I checked out Dark mtn. this weekend, and it is definately a very good addition to the dh courses that we have to choose from in the south.
THe trail work was very impressive, and obvious that alot of time and effort went into it. The best way to describe it is short and fast. I'm guessing around ETSU times for the race in June.
Almost all the fast or tight corners were bermed. The trail flowed from top to bottom, with only the very last part at the bottom, and the first 80 feet or so at the top being fairly flat. On top of all the jumps that they built, there is a 25 foot rock garden section that is "southern rocks" style, to encourage full on dh bike use.
I rode my giant dh team and had a blast, but would definately say that a lighter 4 to 6 inch bike would be optimal for this course(just think of what bike you would ride at ETSU). There is no spot on the course where you will lose momentum(so long as you are upright the whole way down)
I talked and got to walk and ride the course with the nice folks who are putting on the race, and it sounds like they are really doing things right with the race promotion.
Anyone who enjoys racing at ETSU or Fontana I know will like this place. Dark mtn has it's own unique ride to it; just lots of flowy corners with fun jumps and nothing really dangerous, except for maybe the rock garden.
The only little concern that I have is that there were talks of having the race extend past where the trail finishes, and take it across a large field adding in some man made obstacles to the finish (I think this was for some photographers and newspaper coverage). The field is flat, and I am pretty sure might kill the momentum of the racers, but this was just an idea that I heard tossed around. Regardless, should be a cool race.
It would be nice if a bunch of regional racers went to the race to show some support for the guys who are trying to keep the race scene alive in the south.
And of course the most selfish reason is that the course is just way too good not to check out.
THe trail work was very impressive, and obvious that alot of time and effort went into it. The best way to describe it is short and fast. I'm guessing around ETSU times for the race in June.
Almost all the fast or tight corners were bermed. The trail flowed from top to bottom, with only the very last part at the bottom, and the first 80 feet or so at the top being fairly flat. On top of all the jumps that they built, there is a 25 foot rock garden section that is "southern rocks" style, to encourage full on dh bike use.
I rode my giant dh team and had a blast, but would definately say that a lighter 4 to 6 inch bike would be optimal for this course(just think of what bike you would ride at ETSU). There is no spot on the course where you will lose momentum(so long as you are upright the whole way down)
I talked and got to walk and ride the course with the nice folks who are putting on the race, and it sounds like they are really doing things right with the race promotion.
Anyone who enjoys racing at ETSU or Fontana I know will like this place. Dark mtn has it's own unique ride to it; just lots of flowy corners with fun jumps and nothing really dangerous, except for maybe the rock garden.
The only little concern that I have is that there were talks of having the race extend past where the trail finishes, and take it across a large field adding in some man made obstacles to the finish (I think this was for some photographers and newspaper coverage). The field is flat, and I am pretty sure might kill the momentum of the racers, but this was just an idea that I heard tossed around. Regardless, should be a cool race.
It would be nice if a bunch of regional racers went to the race to show some support for the guys who are trying to keep the race scene alive in the south.
And of course the most selfish reason is that the course is just way too good not to check out.
Really enjoyed riding yesterday, you definitely helped me push my limits by trying to keep up with you...especially on the larger jump at the bottom.
