This week’s Trail Update is going to focus on two Johnson City locations and one Kingsport, Tennessee, location. SORBA Tri-Cities is celebrated their 10th Anniversary this weekend. Also, make sure to read the end for an update regional weather to help plan the weeks riding and links to join SORBA.
SORBA Tri-Cities Trail Boss Greg Carr has been sweeping early morning spider webs at Winged Deer Mountain Bike Park. The last leg of volunteer built trails for the summer is complete. There are ample opportunities to link trails at Winged Deer Mountain Bike Park for long rides.
Trails are available for all skill levels at Winged Deer. There are a few drops that may take a second look from timid riders. Most, read all, features are roll-able or have a ride around for lower skill levels.
One of the best features of Winged Deer Mountain Bike Park is there are trails suitable for a Burly Minnow bike trailer. This allows mom and big brother to hit the miles of single-track while dad pulls the baby. All of this is located within city limits.
East Tennessee State University has a few miles of single-track, a pump-track and downhill course. These are some of the older trails in the region. They have suffered from wet conditions recently. Please remember that riding wet trails can cause damage.
The trails are able to be ridden with care. The mid-morning and afternoon sun dries the trails out. Portions under the canopy can still be water trodden. Walk around the wetter portions of trail so as not to create ruts.
Wear protection for your eyes and exposed skin. There are many places where thorn bushes and other foliage will reach for you. The tight spots are there and trees are pock marked with bar-end scars. They do, however, make for some great technical training.
SORBA Tri-Cities celebrated their 10th Anniversary this weekend. The club had a family day event and cross-country race at Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium in Kingsport. Events included a Huffy Huck, Tiny Bike Race, Chain-less Downhill Race and a Bunny Hop Contest. The mountain bike trails at Bays Mountain are wonderful!
The loam is super grippy and there is not much debris on top. Rolling through turns at a steep angle is easy and rear-suspension soaks up the momentum; just to spit you out upon exit accelerating. There are some jumps and great views too. There will be more on Bays Mountain Park in the future.
Weather for the week looks rider friendly. There is a slight chance of rain most days but higher chances Monday and Wednesday. The trails will be wetter in the morning and evening. The cloud cover will be higher at these times. Humidity will be a factor too.
Make sure to drink plenty of water. Northeast Tennessee enjoys mild summer temperatures but the high humidity can cause dehydration. When riding distance make sure to eat! Last but not least, PLEASE, give this story a like, share and subscribe for future updates.
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