|
Did you know that $15.00 per year will go a long way to support open space and
trails in the Charlotte metro area? Please join with us and become a member of the
Tarheel Trailblazers (http://www.tarheeltrailblazers.com).
This organization is largely responsible for many of the trails that now exist here. You don't need to attend meetings nor dedicate your time (unless you want to). However, your dollar donation will help us tremendously to further this effort. If you ride a bicycle, you know how much fun and how important this issue is. Thank you. |
*******************************************************************
NEWS:
***New Trail!!! - - - in Davidson! (11/01/04)
Fisher Farm Park off Shearers Road in Davidson, NC. We are
constructing a sweet, new 5+ mile mountain bike trail. Please check
www.tarheeltrailblazers.com for
trail works times and dates.
*******************************************************************
Lake
Norman State Park
http://www.firstflightbikes.com/lake_norman_trail.htm
A new 10+ mile, cross-country trail at Lake Norman State Park
(formerly Duke Power State Park) I-77 @ Exit 42 near Troutman.
The trail is open now! Lake Norman
State Park - Itusi Trail
Amid virtually no fanfare, Lake Norman State Park has opened the Itusi
mountain bike trail to the public. The
4.25 mile course opened late last week, and is a model of a "self-sustaining"
trail. The trail, designed and
built by Bob Karriker and a long list of active volunteers, is a rolling Tsali-esque type
of ride. The trail
features a +/- 1 mile loop option, called Hick's Creek Loop. Evidence of Beaver life is
prominently featured on
this loop as are scenic views of the lake. The rider returns across a bridge to continue
on the Itusi trail
proper.
The trail is just what it was intended to be, a showplace to get riders
excited about mountain biking in this
region. The flowing trail should interest more volunteers to work on future expansions, to
possibly include a
technical loop in a more remote and less accessible portion of the park.
One refreshing aspect of the trail was the shower at the bath house following the ride!
And, get this, ladies:
real bathroom facilities! Take that, Charlotte! The park also features swimming, canoeing,
fishing, and
camping - something for everyone. We were stopped by several Rangers in the parking area
who were
very excited to hear our opinions on the trail. They are pumped up by the project and what
the
addition of the mountain bike community will mean for the park.
After a two month or so hiatus, Bob and company will start on the next 4 - 5 mile loop.
To get to Lake Norman State Park:
From Charlotte:
Take I-77 North to exit 42, Troutman.
Turn LEFT on Hwy 21, and follow the BROWN signs to the Park,
approximately 7 miles from the interstate.
"As a rule of thumb, we will close the trail for at least 24 hours
following a rain event. I'll try to post closures on this page as
much as I can. You can also call the park office during normal
business hours and we'll try to keep it posted on the parks website
at www.ncsparks.net".
Charities:
MBE Lake Norman is always taking donations of used bicycles that are no longer
wanted or have been replaced. We will "clean-up" these old bikes and turn
them
over to local charities in the North Meck area. We will take girls & boys bikes.
Bikes
with flat tires, rusted parts, etc. Please contact Joe (704-948-8120) if you can
help.
North Meck Park
Trial
Please do not modify or alter the trail
as it is intended for use by all skill levels!
This trail is located just minutes north of
Charlotte, NC (see map).
Take I-77 to Exit 25. Go East approx. 1.2 miles to Old Statesville
Road.
Go South about 1/4 mile. Look for the North Meck Park sign on the
right just after the church.
The trail at North Meck Park is now complete - for the time being.
The trail is approx. 3 miles long with 4 bridges and a creek crossing .
The are two trail-heads. Look for one at the back corner of the first parking
lot
near the ballfield and before the drain gulley. It's a quick 3 foot drop into
the trail.
The other trail-head is on the left as you drive into the park
itself. The trail can be
ridden in either direction. Counter-clockwise is marked with red arrows- the
clockwise direction is marked with blue arrows.
Taken at a leisurely pace, this trail is excellent for families
and
beginners. Advanced riders can take fast pace and get an excellent
aerobic workout.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: This trail is in a city/county park and is used by
many people including runners, walkers, etc. Always be alert for others
and courteous when you encounter them.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Mark Kincaid – Huntersville Parks & Recreation
Dept.;
Bob Karriker & Wes Stearns, Crossroads Cycling Club - Statesville;
Joe Guerrero & Scott Fennie, Mail Boxes Etc. - Huntersville
Chuck Moore, Lake Norman Bicycles – Huntersville
Rick Hoke, Hoke Lumber – Davidson
Trailblazers Cycling Club - Charlotte
John Davenport, Dan Danese, Rob Ackary, David James,
Gary Hallen, Bob Sheehan, Joe Pentasulio
Special Thanks to: Andy King, Mike Westover, & Richard Mingay.
Their efforts made possible the final section to complete the loop!
Rosie Molinary – Davidson College.
My apologies to any of those I may have missed. Most importantly,
we all want to thank our wives/girlfriends, our kids and loved ones who
waited for us at home patiently while we built this trail. It is an on-going
pursuit. We welcome those who would like to join us.
Come out and see it . . . and bring your mountain bike!
>>>From Parade Magazine 3/28/2004:
Off-Road biking is great not only for your lower body. It also
strengthens your arms, back, and even your hands. If you already cycle, you
won’t have too many adjustments to make when you straddle the saddle of a
mountain bike.
To find the right wheels, talk to the salespeople at the bike shop. A dependable model is around $500. But for around $25, you can rent a bike for half a day—a wise option for a novice. Test-drive a few models and look for a sturdy lightweight frame. You will also need a well-fitted helmet, gloves, biking shoes, and padded biking shorts.
"Mountain biking is a full-body exercise, so small adjustments to the bike make a big difference in comfort," explains Steve Jones, author of The Nut’s ‘N Bolts Guide: Mountain Bike Technique. "Getting a good fit is easy: Just make sure that the top tube comes no higher than 2 inches below your inseam when you stand alongside the bike. Adjust the saddle height so that your leg is almost fully extended when the pedal is at the bottom of the stroke. The right height will keep your knees and back from hurting."
Learning how to change gears and brake correctly helps you start out on a safe footing. Always grip the handlebars with both hands, wrapping each thumb and forefinger around the bar. The right placement helps you to easily operate the brake and the gear levers. Use your index and middle fingers for braking, and position your feet so that the pedals are pushed with the balls of your feet.
"You want to ride a trail that has few obstacles and is wide and not very steep," says Jones. As you ride, hold your upper body in a neutral position. On descents, keep the pedals parallel to the ground and stand on them (knees bent) so that your bottom is an inch or so off the saddle.
Visit the International Mountain Biking Association at www.imba.com for more information on off-road biking or to find a trail in your area.<<<
BACK