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Post by lush on Jun 24, 2009 22:59:54 GMT -5
Going to FATS for the first time, from Athens. So far I've heard that most trails are best counterclockwise, but looking for some suggestions for getting the most out of the system. Pain and brutality are welcome, looking for a 30+ mile day.
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Post by seenvic on Jun 25, 2009 7:46:15 GMT -5
Deep Step - Connector - Big Rock - Tower - Big Rock - Connector - Deep Step. 18.3 miles.
Refill water at car.
Skinny - Brown Wave. 12.5 miles.
Great Wall adds about 7.5 more miles.
Not much pain and brutality out there. Most just fun and flow. The first 18.3 miles will be the most painful, but only because the other loops are pretty much pain free.
Get there early. It's hot out.
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Post by imnav8r on Jun 25, 2009 8:49:59 GMT -5
Be sure to check out the map at the kiosk of the South Trailhead. That will give you a general idea of how the trails are laid out. You can also go to www.sorbacsra.org. Just click on the Trails button, select FATS and view/print the map. Make sure your bike is in good condition, properly tuned, and that your brakes work flawlessly. Strongly urge you to take it easy your first time around so you won't be too surprised by some of the dips and turns. A lot of experienced and not so experienced riders have been injured by riding beyond their skill level. You can always go back and re-ride a section after you've seen what it has to offer. You'll still have a smile on your face by the time you come back to FATS for your next time around. Bring lots of water! Have fun! Be safe! |
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Post by Sasquatch on Jun 25, 2009 14:02:25 GMT -5
Skinny - Brown Wave. 12.5 miles. My computer must be getting screwy, I've clocked like 10.5 |
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Post by seenvic on Jun 25, 2009 15:12:16 GMT -5
I don't think your computer is screwy.
Aprox 10.5 miles. That's the Upper Skinny to Brown Wave and back up the Upper Skinny. Skinny is about 6 miles. Upper Skinny is about 2 miles and Lower Skinny is about 4 miles. Give or take.
If you ride the entire Skinny Loop and the entire BW Loop, it is about 12.5 miles starting and ending in the parking lot.
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Post by imnav8r on Jun 25, 2009 20:32:24 GMT -5
I forgot that the FATS map link on our homepage takes you to an older map of the trails that do not include the new sections, Tower and Big Rock. You'll need to look at this map ( www.sctrails.net/trails/ALLTRAILS/MountainBike/FATS.html )to see where they are located so you can ride the trails Bill (seenvic) suggested to you. Good Luck to you and have fun! |
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Post by lush on Jun 25, 2009 22:19:27 GMT -5
Thanks everyone, forgot one important thing... where's the best mexican restaurant to hit on the way back to Athens?
Thanks again for all the input, it should make for an awesome day of riding.
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Post by Mark Y on Jun 25, 2009 23:18:45 GMT -5
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Post by ted on Jun 26, 2009 7:41:05 GMT -5
Monterey's is good if you like Waffle House level Mexican. Check out Salsa's Bar and Grill (better quality food, same price, more variety, nicer wait staff) on Bobby Jones (I-520) at Washington Rd which is closest to FATS. Or, head downtown to Broad Street to Nacho Mama's. A little farther drive than Salsa's, but by far the best in Augusta if the kitchen isn't busy. Even then it's still the best. Here's a better way for me to describe it. Would you take your bike to a big box store for service or your local bike shop? Salsa's Bar and Grill 204 Bobby Jones Expy Augusta, GA 30907-3401 (706) 855-6868 |
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Post by Mark Y on Jun 26, 2009 8:20:10 GMT -5
Monterey's is good if you like Waffle House level Mexican. Check out Salsa's Bar and Grill (better quality food, same price, more variety, nicer wait staff) on Bobby Jones (I-520) at Washington Rd which is closest to FATS. Or, head downtown to Broad Street to Nacho Mama's. A little farther drive than Salsa's, but by far the best in Augusta if the kitchen isn't busy. Even then it's still the best. Here's a better way for me to describe it. Would you take your bike to a big box store for service or your local bike shop? Salsa's Bar and Grill 204 Bobby Jones Expy Augusta, GA 30907-3401 (706) 855-6868 I disagree. For me, there is little difference in Mexican food from one place to another. I guess you have to be a connoisseur to taste the difference. |
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Post by imnav8r on Jun 26, 2009 9:21:59 GMT -5
Nacho Mamas is worth the drive downtown. The beef burritos are better than any place else.
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Post by seenvic on Jun 26, 2009 9:30:25 GMT -5
I find all the "hot plate mexican" places to be about the same.
If they bring you a plate of food, covered in melted cheese and say "be careful, the plate is hot", you are in a hot plate mexican place.
I like Nacho Mamas for Tex Mex cause it's fresh.
I like the little dives that no one speaks english. If they have beed tongue tacos on the menu, it's the real deal. Not saying you have to order one (they're kinda rubbery) and don't tastle like chicken.
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Post by bikerides4u on Jun 26, 2009 10:08:42 GMT -5
Not sure if it's still there ? BUT there is or was a place in the Dairy Queen shopping center ( corner washington and Furys ferry ) that has a mexican market where most mexicans do there real grocery shopping and to the side they have a little restaurant that local mexicans say is the only place to get authentic mexican food .The Chronicle did a mexican tasting to rate the "Best" mexican restaurants and in the article they gave this place hands down 1st place and the survey turned out to be just to determine which mex restuarant would take the 2 nd place . Check out the AugustaChroniclearcives.com
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Post by seenvic on Jun 26, 2009 10:18:59 GMT -5
I think that was called San Jose. I ate there once. High quality. No one spoke english. At these places, if you order a chicken burrito, you will get chicken wrapped in a shell. If you want beans, rice, salsa, etc....you need to say it or point to it.
There are a couple of these places in Aiken I go to on occasion.
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Post by JIMMYC on Jun 26, 2009 13:06:05 GMT -5
Mi RANCHOS, Columbia rd @ Bel Air rd in Martinez. Great wait staff, good food, cold beer reasonable prices.
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Post by brianW on Jun 26, 2009 18:06:55 GMT -5
What? No one suggested Taco Hell.... I mean Bell!  Poblannos is where the family and I go. |
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Post by Mark Y on Jun 26, 2009 21:30:57 GMT -5
What? No one suggested Taco Hell.... I mean Bell! Poblannos is where the family and I go. So far there are 4 or 5 places that people say "is the best" or is "good". Like barbeque, it is more a matter of opinion. My opinion is it all tastes about the same and Taco Bell is as good an option as any; only if they served cold beer. I feel the same about Chinese food. A few months back I was taken to a restaurant close to downtown DC that is supposed to be the pinnacle of Chinese cuisine. They have autographed pictures on the wall of former presidents, foreign dignitaries and other VIP politicians. After dropping $75/head or more on Chinese I said "big whoop"; I would have been as happy with take out from that joint next to Kroger and a six-pack. |
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Post by lush on Jun 26, 2009 23:11:41 GMT -5
Thanks to all, we ended up at Monterey's, thanks to the gps, left super early to avoid the heat, ha ha. We rode all of FATS for a grand total of 40 miles, rode the new two first, then lunch and water at the picnic tables then rode the rest. Awesome trail system, looking forward to returning and hitting up some other mexican restaurants!
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Post by ted on Jun 27, 2009 7:42:06 GMT -5
Sorry to hear about your "Vanilla Tongue Syndrome" Mark Y.  I'd almost be embarrassed to admit you can't tell the difference between "Taco Snail" and the other establishments. At least you're easy to please.  And yes, Lush. Monterey's is a great place. I'm glad you did get other suggestions though. Next time make it a point to go to Nacho Mama's. Being from Athens with Mean Bean and Taco Stand at the ready would make me want something a little better than ordinary. |
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Post by azdrawdy on Jun 27, 2009 8:50:20 GMT -5
Maybe I am in the minority here, but I prefer a Moe's-type place. Moe's or Barberito's. Really have never cared much for the, as BV puts it so eloquently, "hot plate Mexican" joints. Still am not a big fan of Not-Yo-Mamas.  Then again, after living in AZ for over 10 years and vacationing in Mexico, I don't care much for many of the so-called Mexican restaurants around these parts. Have yet to find one that can do a true Chile Relleno. Guess I had better look for one of those hole-in-the-wall places. Never mind. I'll be spending two weeks in AZ this fall... MD |
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