REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Bear Creek. Safe to ride solo?

1787 Views 24 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Jim311, Jul 26, 2006

Oregon

Discussion Starter · Jun 30, 2006

I'm visiting my parents in Marietta in a couple of weeks. We have family in Ellijay, but I've never ridden up there. I'm an intermediate rider, and I'd like to ride Bear Creek. Is it safe to ride alone with a cell phone--assuming I have reception? I'm looking at an early morning, mid-week ride.

Other suggestions? Mom and Dad live minutes from Blankets Creek which I've ridden several times in the last few years. I'm looking to stay somewhat on the northwest side of town.

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blackagness

· #2 · Jun 30, 2006

Oregon said:
I'm visiting my parents in Marietta in a couple of weeks. We have family in Ellijay, but I've never ridden up there. I'm an intermediate rider, and I'd like to ride Bear Creek. Is it safe to ride alone with a cell phone--assuming I have reception? I'm looking at an early morning, mid-week ride.

Other suggestions? Mom and Dad live minutes from Blankets Creek which I've ridden several times in the last few years. I'm looking to stay somewhat on the northwest side of town.

I wouldn't. To me Bear Creek is better done with others. Depending on how you ride that traile can get a little serious in places.

Mainly due to the high speeds that can be reached there IMO...

wooglin

· #3 · Jun 30, 2006

Know your limits and stay within them and you'll be fine. Same as anywhere else. That doesn't mean bad things won't happen, but that bad things can happen anywhere at any time. I certainly wouldn't let that stop me from riding.

Wolfie1992

· #4 · Jun 30, 2006

I've ridden Bear reek solo twice

I've ridden bear creek solo a couple of times. Had a great time, especially on the downhill back to the car. Take care and enjoy your vist to GA.

:thumbsup:

Acme54321

· #5 · Jul 6, 2006

I've done it solo many times. If you go up there on a Saturday or Sunday morning there will be other people on the trail too so if something does happen (crash and burn) somebody will come up on you in a few minutes.

number2

· #6 · Jul 6, 2006

Call Chuck at Cartecay Bike shop he will go riding with you.

Cyclopod

· #7 · Jul 6, 2006

Hey Oregon, when exactly are you heading out that way. I'll be in the area in a little over a week, first timer myself.

Oregon

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jul 6, 2006

I'll be there July 16th through the 21st.

Cyclopod

· #9 · Jul 6, 2006

Oregon said:
I'll be there July 16th through the 21st.

We're arriving at Fort Mountain on the 16th and will be staying until either 19th or 20 (gotta check with the wife). I wouldn't mind some company on these trails (wife not ready for these trails). Email me at cuadraae#yahoo.com (# = @) I've got good recommendations for other trails.

ChipV

· #10 · Jul 17, 2006

if you are in decent shape and are anything more than a rank beginner, it is plenty safe. Bear Creek is FAR from being a difficult trail.

Acme54321

· #11 · Jul 19, 2006

I plan on riding Bear Creek this Thursday. Done it solo before so it doesn't really bother me but if anyone wants to ride with me that would be cool.

Oregon

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 19, 2006

Rode Pinhoti tonight with the Cartecay Bikes guys and girls and Cyclopod. Great to meet everyone and what a great trail! This flatlander from Texas even survived the 2.5 mile climb up to the singletrack. Going back for more Thursday.

Cyclopod

· #13 · Jul 25, 2006 (Edited)

Georgia was a lot of fun

We had an awesome time in GA. Stayed in a great cabin at Fort Mountain, did a quite a bit of hiking and even saw a black bear. That was so cool, and my heart was pounding! I had planned several days of mountain biking, unfortunately the swingarm broke on my bike going down the new "Pinhote trail" in Ellijay (not the one in east GA) and cut back my riding days to just one (Titus is shipping a replacement under warrenty, as we speak). Even broken, the bike handled great and I was going down some of the slopes at what must have been over 20 mph with a bunch of hops on the way down (mind you I was taking it slow). Anyway, everyone was cool and Cartecay Bike shop rules.

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Oregon

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jul 25, 2006 (Edited)

Thanks for posting up the picture. I was bummed you cracked your swingarm, but I'm really glad the warranty will take care of it.

I think braking on that trail was more about controlling your out of control speed. What a rush!

We rode Pinhoti again on Thursday except we parked at the top so the climb up FS90 was the last thing we did. I was amazed I survived it a second time.

The crew from Cartecay Bikes was just great. Strangers at 5:30. Riding buddies by 8.

I found myself longing for the North Georgia trails sitting in my office here in Texas today. Tomorrow is our Tuesday night ride on a trail that gains all of 6 feet in elevation!

bob

· #15 · Jul 25, 2006 (Edited)

double post, oops

bob

· #16 · Jul 25, 2006

I was just up that way two weeks ago and did Bear Creek twice solo. What a rush the downhill is from the trail head. I should have followed the riding directions from Cartecay Bikes but instead I parked at the upper trail head and did a counter clock wise loop. The climbing on the back half killed me but the DH was complete Zen.

Props to Mike at Cartecay Bikes. I got up to Ellijay and realized I had forgotten all my shorts and jerseys. Called the shop on a Sunday morning and Mike just happened to be there even though it's closed on Sundays. He doesn't know me from squat but said come back later in the day and I could get what I needed. Nice guy, very helpfull and a nice shop.

Cyclopod

· #17 · Jul 25, 2006

bob said:
I was just up that way two weeks ago and did Bear Creek twice solo. What a rush the downhill is from the trail head. I should have followed the riding directions from Cartecay Bikes but instead I parked at the upper trail head and did a counter clock wise loop. The climbing on the back half killed me but the DH was complete Zen.

Props to Mike at Cartecay Bikes. I got up to Ellijay and realized I had forgotten all my shorts and jerseys. Called the shop on a Sunday morning and Mike just happened to be there even though it's closed on Sundays. He doesn't know me from squat but said come back later in the day and I could get what I needed. Nice guy, very helpfull and a nice shop.

Same here. My first time in Ellijay and only for a few days, but when my frame broke, Mike was ready to put me on a classic Ventana (sweet frame). I decided not to take it because I wasn't keen on getting used to a different bike on a challenging trail. Besides, I decided to spend more quality time with the wife.

Jim311

· #18 · Jul 25, 2006

Ernie, maybe your wife sabbotaged your swingarm? :cornut:

Cyclopod

· #19 · Jul 25, 2006

Jim311 said:
Ernie, maybe your wife sabbotaged your swingarm? :cornut:

:shocked:

:madmax: That's it she's dead!!! :madmax:

Lucky for her she's in NYC

Jim311

· #20 · Jul 25, 2006

Doesn't seem like there's been much riding lately around here. I wanna ride somewhere this weekend. Possibly riding at San Felasco tomorrow night..

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