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Author:
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Mike T
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Date:
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12 Aug 2007 9:50:45 AM
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Activity:
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Mountain Biking
ActivitySearchMountainBiking
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State:
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North Carolina (NC)
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Distance:
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9.18 mi
(Change units)
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Calories:
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1002
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Average Speed:
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7.7 mph
0:07:45/mi
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Duration:
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Total: 1:24:22
Active: 1:11:16
Resting: 0:13:06
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Elevation:
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Total Gain: 1049 ft
Total Loss: 1049 ft
Net Change: 1 ft
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Difficulty:
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5 / 10
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Tags:
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Charlotte, North Carolina
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Rating:
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Unrated
Rate it
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This is one of the fastest mountain bike courses in the Charlotte area. It’s about 11.2 miles long (my Garmin is a bit off) if you do both of the optional loops and is suitable for all levels of riders. You can fly around many of the corners because they are banked like a NASCAR track. This a fantastic route for single-speeders; I probably see more of them here than I do geared bikes. The roller coaster loop is a blast: it probably has the most elevation change, but the whoop-de-doos can make you feel woozy, so consider a stomach-friendly pre-ride snack. The trail crosses a fire road that leads to the parking lot many times, making it easy to bail out if needed. Night riding is not allowed; the locals might just call the cops if you try. The place is very busy on the weekends, don’t be surprised if the parking is packed. The trail was built and is maintained by the Tarheel Trailblazers; check out their website for directions to the trailhead, trail reviews, and other trails in the area. Clubs like this one do a lot to maintain local mountain bike trails, so if you ride and enjoy the trails on a regular basis, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing to join up and support the cause!
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
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Charlotte, North Carolina: Sherman Branch
| Dist: 9.18 mi |
Points: 1155 |
Calories: 1002 |
| Time: 1:24:22 |
Speed: 7.7 mph |
Pace: 7:45 / mi |
Photo 12
Location: Unknown
Signage
Photo 6
Location: Unknown
Part of why this is called the roller coaster loop.
Photo 8
Location: Unknown
Signage
Photo 1
Location: Unknown
Nice bridge. Not sure but I think Charlotte Parks built this one.
End of the loop
Location: 35.238136°, -80.632857°
The end. Go straight to do another lap or left to exit to parking lot.
High banks
Location: 35.239731°, -80.638608°
One of many banked turns. This place is fast.
Bamboo Forest
Location: 35.240809°, -80.636218°
A little bamboo forest.
Lake
Location: 35.244690°, -80.640056°
More like a big pond.
Parking Lot
Location: 35.237523°, -80.632374°
My GPS always measures the distance low on my mountain bike. 10.49 on the Cateye and 9.19 on the Garmin.
Take it easy approaching the lot, it is easy to miss.
Vine covered silo
Location: 35.238916°, -80.637868°
This vine covered silo marks the split of the main trail and the Roller Coaster loop.
Trail splits here. Optional Roller Coaster Loop is to the left, main loop to the right.
Avoid the mud
Location: 35.239731°, -80.638983°
One way to get through areas that are constantly wet in winter.
There is no mud now, we are in a major drought, but that will all change this winter.
Parking Lot
Location: 35.237523°, -80.632374°
You could say it was hot, humid and dusty.
Take it easy approaching the lot, it is easy to miss.
Skinny
Location: 35.239783°, -80.634670°
Just in case you want a little more challenge.
A little help from the Boy Scouts.
Location: 35.241808°, -80.634027°
Original bridge on the right, new one built by the Boy Scouts on the left. Notice the use of the truck ramp on the old bridge.
Parking Lot
Location: 35.237523°, -80.632374°
Porta-John in the parking lot.
Take it easy approaching the lot, it is easy to miss.
Lake Loop
Location: 35.242228°, -80.637267°
Signage
I think it is a Studebaker
Location: 35.239748°, -80.638436°
It's seen better days...
Parking Lot
Location: 35.237523°, -80.632374°
The Map. The trail crosses the fireroad (in blue) several times, making it easy to bail out if you need to.
Take it easy approaching the lot, it is easy to miss.
Vine covered silo
Location: 35.238916°, -80.637868°
Signage
Trail splits here. Optional Roller Coaster Loop is to the left, main loop to the right.
Rock Garden
Location: 35.239398°, -80.636205°
Rock Garden
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