Could someone prioritize my trail list?

[Virginia Bill (fka Jax Bill)]

I am from Jacksonville, FL coming for two days of riding May 25th (my 40th birthday!) and 26th. I am used to doing 50 mile bike rides, like fast flowing cross country single track the best and my favorite trials are:

1. Razorback Mtn Bike Park, Reddick FL (sadly now closed)
2. Tsali in NC
3. San Felasco in Gainesville, FL

I have heard great things about FATS but also in researching found a lot of other what look like great trails up there. I have on my list in order:

1. FATS
2. Long Cane
3. Augusta Canal
4. Modoc
5. Turkey Creek/Wine Creek
6. Baker Creek
7. Hickory Knob
8. Keg Creek

If I don't fall over doing those, might squeeze in Horn Creek trail.

My question is, is this the right priority for two days of riding or should I reorder in case I don't get to all? Would you drop one or more and do more than one loop at FATS?

Also, anyone want to join me for this adventure? - have not yet found anyone to sign up with me yet.

Bill from Jacksonville

[ted]

Bill,
1. FATS (3-5 hrs if you ride all)
2. Modoc (1-2 hrs)
3. Horn Creek/Lick Fork
4. Bartram (not very challenging but fun and fast)
5. Keg Creek (A little more challenging than Bartram and close by)
6. Hickory Knob or Baker Creek (HK probably in better condition and more fun. The only drawback is they are both 1 hr from Augusta but they do have camping facilities at both and cabins at HKSP)

It's doubtful if you can ride all in 2 days (not that it can't be done).
I listed them in order of proximity to Augusta and degree of difficulty.
As far as the Canal, fun but don't waste your time until you've ridden the others first.
Wine/Turkey are too overgrown to ride and enjoy.

I hope this helps. Definitely do #1 (FATS if nothing else) and #6(HKSP) and you won't be disappointed.

[Virginia Bill (fka Jax Bill)]

Ted,
Thanks for the info - that helps a lot. Driving is no problem as I am used to that here in Florida - its 1.5 hours to the nearest good trail from my house. You are do fortunate to have nearby trails. Hopefully it won't rain...
Bill

[brianW]

I would spend one whole day at FATS. Ride the loops and if you want more ride them going the opposite direction.

[jtaylor]

I've got to put my 2 cents in:
1. FATS- ride all 4 loops in order (DS, GW, bottom side of Sk, BW- look at the map) counter clockwise. If you need more, ride GW and DS clockwise.
2. Long Cane- I was there 2 weeks ago and it offers lots of the "fast, flowing" you're looking for. You need to talk to someone about finding the trail, etc. Keep us posted on your schedule and I or someone will meet you to discuss.
3. Hickory Knob (7 mile loop, do it both directions) then go to
4. Baker Creek (10 mile loop, I think cw is more fun)
5. Modoc is fun/technical, but not fast/flowing and has lots of trees down right now. Watch this site for updates in case it gets cleaned up by the elfs.
6. If you need more trails, you are Superman! next choice is Keg Creek- mostly flat, has some nice scenery.
7. there are yet more choices! are we spoiled or what? Bartram, Mistletoe State Park, ORA, Turkey Creek. Only reason to elaborate is in case FATS is wet, which may be the case since it is the newest trail. We'll add more as we see what the weather is.

[lynne]

This is just the thread I needed. I am also going to be visiting the area from Jupiter, Florida and like the same type of riding. I enjoyed the Tour de Felasco 50 mile route and the Croom 35/50 (well 40 miles of it anyway until a stick viciously attacked my derailleur. I would love to find people to ride with in SC. One warning: I am not very speedy. I'm more of a tourist than a competitor.

I am camping at Baker Creek next Friday 5/23 and Saturday 5/24. After reading everyone's advise, my plan so far is to ride Baker Creek Friday, FATS on Saturday, and Hickory Knob and maybe also Long Cane on Sunday. The website www.greenwoodmtb.com posts that there is a group ride at 2 every Sunday at Long cane.

I'd appreciate company -- my email is [e-mail].

[wooglin]

Wine/Turkey/Modoc can be connected into a 50 mile out and back using gravel and pavement. There's a map and cue sheet on another thread for that but I can't find it. Also, Hickory Knob/Baker Creek can be connected with pavement for another 50 mile day.

[azdrawdy]

May 17, 2008 19:58:20 GMT -5 lynne said:

I am camping at Baker Creek next Friday 5/23 and Saturday 5/24. After reading everyone's advise, my plan so far is to ride Baker Creek Friday, FATS on Saturday, and Hickory Knob and maybe also Long Cane on Sunday. The website www.greenwoodmtb.com posts that there is a group ride at 2 every Sunday at Long cane.

I'd appreciate company -- my email is [e-mail].

My wife and I are camping Thursday through Monday at Hickory Knob State Park, and are bringing road and mountain bikes. Baker Creek is a must since you are camped there, but Hickory Knob is more fun, and is only five minutes from your campsite.

We planned on riding HKSP, BCSP and probably LCHT (Long Cane). We'll be in touch via email.

Michael

[Virginia Bill (fka Jax Bill)]

I'm staying at the Hampton Inn Washington Road/I-20 Friday night and Saturday night after coming over from a couple of days in Conyers. Michael or Lynne I would not mind riding with you except I probably will do FATS first Saturday and then Long Cane Monday. Lynne, I also have done the Tour de Felasco, Ididaride and Croom rides the last several years as well as the 12 hours of Razorback 05 to 07 but skipped it this year since it moved to Santos. I have a friend from Jax who is supposed to join me and may have another from Atlanta come over but will go solo in any case. My e-mail is [e-mail] if you want to send your itinerary.

Bill

[Virginia Bill (fka Jax Bill)]

Thanks everyone for their advice. Sunday for my 40th birthday I did a full loop CCW as recommended then went to Long Cane and met Ashbey Stokes and his brother for a 21 mile ride and then did 15 miles at HKSP (62 miles of pure fun). I loved FATS so much I went back Monday and did a loop CW and then did two more loops of Brown Wave and Deep Step for 54 miles. My favorites are BW CW and DS CCW. I can't wait to come back up again and do FATS especally to ride the two new loops and Long Cane. I actully did this after 71 miles of riding Friday and Saturday on various trails around Atlanta/Macon/Athens but I much prefer FATS and Long Cane. Its well worth the drive from Jacksonville and I will be back.

[dgaddis1]

Wow, that's a lot of riding! Glad you had a good time. You should come back when we have the IMBA Epic weekend. (Sept. I believe)

[michael]

when are they gonna do a work party to fix hk back up after we messed it up at the bakers dozen?

[azdrawdy]

May 28, 2008 14:27:50 GMT -5 michael said:

when are they gonna do a work party to fix hk back up after we messed it up at the bakers dozen?

There's nothing wrong with HKSP. We rode the Lakeview Loop several times this past weekend, and the Turkey Ridge Loop. There are a couple of spots that could be smoothed over with a McLeod, but the trail is in about as good a shape as it ever has been. The hours and hours put in by the volunteers to clean the dips before the BD08 made a tremendous difference.

Lynne (the lady from FL) absolutely loved the trail, at least until she exploded the rear triangle on her 29er GF and had to walk out. Paul's shortcuts made that an easy task though.

[oddcouple]

GF CF?

[Virginia Bill (fka Jax Bill)]

I also would agree - the HK trail was in fine shape in my opinion. I also will watch the website for the IMBA Epic.

[michael]

ok good bc i really wanna go ride and find out what my fastest time is after soooo much training i've done after the bakers dozen. Michael stan hurt his back the other day thae day after u seen us at long cane he's out for a week.