Dirt Divas coming to FATS

[konagirl]

Hey guys and girls!

The Dirt Divas - a women's mountain biking club from Charlotte - are planning a day trip to FATS on Sat. Aug. 15th. I'm expecting a good turnout (as I've talked up FATS a lot in the past few years) and I've ridden FATS several times but I'm afraid I won't be able to lead all the groups around the trails. I was wondering if any of you FATS veterans would like to spend a day on the trails with the Divas and show us your wonderful trail system.

We usually break into groups for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders and most likely we will have some for each group. There will be both men and women riding this day.

The plan is to get to the trail head around 10:30 and hopefully riding by 11. The intermediate/advanced group will probably do at least 4 of the trails. The beginner group is likely to do 2 - preferably the easiest of the 6.

If you are interested please post up here or you can email me at [e-mail]

We would really appreciate any trail guidance you can provide.

Of course this is all contingent on the weather and if the trails are dry enough.

Thanks,
Melissa

[imnav8r]

I'd be happy to lead the beginner group around a couple of the easier loops if you'd like. I'm sure some of the other patrollers would be happy to help out too, if you need us.

One thing to consider...I know you are travelling from Charlotte, but if you can get here earlier in the morning, you'll be able to get in some good riding before it heats up later in the day. Just bring lots of water whatever you decide.

Be safe!

[yetichick]

Wish I was available. Saturday is our monthly Ladies Ride at the Bartram Trail. Since I lead that ride, I won't be able to head out to FATS. My husband is out of town all weekend, so he won't be able to help out either. I hope some others are available. Enjoy your trip down and the FATS trail!

Barbara

[konagirl]

Thanks "imnav8r" - we would appreciate your help. So far not too many beginners have signed up but the week is still young. Would you mind pming me your cell phone # so we can keep in contact sat. morning? Our members don't like to get up too early but I can always suggest an earlier departure time - I'll let you know.

I saw that ride posted on the front page - I hate the two conflict with each other - it would have been great to ride with you and your group - maybe next time.

[imnav8r]

Roger.

[konagirl]

I know there is map under the trails tab but is there a better map of FATS available somewhere?

[imnav8r]

Here is a more recent map showing all six loops.

www.sctrails.net/Trails/MAPS/FATS.gif


Description: A series of loops through a thickly forested area provide a great hiking or mountain bike experience for all levels of hikers and riders. You can get a feel of the mountains where some of the higher elevations provide panoramic views and the thick vegetation provides a home for many birds and animals.

Although it is hilly, you aren’t going to find many climbs that require a lot of effort or dismounts. For experienced riders, there are many sections where you have a choice of just rolling through, or going to one side to jump, and sections of ripples where you can also roll through or get air between them. The Great Wall offers a more of a challenge for experienced riders and may be difficult for beginners in places. Do NOT ride or walk around areas where the trail bed has been stabilized by rock.

After heavy rain sections may be closed. To check on other closings especially during October: www.sorbacsra.org/

Length: Great Wall 7.5 miles, Skinny Loop 6.0 miles, Brown Wave 5.8 miles, Deep Step 5.0 miles, Tower 3.8 miles, and Big Rock 4.0 miles. Connector trails are another 3.0 miles and part of them are on paved and gravel roads.

Fees: No fee at this time.

Directions: From McCormick: drive south on US221/SC28 for approximately 23.0 miles and turn left onto Woodlawn Road (McCormick County S-33-204). The parking area is on the right just beyond the junction with Deep Step Road (S-33-53).

From I-20 Exit 1 (North Augusta): Drive north on SC 230 for approximately 5.5 miles and turn left onto Woodlawn Road (S-19-53). The parking area is 3.8 miles on the left.

From Augusta: Drive north on SC 28 for approximately 8.5 miles and turn right onto Hopewell Church Road/Deep Step Road (S-33-112). Drive 3.3 miles and turn right onto Woodlawn Road and the parking area is on the right.

Hours: All hours.

Camping: No camping.

Information: Sumter National Forest, Long Cane Ranger District, Long Cane Rd., 810 Buncombe St., Edgefield, SC, 29824, Telephone: [phone]

[imnav8r]

It was a real pleasure to meet all of your group from Charlotte at FATS this past Saturday. I hope you all enjoyed the trails and that you'll come back and ride them again. The three beginners I led around Skinny: Erica, Heather, and Patricia did great on our ride. I hope the three of you had as much fun as I did. Good Luck, take care, and I hope to see you all again soon!

Be safe!