Family Weekend and DuPont Ride

My dad and stepmother came into town from Ohio on Friday, and we got to hang out for a couple of days. I haven't been able to see my family since we moved down here last September, so it was really nice to have them down. We did all the usual touristy stuff, including Looking Glass Falls, a pottery shop, the shops downtown, and some nice restaurants. We were also able to show them the house we are in the process of buying. It was a very nice visit. And for any of you that are looking into visiting Brevard, I would highly recommend staying at the Red House Inn. The place is newly renovated, and the owners are great. One of the owners is also an avid mountain biker, and can suggest some routes for you.

After my family left on Sunday, I headed over to DuPont for a quick ride. I did the usual to Briery and Back route, with a stop on the slickrock on Joanna Rd. It was a good ride, but the roads connecting the trails were a little sloppy. The trails themselves were in good shape, except for the bottom of Jim Branch, which was recently re-worked. The weather was cool and damp, which kept some people off of the trails. It looked like there had been a burn recently along Twin Oaks trail by Briery Fork trail. Couldn't have been too long ago, because it smelled great.

Black Mountain Trail

So what do you do when you live 10 minutes from the gate to the most beautiful place on Earth and it's 65 and sunny? You grab your bike and drive through that gate of course. I parked at the Ranger Station and headed up 477>Clawhammer. Once I got to the top, I decided that I was going to go right on Black Mtn., since I had not been on that section yet. I knew there would be some hike-a-bike, and boy was there. It's basically one long hike-a-bike with intermittent sections of riding until you get close to the intersection with Turkey Pen. Then it is literally all down hill from there to Pressley Gap. I'm not sure how often I'll actually do this section of Black, but I'm glad I did today, because the views were outstanding.

While up near the top of Black Mtn., I actually had 3G service and heard my phone vibrate. It was a voicemail from Heather asking if I wanted a burrito from Pescado's. What fantastic timing to get reception! My reply was a resounding "Hell yeah!!" Once I got to Pressley Gap that burrito was all I could think about, so I hung a right on Maxwell and flew down it and Clawhammer. The burrito and beer waiting for me at home really hit the spot. Not a bad little Sunday.