Kelly McGarry: Insane Downhill Biking POV Video

Kelly McGarry: Insane Downhill Biking POV Video

Thursday, October 24, 2013

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Okay, this just might be the most hair-raising bike video I've ever seen.

Speeding down the narrow sandstone ridge is pretty scary as it is, but when Diamondback athlete Kelly McGarry does a 72-foot-long back flip over a canyon - WOW!!!

This run earned McGarry the People’s Choice Award and a 2nd place finish at the Red Bull Rampage 2013 in Virgin, Utah earlier this month.

All of this was captured on McGarry's helmet-mounted, point of view camera:




Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Forest Service decides on management for Cave Run trails

Forest Service decides on management for Cave Run trails

Sunday, September 29, 2013

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U.S. Forest Service officials have announced new management direction for trails in the Cave Run Lake area of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Under the new direction, horse and mountain bike users will each have their own designated trail system. All of these trails will be open to hikers. The separated use is intended to enhance the quality of experience for all users. Equestrian use will be designated near existing horse camps and trails. Bike use will be zoned where trails, both existing and newly constructed, can access nearby campgrounds.

“In an effort to meet recreational demand and enhance tourism in our local communities, we are striving to provide a sustainable trail system that all visitors can enjoy,” said District Ranger Dave Manner.

Much of the existing trail system was originally designed for hiking over 40 years ago. Since that time, equestrian and mountain bike use in the area has steadily increased. The additional use has impacted the trail surface, vegetation, water quality and soil conditions in the area. As a result, the recreation experience of trail users has suffered.

Forest managers began working with trail users several years ago to look for alternative ways to manage the system. The complex geology, highly erodible soils, year-round precipitation and mixed ownership have made trail development and maintenance challenging.

A large portion of the area west and south of Cave Run Lake, including the Caney Loop Trail and Murder Branch, will be designated for horseback riding and hiking only. A portion of the area west of Cave Run Lake will be designated for mountain biking and hiking.

In addition, new mountain bike loop trails are planned for construction north of the lake and 28 miles of currently closed Forest Service roads will be opened to connect loop trails and expand horseback and mountain bike riding opportunities.

Amenities such as signs, horse resting areas, and trail head and parking areas will be improved and/or constructed.

The new management direction will be implemented over several years. The first priority will be to designate the trails for mountain biking and horseback riding. Trail and trailhead signs will be installed, and maps and web page information will be updated.

During the second phase of implementation, seasonal and cross-country horse travel will be restricted to minimize impacts and reduce maintenance. Implementation of the new trails and improvements will occur as necessary resources become available, including funding and volunteers.

Further information regarding the trail management decision can be found on the Daniel Boone National Forest website.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Tennessee Adventure Challenge Comes to Knoxville

Tennessee Adventure Challenge Comes to Knoxville

Monday, September 2, 2013

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Outdoor enthusiasts can experience a day of adventure and ultimately compete for a statewide title in the Tennessee Adventure Challenge that will be launching in Knoxville next month. The Challenge will make its debut on October 12, 2013 in conjunction with the Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing National Championship, which will see up to 200 of the best adventure racers in North America converge on Knoxville from October 10-12 to compete for the national title.

The Tennessee Adventure Challenge is designed to offer an entry-level experience for those just starting out with adventure sports. The Challenge will expand to other cities within Tennessee in 2014 and 2015, with the goal of a five-to-seven city statewide series that culminates with a Championship race every fall in Knoxville.

Paul Angell, president of event producer, Checkpoint Zero, said Knoxville was the perfect pick for the National Championship and for the launch of the Tennessee Challenge. "Knoxville's Urban Wilderness drew us to the city for our first-ever urban national championship venue. The enthusiasm we've seen for outdoor recreation — and the incredible topography and amenities found in and around Knoxville — made us excited about launching the Tennessee Adventure Challenge in conjunction with the national championship."

Checkpoint Tracker is a national competitive adventure racing series with its own rankings and championship race. It is also the largest online community of adventure racers in North America with over 10,000 active members.

The Tennessee Adventure Challenge offers a unique format open to both novice and experienced athletes. Scheduled activities for the Challenge will include trail running, mountain biking and paddling (boat or SUP) on a set course with no navigation skills or GPS required. The 4-6 hour endurance race will feature solo and two person teams who will traverse an unmarked course using printed trail maps as they transition between 3-5 outdoor disciplines. Manned checkpoints along the course will provide water, first aid and other support for all racers. The course for both events is kept secret and closely guarded, though event producers have revealed that both finish lines will be on Market Square.

Registration and information is available at http://www.tnadventurechallenge.com.

For more information, contact: Carol Evans at 865.525.2585 or cevans@legacyparks.org.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Big South Fork Honored As An International Mountain Biking Destination

Big South Fork Honored As An International Mountain Biking Destination

Monday, November 5, 2012

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The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) recently announced at their annual World Summit in Santa Fe, New Mexico, that five trails in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area were named as Epic Rides. The five trails are Collier Ridge, West Bandy, Duncan Hollow, Grand Gap Loop, and the portion of the John Muir Trail from Grand Gap Loop to Station Camp. "The IMBA Epic designation, being very selective, brings with it national and international recognition to trails that are special to mountain bikers including landscape, trail length, and a back country experience. The Epic designation will draw hundreds of new users, many of who use the IMBA designation as a bucket list of must-ride trails," said Joe Cross, President of the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Club.

Big South Fork is the first national park unit in the United States to receive the elite Epic Ride designation. IMBA only names a handful of trails for this title. Other Epic Rides named this year include the Warner Lake area in South Chilcotin, British Columbia, Canada, and the Bernina Express, Graubünden, Switzerland. "This is wonderful news for the Big South Fork," said Niki Stephanie Nicholas, Park Superintendent. "We have a strong partnership with the Big South Fork Mountain Bike Club who have volunteered many hours and worked closely with park staff to improve park trails."

For more information on mountain biking in the Big South Fork, please call (423) 286-7275 or go to the park's webpage.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Expanded Shared Use on Grand Gap Loop Trail in BSF

Expanded Shared Use on Grand Gap Loop Trail in BSF

Friday, June 8, 2012

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Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area announced yesterday that the Grand Gap Loop Trail is now open for shared use by hikers and mountain bikers every day. The trail provides spectacular views of geological formations and the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River. The trail had previously been open for use by mountain bikes only Monday thru Friday. Opening the trail to use seven days a week will increase the opportunity for bikers to enjoy this beautiful route.

There are several ways to enjoy the Grand Gap Loop Trail. Except for a few moderately technical sections, the 6.4 mile loop is mostly flat, smooth single track. The trail is alongside several rock shelters and cliff line overlooks of the river. Bikers can also take John Muir Trail from Grand Gap Loop to Station Camp area which is a 7.5 mile extension of the Grand Gap northward. This single track trail is flat, smooth and flows well. It connects to Duncan Hollow Road.

There are two popular options for riding both Grand Gap and John Muir Trail. For an 18 mile ride, park your vehicle at the intersection of Duncan Hollow and Alfred Smith Roads (no facilities). Ride 1.8 miles down Alfred Smith Road to Grand Gap. Ride Grand Gap, then continue north on the John Muir Trail and return to your vehicle via Duncan Hollow Road.

For a 28 mile out and back single track ride, drive 1.8 miles down Alfred Smith Road to a small trailhead parking lot at the Grand Gap Loop-Alfred Smith Road intersection. Begin by riding Grand Gap Loop and then the John Muir Trail to its northern end. Turn around and return to the trailhead.

For further information, you can contact the Bandy Creek Visitor Center at (423) 286-7275.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Now this is Sick!

Now this is Sick!

Friday, March 2, 2012

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Don't try this at home! Actually, don't try this without a parachute! These guys did....and it looks like they're still alive to brag about this insane bike ride:




Is there anyone who knows German that can tell us what "Radwanderung" means?







Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Mountain Biking Down the World's Most Dangerous Road

Mountain Biking Down the World's Most Dangerous Road

Sunday, January 10, 2010

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Check out the video below of Bolivia's "Death Road". This is from a segment of ABC's Nightline that shows off the thrills of biking down Bolivia's "World's Most Dangerous Road", one of the most popular adventure travel activities in all of Latin America.

The Yungas Road, also known as "Death Road" and the "World's Most Dangerous Road", earned these nicknames because it has more deaths per mile than any other road in the world.

The bike ride starts out at roughly 16,000 feet elevation and descends to 4,000 feet in roughly 40 miles. The bike ride takes nearly 7 hours, as the road snakes its way through the high mountains of the Andes to the subtropical jungles that lead to the Amazon basin in Corocio, Bolivia.



Think you want to do this?


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Race Across the Sky: The Leadville Trail 100

Race Across the Sky: The Leadville Trail 100

Friday, October 30, 2009

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Below is a trailer for a limited release movie about the 2009 Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race.

This was a significant race as it marked Lance Armstrong's return to Colorado after finishing second the year before to Dave Wiens, a six-time winner of the race.

The race starts from the historic mining town of Leadville, Colorado. Along with Ouray, Leadville is one of my favorite mountain towns in Colorado. Unlike most of the ski towns of Colorado, no one could ever accuse Leadville of being pretentious.

First run in 1994, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB is one of the oldest ultra-marathon mountain bike races in the world. The race is run on a 50-mile out and back course, starting and finishing in downtown Leadville, Colorado (which sits at an elevation of 10,200 ft). Total elevation change is roughly 14,000 feet, with riders peaking at 12,600 feet on Hope Pass.

I happened to be in Leadville the week before the 2008 race. Unfortunately our plans were already made well before Armstrong announced that he was going to ride the the race that year. After learning that he was going to return in 2009, I came up with the brilliant idea that I was going to enter the race as well. My sole purpose was to do an all out sprint at the starting gun so that I could get in front of Lance, and then have my wife take a picture - just for bragging rights.

For some reason though, Kathy thought this was a silly idea. Geez, can't a guy have a little fun once in awhile!

Anyway, here's the trailer:



Race Across the Sky: The Leadville Trail 100 was shown in select theatres across the country on October 22, but is scheduled for an encore viewing on November 12. You can find more information by clicking here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Great Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Ed Viesturs discusses first aid kits

Ed Viesturs discusses first aid kits

Friday, November 14, 2008

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Below is short video featuring world renowned mountaineer Ed Viesturs. In the video, Ed discusses what he has in his medical and first aid kits whenever he ventures into the outdoors.



Below are some of the products that Ed discussed. If you would like more in-depth information about what is contained in each of the kits, just click on one of the links.





Mountain Weekender












Light and Fast Trail







Ultralight and Watertight










Pocket Survival Pak






Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

Smoky Mountain Day Hikers Store Quality gear and apparel from some of the best outdoor brands.

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