Ride Report: TORC Tsali/Tanasi Trip #3
On Thursday before Memorial Day weekend I sat in the doctor’s office, listening to him tell me that I need to immobilize my thumb in a splint, and refrain from all activities. What?? Did this doc not know it’s TORC’s third annual trip to Tsali?? Where 40+ mountain bikers of all ages, come together for some camping, camaraderie, and of course…mountain biking!! After explaining the situation, my first question was…”Will I be able to shift gears?” He set me up with a rigid splint of decreased size, which allowed me to move all joints but the one in question. Sweet!! On my way…
The awesome thing about North Carolina is that mountain bike trails are everywhere! (Yet, still not enough for me!!)
On Friday during the trip to Tsali, a few of us stopped off for a ride at Bent Creek in Asheville. Members of Pisgah Area SORBA joined us for the this ride.
Base camp for this trip was at the Tumbling Waters campground, down the street from Tsali. It’s a nice, inexpensive campground with a running stream, fishing pond, clean bathrooms and an awesome host who serves biscuits/pancakes and coffee for breakfast. We had the added bonus of finding a crawfish (crayfish) wandering between our tents and the children were briefly captivated, as were the adults.
On Saturday, a majority of our group rode the Thompson & Mouse Branch loops at Tsali, and a few even went back for seconds.
Sunday was a day of choices, with some going to Tanasi, some staying at Tsali to ride the Left & Right loops, and some heading to the Jackrabbit Mountain trail system.
At the Jackrabbit Mountain trail system, members of SABA (South Appalachian Bicycle Association) were gracious hosts/hostesses in showing us their fun trails. Jackrabbit Mountain features a 3-mile central loop that serves as access to multiple optional trail loops….for a total of approximately 15 miles of fast, flowing single track goodness. It was in a beautiful location that must be the furthest west in all of NC, with beautiful views of Lake Chatuge. I particularly liked one of the beach loops where the trail actually led to a secluded beach (which was currently immersed in water, due to the high waters of the lake).
Most of the intermediate/advanced riders took a trip right over the Tennessee border to ride the Tanasi trails on the Ocoee River. Tanasi features challenging climbs and fast downhills. My friend told me they did 17 miles and was surprised when I asked “is that all??” He explained that mountain miles were different from miles in the Triangle (Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill). Smiling, I told him “True, but I did 24 miles at Tanasi last year.” I suppose this is why I remain single…it’s not fitting for a girl to rub stuff like this in….but…oh well.
It always amazes me how a group this big, with different skill levels and speeds, can come together and be successful. This year was no different than the rest, there were those that rode super fast, and those that were comfortable with their slow pace (me). Even the families had several opportunities to either ride together, or to “get away” and ride with other, possibly faster, groups. I’ve been to Tsali four times in total, and as always, it was enjoyable. The hardpacked flowing trails offer beautiful views of Lake Fontana, along with heart-pumping climbs and the thrill of fast downhills. This year the ride went off without a hitch…nobody fell off the mountain, which is more than I can say about last year’s trip.
The rain set in Sunday night and Monday was pretty much a washout…however I did hear some talk of more biking, but I’m not sure if they followed through. I, for one, was ready to take a break from the bike. There, I said it. After biking 3 days straight with a splinted hand, I was ready to go home. But only to return next year…and every other chance I get!
Triangle Racers at the BURN24 Seen around Town….Speak
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6 thoughts on “Ride Report: TORC Tsali/Tanasi Trip #3”
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See what I mean? ;-)
You’re right…soggy can suck.
We really did get drenched, and only Doug brought extra riding clothes (how did he know, and why didn’t he pass on this wisdom???).
I would have been happy to ride futher (ok, happy is a stretch…) but I make it a rule to NEVER ride with soggy butt. The chafing get’s out of control fast. Besides, our 17 miles was probably harder this year than your 24 miles was last year. Ok, maybe not, but I still don’t suggest riding with soggy butt.
Nice write up!
Great Job. Thanks for the writeup Deb
But it started raining after 17 miles :)/
Great writeup Debbie!
Great editing, Tim. :-)
Great Writeup Deb! Sorry I missed the trip.