IMBA Epic ride of DuPont and thrilling ride in Pisgah - tent or cabin camp

Your TLs have been here many times and have used the campground a few times too.  This area seems to stay 5-10 degrees cooler than anything in N. GA and we anticipate temps in the high 70’s or low 80’s.  Terrific temps to ride and camp! 

TRAIL

We’ll ride the entire 35 or so miles to complete a loop (see map).  Expect to take many water breaks to chill and observe the waterfalls with one extended stop for lunch.  Saddle and break time will be six to seven hours.  We’ll ride a modified version of the original IMBA EPIC.

Although DuPont is primarily flow trail with very manageable climbs and with minimal rock gardens and TTFs, we will be riding a long time.  Keep in mind mileage, difficulty and saddle time if you register.  This is a DROP ride.  You should feel comfortable on trail systems such as the Bull/Jake, multiple laps at Conyers, and/or 5 Points.

https://mapstore.avenza.com/public/103395/

http://www.pisgahareasorba.org/2010/04/dsf-no-poach-imba-epic-ride-revisited/

CAMPGROUND

Privately owned but you aren’t on top of each other as some private campgrounds do to maximize profit.  This place is set-up similar to a state park but with one glaring exception – an adult only area.  Full bathhouse within walking distance.  Electric in certain sites too.  You should be able to place two (2) person tents on one site.  Your TLs plan to do so.  Having attempted to coordinate this facet on previous trips the TLs are leaving your camping arrangements up to you.  Contact other participants if you wish to split a tent site.  Another option is to get a cabin.  The price isn't much more than a tent site, check 'em out.  Cars are parked within 20' of tent sites.

http://www.blackforestcampground.com/

ITINERARY

Arrive Friday evening to camp.  Saturday morning we will eat on-site but not at the tent area.  The owners cook an awesome breakfast (Only Pancakes offfered $6.00).  Since we don’t have to beat the heat we’ll load gear for the long ride and head the few miles to the trail head shortly after breakfast.  They take cards but prefer cash.  Vegan options exist too but let 'em knoow beforehand.

After the ride we’ll return to the campground.  Bike washes are available.  Your TLs plan to chill around a fire and cook dinner at the site.  Sunday morning we’ll repeat Sat. and head to the mess hall for grub.  We’ll return to the camp site, break camp and load up for the short ride in Pisgah (about 12 miles) before heading home.  We'll have a few Sun. ride options and will get a group idea of what degree of difficulty (not going to kill it) to ride.  We can drop a car too for those that need to depart early.  Side note – after Sunday’s ride the TLs will stop at Pisgah Brewing for food and suds.

HISTORY OF TRAILS

If you look at the map and the planned ride, you’ll see so many trails your head will spin.  As volunteers assembled and the park formed, a city planner and historian or something of the sort named the trails.  They weren’t as outdoors minded as you quickly notice from the 90 trail names.  Every slight change in the trail warranted a new name, similar to street names on a city map.  Your TLs have the $5 water resistant map and HIGHLY ADVISE you to get a copy.  

ETHICS

We ride in a drizzle and never on soaked trails.  Moist soil/trails are OK and in fact, preferred by many riders.

http://www.blackforestcampground.com/directions.htm

BETTER HALF

Our better halfs don’t mountain bike and at press time, we aren’t sure if they will join us to camp and hike or remain in the kitchen (oops) Atlanta.  If you have a similar arrangement perhaps a few of the non-riders will attend and hike or hang around camp and read, etc.  Since you are paying for your tent, it is your option to bring ‘em or leave ‘em home.

FOOD

Your TLs plan:

FRI and SAT dinner at camp site

SAT lunch while on ride

SAT and SUN breakfast at "mess hall"

SUN lunch after ride at brew pub

DOGS

Leased dogs are allowed at the campground but not on the ride.

No payment to the AOC but camps sites and cabins range from $15/day (if you split with another AOC member) to $55.

http://www.blackforestcampground.com/RATES.htm