Local trails for fall riding
Bartram Forest
Named for naturalist Willlam Bartram, Bartram Forest includes over 2,000 acres of woodland maintained by the Georgia Forestry Commission.
A network of forest service roads and “singletrack” trails provide access to native hardwood forests, rows of neatly planted pines and wetland ecosystems. Observant riders will notice deer, turkey and other native species. Many native plants and trees have been labeled with informative plaques, providing reading material for those who prefer amore leisurely pace.
What to Expect:
Bartram’s mix of forest roads and moderate singletrack offer something for everyone. Novices can hone their skills on maintained dirt and gravel roads before moving on to a number of trails with wide, sweeping turns and moderate climbs.
“Bartram is a great trail, especially for beginners or if you want to relax. There aren’t too many technical sections.”
- Noah Fouts
Senior nursing major
Ride Details:
Popular routes include a four-mile road route beginning at the parking lot gate and a one mile trail loop just below the dam. Most roads and trails are loops, so there’s really no “wrong way” to explore Bartram Forest (even for the directionally impaired).
Getting There:
Head south on Highway
112. Turn right on Carl Vinson Road. The Bartram Forest parking lot will be on your left.
Download a trail map at
http://www.oconeeoutfitters.com/bartramforesttrail.htm
Selma Irwin Nature Preserve
The multi-use trail at Selma Irwin Nature Preserve was designed and constructed by local mountain bikers in 2000, in cooperation with the Georgia Forestry Commision.
The rollng topography at “Selma” provides a series of steep climbs and fast descents along 4.5 miles of narrow singletrack. The trail winds through dense hardwood forest and across several creeks.
What to Expect:
Try to avoid amiring the scenery or you’ll be doing so from the ground. Selma’s combination of climbs, switchbacks, rocks, roots and off camber sections are a test of both bike handling skills and cardoivascular fitness. Recent additions include a section of elevated trail, which incorporates the trunk of a fallen tree into the trail surface. Riders should hone their skills elsewhere before attempting some of the most demanding singletrack in the Southeast.
“Selma is an expert trail… definitely a workout.”
-Jafer Beizer
Sophomore exercise science major
Ride Details:
The best ride is counter-clockwise; enter the loop via the trail to the right of the sign.
Getting There:
Take Highway 112 South. Turn right into field across from the Culver Kidd Building. Park in field near trailhead.
Download a trail map at
http://www.oconeeoutfitters.com/selmamap.htm
What You Need:
The Essentials:
-A mountain bike
-A helmet
-water
The Extras:
-Clipless pedals
-Shoes
- Gloves
-Riding attire
(that means Spandex)
What bike do you
need?
If you’re broke:
Borrow One
If you’ve got $$$ left from
your student loan:
Trek 3700 $309.99
www.trekbikes.com
If you’ve got a trust fund:
Moots Cinco $2,850.00
(frame only)
www.moots.com
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 20 2006. Filed under Features.
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