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Riding in the Charlotte, NC Area?

jebfour

Turbo Monkey
Jun 19, 2003
2,059
1,400
CLT, NC
It has been a long time since I’ve posted on these boards, but am now asking for a little insight. There is a very real chance that my family will be relocating the Charlotte, NC area (Union County to be exact) in the coming months. With this move, I’d like to get back into riding. Can those of you in the area give me an idea regarding the riding in the area? I used to do quite a bit of downhill but at this point I think I’d likely be just after some singletrack (at least initially).

I wouldn’t mind getting back into road bikes either, but that would be a ways off. Is there much of a scene in the area for that? After being there a couple times I’ve yet to see one road bike.

Any insight/advice is appreciated!
 

jstuhlman

bagpipe wanker
Dec 3, 2009
16,622
12,911
Cackalacka du Nord
Tons of road riding here, at least based on all the people I see doing it.

The city is literally ringed by a series of xc trail systems, ranging from 6 miles to 30. They're mostly made for the beginner to average rider. Little bit of roots, little bit of rocks, little bit of up and down. If you're in Union County, your closest ones are going to be Beatty Park, Sherman Branch, Rocky River. I think someone's working on a small trail system down in Monroe. You're also on the side of town closest to Uwharrie (a small mountainy area with maybe 15 miles of trail), but on the wrong side to put you close to Pisgah. The nearest lift served dh is going to be Bailey Mountain or Beech Mountain, each 2 1/2 hours away; Snowshoe and Massanutten are about about 5 hours away.

My favorite local trails are Poston Park, the Whitewater Center, and Backyard Trails.

Not the world's best forum, but check www.tarheeltrailblazers.com for more info.

Two other bonuses of the area - tons of breweries and weather suited to year round riding.
 

mrbigisbudgood

Strangely intrigued by Echo
Oct 30, 2001
1,380
3
Charlotte, NC
Post up when (if) you land in the CLT. I'll be happy to show you around any of the trails. I live on the North Side (Cabarrus) and frequent RRT, Fisher, Meck, LKNSP, Warrior.

Regarding road riding.......I have done 2 rides on the road.
  1. After work with a group of 8 co-workers from the University Research Park to Huntersville and back. I sold my Roubaix after this ride once I realized that most Lexus owners want cyclists dead.
  2. Tour de Cure - I did it on my CX disc bike. Even around a large peleton, the drivers around here just don't know how to behave. At the time I believe the 4-foot rule was in play. I could have easily touched several cars and I have the wingspan of a 5'6" man. That bike is gone too as I suck at CX.
I don't own a skinny bike tire anymore. I use my hardtail at places like Sherman and Lake Norman if I want a road ride like workout, you just keep pedaling at those places. Roadie life around here takes a person much more brave than me who doesn't mind putting their life in somebody else's hand, if there is room next to the iPhone. There is a pretty solid Roadie scene here, check weeklyrides.com.
 

jebfour

Turbo Monkey
Jun 19, 2003
2,059
1,400
CLT, NC
I'll definitely take you up on your invite when I hit the CLT area. Having a local show me a trail or two would help out tons as I have only spent a limited amount of time in the area (only been to the area a couple times), but it seems like a pretty cool place.