Remembering when the original Trails at Oak Mountain were under contruction 20 years ago, makes it even more refreshing to enjoy the development of some new trails. There are two new additions to the traditional loop.
The first addition, Rattle Snake Ridge, was added just in time for the Bump and Grind in June. It starts not far beyond Johnson Mountain. The trail starts out right away with some great short down hills, and large but easily ridden on a 29r, tree crossings. It then starts twisting climbs up to the ridges with a few off camber trails that require a tad bit of technical skill to avoid sliding down the hillside. You maneuver through a couple of root and rock gardens then the trail goes wide and downward toward the lake with swooping high bank turns that allow a lot of speed without braking.
As the Rattle Snake Ridge trail nears the end, you have the choice to take a hard 90 degree left onto the lake tail. The lake trail starts with a blazing fast down hill with for or five large sweeping turns that run right on the bank of the lake. It opens up and hits the Dam. This Fall the dam crossing provided an awesome view of Double Oaks foliage with the lake in the fore ground. After the dam, you cross a cool steel bridge that goes over the spill way. When crossing the bridge, prepare yourself for the fastest and best designed double track that I have ever ridden. When all is done, it dumps you out right across the road from the entrance to the rock garden trails.
The bump guys worked really hard and created a fine system of trails. I saw some of them staking new trails on top of Double Oak this Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing how those turn out.
The first addition, Rattle Snake Ridge, was added just in time for the Bump and Grind in June. It starts not far beyond Johnson Mountain. The trail starts out right away with some great short down hills, and large but easily ridden on a 29r, tree crossings. It then starts twisting climbs up to the ridges with a few off camber trails that require a tad bit of technical skill to avoid sliding down the hillside. You maneuver through a couple of root and rock gardens then the trail goes wide and downward toward the lake with swooping high bank turns that allow a lot of speed without braking.
As the Rattle Snake Ridge trail nears the end, you have the choice to take a hard 90 degree left onto the lake tail. The lake trail starts with a blazing fast down hill with for or five large sweeping turns that run right on the bank of the lake. It opens up and hits the Dam. This Fall the dam crossing provided an awesome view of Double Oaks foliage with the lake in the fore ground. After the dam, you cross a cool steel bridge that goes over the spill way. When crossing the bridge, prepare yourself for the fastest and best designed double track that I have ever ridden. When all is done, it dumps you out right across the road from the entrance to the rock garden trails.
The bump guys worked really hard and created a fine system of trails. I saw some of them staking new trails on top of Double Oak this Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing how those turn out.
I have ridden famous NC , KY,TN,GA and CO trails. I personally feel that these are now equal to or better than most.
I have managed to make it down to ride OM at least twice a month this fall. It is always worth the drive. I usually am able to con my bro Greg into going. He is still riding a 40lb dual suspension 26r. I'm hoping he makes the switch to bigger wheels and less shoxs as soon as possible.
Whether it's mountain bike or road bike in Birmingham, One thing is true about 85% of the time. I run into James Earl. He must ride about 50 hours a week. I am starting to wonder if there is not two or three of him.
I have managed to make it down to ride OM at least twice a month this fall. It is always worth the drive. I usually am able to con my bro Greg into going. He is still riding a 40lb dual suspension 26r. I'm hoping he makes the switch to bigger wheels and less shoxs as soon as possible.
Whether it's mountain bike or road bike in Birmingham, One thing is true about 85% of the time. I run into James Earl. He must ride about 50 hours a week. I am starting to wonder if there is not two or three of him.
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