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the turns coming down the hill. The ride usually meets at 5:30 p.m. rain or shine, unless the weather calls for an absolute wash. Meet at the paved lot on the right just before the Ranger Station. The Bike Farm Wednesday Night Ride The ride starts at the Oskar Blues Brewery in Pisgah Forest, just down the road from downtown Brevard and about a ten-minute ride down the bike path to the entrance of Pisgah National Forest. A welcoming, no-drop ride, The Bike Farm owners, who are both CPR certified and carry first-aid kits, ensure that there is a sweep on the ride to make sure no one gets left behind, and everyone has a good time on their mountain bike. The route chosen depends on who shows up, but everyone is welcome. The ride may be Maxwell Cove Rd. to Black Mountain Trail, or a seasonal trail like Bennett Gap. The ride may split into two different groups on nights with a big turnout, and new riders will be introduced to an easier, yet exhilarating, ride. The ride starts at 5:45 p.m. at Oskar Blues Brewery. Thursday Night Sycamore Cycles Group Ride The Thursday night ride from Sycamore Cycles is the longest standing mountain bike ride in Brevard, and is hosted year round. When the time changes in winter, it’s time to break out the lights for some intense night riding. Riders meet at 6 p.m. at Sycamore Cycles in Pisgah Forest, and the ride may leave from the shop depending on which route suggestion gets a “Yay” or “Nay.” They may load up and drive to DuPont, or the Fish Hatchery for about an hour and a half ride, give or take, depending on the crowd that night. All abilities are welcome, and it is a no-drop ride. Thursday Night Pisgah Cycling Ladies’ Mountain Bike Ride. This ladies’ mountain bike ride meets on Thursdays from spring through October. Depending on demand, the group also holds a ride on Sunday, alternating with the club’s open Sunday mountain bike ride. Members and non-members of all skill levels are welcome to join this no-drop ride. The ride starts at 6 p.m. Check the Pisgah Cycling Facebook page and website calendar (pisgahcycling.org) for meeting locations and updates. Saturday Morning Spin And Grin The Spin and Grin is a casual, community-oriented road ride that usually rolls out through the valley along the French Broad River between Brevard and Rosman, attracting riders from all over to come enjoy the views. The no-drop ride is typically a 28-mile loop, but there is often a break-off group for riders who want to get in more miles. B I K E T R A N S Y LVA N I A , 2 0 1 4 »27