Any interest? I'm considering bringing one of the mini-alternate-vehicles (bicycles) down, but am a Dragon newbie... any trails or interest? Or am I wasting valuable space bringing it down?

 

Definitely good trails nearby (Tsali and others) - I personally wouldn't ride a bike on the road within 30 miles of Fontana during that week with 500+ maniac MINI drivers on the roads burning up the twisties...

And I burn every waking hour with car stuff while there... but I know some others have done some mountain biking in the past.

 

Here's a website from the Fontana area.
It has a nice video of biking in the local mountains.
There is also a bike shop on site at Fontana Village, I think its called Muddy Traxs or something like that.

 

Eventhough I'm sure that all of the MINI motorists will be responsible and safe drivers, there are a lot of nuts out there that treat the area as their own personal race track. I'm with Blimey... I wouldn't be caught dead on a bicycle on a road anywhere near Fontana or the Dragon. It should be a beautiful place for a mountain bike, though!

 

If I make it this year, I'll be bringing my mountain bike and hitting the trails at Tsali -- I haven't been there before, but a friend of mine highly recommends them.

 

I can vouch for the quality of the trails at Tsali. I've ridden there a few times and have always had a blast. Nothing too technical... just four wonderfully-groomed loops with amazing views of Fontana Lake and the Smokies (particularly Left and Right Loops).

 

I guess the next step is to organize a MINIs on the Tsali bike ride.

 

ATB definitely... anyone up for a ride? Minis on Tsali, Definitely (MOTD)?

 

We'll be bringing our mountain bikes as well. From what I understand the Fontana trails are awesome too. Tsali is a great idea as we were on some 'Tsaliesque' trails this past weekend in Clemson. Let's do it!!! We're coming up on Thursday, will be there around noonish or shortly there after....

If we plan to ride Tsali, we'll need to check to see which trails are open. They alternate the trails between horses and bikers.

LET'S RIDE!!!!

 

Can anyone confirm the condition of these said trails. I own a road and a hybrid bike. The hybrid is a lightweight frame with no shocks, front or back, and thin tires similar to a road. In fact it may as well be a road bike with a crossbar. Rougher trails may not be the best for that bike.

 

You don't want to be riding a road/hybrid with skinny tires. I wouldn't ride Tsali on anything other than a mountain bike.

 

If weather permits, how about going biking up at Tsali on an early Thursday afternoon? I've never been there before but I've read about a few great trails there. I googled the trails and it looks like most peoples' favorite trail is the 11ish mile long "Left Loop" trail with some great views and fun downhill. Easy enough for a beginner to feel comfortable on, with a few challenging parts to keep the more experienced bikers thoroughly entertained.

http://www.singletracks.com/php/trail.php?id=674

 

Sounds GREAT - I'm hoping that I won't be overtaxing the MCS with 4 people, a trailer with the Pinewood Derby track on top, AND a couple-three bikes on the trailer rack... we'll see! I certainly WANT to go!

 

Change of plans for me: My Trek 6700 got stolen today at Ohio State. I had it locked up with a Kryptonite U-lock outside a large heavily populated gym and 40 minutes later it was gone. I would absolutely love to meet the guy that stole it; it would be just like a scene out of Hostile or Saw...

 

That sucks Cooper, sorry for your loss. Make sure you file a police report and maybe they will find it in a pawn shop. I had my GF Cake stolen last July and 9 months later.....we found it!! Borrow a bike if you can. We'll be riding the Fontana Trails Thursday morning while Zipi gets her windows tinted at 11am.

We'll probably hit Tsali Fri or Sat(or maybe even both).

See ya at the dragon!!

Shelley

 

Don't forget to check their website. They alternate use of trails between biking and horseback riding -- and last time I checked, I seem to remember the better trails being open to bikers on Thurs. and Sat.
Not saying the others aren't worth riding on Fri., but if you have to choose go Sat. (but check the site to be sure I remember right)

 

Wishy I could bring the bikes, I started the thread but with 4 people in the Mini, and the Mini Dragon Draggin' pinewood derby track, we're pretty loaded up! Good rides folks...

 

Thanks Eager!! Yep, know all about the alternating of the trails. We were up there a few weeks ago racing in the Knobscorcher. Regardless of which ones are open, they are all fun.

You guys gonna be up there with bikes?

Dixon, if there's any way you can squeeze a bike or two in....we'd love to have you!

 

Unfortunately, work is keeping me from attending this year -- I only check these threads to further torture myself

 

Zipi, I'll see what I can do... already I'm bringing 3 other people in my Mini, towing a trailer, and hauling along the track (8'x8"x8" + all the cars AND I may substitute the Mini Grille from Mini of Pittsburgh instead of my trailer. Gonna be a slow trip!