and it made more sense to build a brewery here. I knew I wasn’t going to be giving up quality of life, but instead was going to enhance my quality of life.” In return, Oskar Blues has done much to improve the Brevard community. Not only are there bands and events at the brewery, but the Can’d Aid Foundation, a nonprofit arm of the brewery, has donated bikes to local children, funded trail projects in the region, and regularly drums up support for other communities that have experienced a natural disaster. When a community near their Austin, Texas, brewery was leveled by tornados, they canned tens of thousands of cans of water for disaster relief. For more information visit www.oskarblues.com. Ecusta Brewing is located on the banks of the Davidson River at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. Their slogan, “Get Distant,” is derived from the Cherokee word for “distant” – Ecusta – and the brewery’s culture celebrates all things outdoors. The patio out back is popular with recreation enthusiasts, and the brewery’s beer names reflect their love for the outdoors: First Descent IPA, Dead Drift Pale Ale, Trail Boss American Strong Ale, Pink Beds Sour, Singletrack IPA and Guide Beer Blond Ale, to name a few. Recurring events like their cornhole league and food trucks Thursday through Sunday make the brewery a popular spot for a post-ride pint. “We now have two great entities that draw people to our area, craft beer and our forest,” said Chambers. “Both have the same effect: 828-877-3106 (continued on pg. 92) headwatersoutfitters.com
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BREWERIES
they help you decompress, enjoy the moment and bring like-minded people together. What better way to finish, or plan, an adventure than talking it over with a fresh local brew! Simply put, they both make you feel good.” For more information, visit www.ecustabrewing.com. Brevard’s newest brewery is Noblebraü Brewing, which is opening this year under the leadership of head brewer Cody Noble and his fiancée and business partner Madeline Magin. Noble grew up in Brevard and was in the inaugural class of Blue Ridge Community College’s brewing program. After working in several area breweries, Noble worked his way to become the head brewer at Waynesville’s Boojum Brewing Co. When he got the opportunity this year to open his own Brewery in his home town, he jumped at it. He and Madeline have combined Noblebraü with the popular music venue 185 King St. in the Brevard Lumberyard District. The music hall, which features a 3,800-squarefoot performance space, will be the brewery’s tasting room. Noble said they’re also excited about their expansive outdoor seating area, which is unique in downtown Brevard. Installation of the brewing equipment was being completed during the spring and early summer, and Noble said he plans to be producing beer by late summer. Noblebraü will offer a wide spectrum of brews: German beers, West Coast IPAs, New England IPAs, sours, and a rotating dark beer that will change seasonally from ESB to brown ale to porter to stout. For more information, go to www.noblebrau.com or www.185kingst.com.
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THE RIVETER About 10 years in the making, The Riveter – an indoor bike park and climbing gym – opened it’s doors this year. Located just down the road in Mills River, the space has been a hit with locals begging for a place to ride after dark or as an option for rainy and cold days. The covered bike park stays open until 10 p.m., along with the indoor rock gym. The facility has a full yoga schedule, a gym with special equipment for climbers and plenty of options for climbing – with self-belay devices, finger pinching boulder problems and other training tools for climbers. Brevard local Elizabeth Jackson started writing the business plan for her dream climbing gym back in 2009 after years of traveling and peak bagging. The hardcore climber had spent time in climbing communities out west after graduating from Brevard College, but found herself settling down back in her college town. As she started a family, climbing, which is harder to do by yourself than cycling, was replaced with mountain biking on days when the time to rope up or drive to boulders just wasn’t there. Elizabeth knows how precious time is for people, especially the weekend warrior types that populate this region, and in western North Carolina the winter days are short, and often wet and cold.
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“In the winter when time changes, the days are super short, so to be able to train and have time to do that anytime of the week is crucial,” she said. For people with families, the Riveter can accommodate everyone. The bike park has kids bikes, helmets, and the climbing gym has all sizes of climbing shoes and harnesses. The facility will offer after-school programs with climbing lessons and bike park skills and safety clinics outside. “We designed this place for progression,” says Elizabeth. “Our bike park is a tool for kids to learn how to ride, find rhythm, and the same for the climbing gym. And it all translates to the woods. You can take the skills you build here and apply them on real rock or trails, which makes it that much more fun. That’s our goal.” Not only is it a great place for young kids, but big kids too. The Riveter has a full line of dirt jump hardtails and helmets for rent. Under the covered part of the bike park, the lights keep riders out well after the sun goes down. The bike park extends to the hill above the main building as well, with a nice gently sloped jumpline to help build progression. The Riveter will have food and coffee trucks on the weekend, high-speed WiFi and there is a taproom with tons of beer and non-alcoholic options as well. “We want people to come hang out here and work,” she said. “We have child care too.” Environmental sustainability is also important for Elizabeth, a nod to her professional life. She has a master’s in environmental sustainability and management from Duke University, and said that keeping a small footprint is a factor in every decision she makes about vendors and whom she partners with. The wellness center has a full yoga schedule, with instructors experienced in many varieties of the practice. Certified local instructors teach hot classes, a variety of flows, restorative and yin style sequences with a full prop selection and mat rental. The Riveter has showers too for those sweaty sessions. Learn more at www.riveternc.com.
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BIKE. HIKE E. EA AT. T STAY Y. PLA AY
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470 BRICKY YARD A ROAD • ETOW WA AH, NC 28729 (828) 891-7022 • WWW.ETOW WAHV A VA ALLEY.COM 96 B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A 2020
KNOW IT ALL From white squirrels to musical events, from bike trails to breaking news, you’ll find it all in The Transylvania Times.
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There’s no better way to get to know Transylvania County than with The Transylvania Times Our thorough coverage of local news and government, our vibrant Opinions of the Readers section, and our human-interest features provide an unparalleled glimpse of life in Transylvania County. Weekly features such as Arts & Entertainment, Outdoor Recreation, School News, Sports, Church News and Lifestyles help cover the many aspects of this diverse and growing community. And our comprehensive community calendar is a must read for both Transylvanians and visitors. The Transylvania Times is published twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays, and is available in print and online.
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TRAIL NOTES
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