Local Knowledge Needed (Augusta)

[jwalloch]

Hey Everyone -

I will be in Augusta for work on March 20 -21. I was hoping to rent a bike and hit some local trails. I am from the west coast, and have little knowledge of the area.

Here is where I need your help:

1. Does anyone know of a good bike shop where I could rent/demo a higher end full suspension XC bike? (Maybe something with 5" F&R)?

2. Trail Suggestions? Singletrack is preferable, and I would like to ride around 15-20 miles. I have been told FATS is a good place to go. As far as ability, I race a couple of times a year for fun in the sport class and ride 2-4 times a week.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Justin

[ted]

Three local shops in town:
Chain Reaction is the most active in the area regarding participation with the club.
(706-855-2024) contact Phil Cohen
chainreactionbicycles.net/

Andy Jordans (706-724-6777) contact Drew or Nate
andyjordans.com

Aiken Cycle Sport (803-641-0910) contact Shereen
www.aiken-explorer.com/ad-cyclesport.htm

Outspokin Bicycles (706-look-it-up)
www.no-web-site.com

Trails:
1. Go with FATS if open
2. Go with Turkey and Wine for a mellow terrain and 15-20 miles
or
2a. Go with Modoc for more technical challenge 12-15miles
3. Bartram, Keg Creek, or Lick Fork

There are numerous other trails, however, they either are too far away, not as long or challenging, or just plain suck compared to others.

What part of "The West Coast"?

[jwalloch]

Great info - thanks for taking the time to help me out! I am really looking forward to getting to ride out there.

I live in Oakland, CA. The closest rides for me are in the east bay hills, but usually the weekends are spent in Marin County!

[ted]

Marin, awesome!!

5" travel bike is too much for around here. You should look for 3-4" or hardtail as they are more likely to be found at the local shops, but you never know until you call.

Let us know, on this site, closer to the time when you're gonna be here.

[jwalloch]

Hey All,

I will be in town on Wednesday evening and ready to ride Thursday and Friday. I was thinking that I'd hit either Turkey and Wine or Modoc on Thursday and hope that FATS dries out enough for a Friday ride. I spoke with Drew from Andy Jordan's and Phil from Chain Reaction - both great guys and very helpful. I plan on calling them to see if they want to hit the trails. Anyone wanna play hookey from work and go for a ride?

Email me at [e-mail] if you guys are interested.

Again, thanks for all the info - it really was a great help!

Justin

[seenvic]

FATS will be open this Friday and weekend if we don't get the rain called for today.

If we do get it, FATS will be closed Friday for sure.

[quiver]

Looks like the rain is coming for sure... and the CSRA needs it. The lake is still 11 feet low.

[JIMMYC]

Yeah, I have a spot reserved at Petersburg this weekend, I should have a good view of the bank.

[jwalloch]

Hey Guys,

Well the trip was a success. I brought my bike out and my co-workers rented a couple of rides from Phil at Chain Reaction. Jon from Chain Reaction took us out to Keg Creek for a ride on Thursday. Nice ride ... many thanks to Phil, Jon, and the gang at Chain Reaction! Bad news for me was that my knee was acting up again, so no Friday ride. Jimmy, if you're reading this, thanks for the invite. Next time I hope my knee allows me to ride more!

I also met Andy Jordan - really nice guy!

Next time I hope to hit FATS if its open and my knee is healed up.

Thanks again for all the info and help - if anyone makes it out to the SF area, let me know!

Justin

[JIMMYC]

Sounds good, 'til next time then.

Jimmy