Trekking Mountains

The mountains of Western North Carolina are a beautiful sight and spending time in them extends an even greater pleasure. I was afforded the opportunity to ride my mountain bike this weekend out at Alexander Park, identified by a small trail-head located just off of Old Marshall Highway. Back in 2010 I was a mountain bike instructor at Camp Tekoa in Hendersonville, NC so riding was not a new feat and yet it had been a while since my last biking en-devour. The trails found within the park are a lush green this time a year and, I'll admit, a "little" overgrown.

While the trail begins in wide, open spaces it takes no time at all for things to become narrow and technical - a trait I particularly like when trekking the mountainside. If it weren't for the "face-level" brier bushes and waist high grasses I think the trail would have been a bit more enjoyable. However, I did find that the downhill ride was notably fun, including a few berms and pump tracks. There are a few areas of the trail that encounter slick-rock and even a few overlooks of what I believed to be the French Broad River (I could be wrong!). As I stopped, occasionally catching my breath, I found some much needed peace and quiet - if you don't include the birds and the sounds of rushing water. After a decent downhill that re-connected with the main trail-head I found myself cruising and feeling very comfortable. So comfortable in fact that I failed to notice a steep decline in the trail causing me to lock my brakes and put the tail end of the bike into the air. Be encouraged, however, because I did regain my footing long enough to push myself off the side of the bank into a splendid, magnificent, awe-inspiring ditch of briers.

With adrenaline racing through my veins and my self-esteem still intact  I stood back up and had to laugh! No harm no foul, I re-mounted my bike and continued on down the trail to where I had began. Considering that the trail needs quite a bit of attention in the way of overgrowth I'd give the trail a thumb and a half up. Maybe I can round up a few friends to help me restore the trail to its original condition.... any takers??? All-in-all it was a great day! It felt good to be back on the bike, spending time in God's country, greeting all the woods have to offer. For more information on Alexander Park visit - http://www.buncombecounty.org/Living/Fun/mtb.aspx . 

Thanks for listening,

ADJ