Mountain Biking & Camping In Tsali Recreation Area

First off a special Thanks to Chris Hill for the write up I and promo picture I borrowed and modified!

Nestled on a peninsula extending into Fontana Lake, the Tsali Recreation Area is home to a set of Mountain Biking trails that have at times been rated among the Top 10 in the USA.  Four loops of varying lengths weave along the shoreline and climb the wooded ridgelines.  While the trails are shared with hikers and horses, two trails are open to mountain bikers at all times on a scheduled basis.

The plan is to drive up Friday after work, camp in the Recreation Area (which just happens to be at the trailheads) and ride from our tents or hammocks. The trip leader will leave work early and reserve the camp site/s as they are first come first serve. The trip leader will provide directions to the event and also do his best to arrange carpools between interested individuals. We plan to hit all four loops over the course of the weekend: Left Loop, Right Loop, Thompson Branch, and Mouse Branch; with options to add the three overlook trails.  If you manage to accomplish that goal, plan on riding between 30 and 40 miles over the two days. This event is flexible you can ride as many or as few of the loops as you like. After each loop if you are tired you can rest at camp to read, eat, drink a beverage, or go set down by the lake which is conveniently located near by. While this is not an elite event and you don't need to be able to shred the gnar or get big air this is also not a beginner level trail you do need to know how to ride. I would suggest being confident on trails like Blankets Creek (not just mosquito flats either) and / or Chicopee Woods.

This is car camping, but there are some creature comforts.  Not only are there real bathrooms at this location, there are actual bona fide showers complete with hot water (you just have to keep pushing the buttons)!  Bryson City is within driving distance should you forget something, but your Trip Leader will be cooking at the camp sites and encourage you to do so as well.

Please be sure to check the condition of your bike prior to leaving for the event and perform any needed maintenance then.  You will be responsible for your own on trail bike maintenance, though your Trip Leader and other riders may be willing to offer assistance or advice as needed.

Helmets are required for this event and your Trip Leader reserve the ability to remove you from the event if you don't bring and wear one or if your bike is not ready for a ride of this nature.

This event is rain or shine with in reason. If the weather forecast suggests the trail conditions will not be in good shape for riding I will contact members and cancel.

From Bryson City, NC, follow US 19/74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway) to intersection with NC 28 north. Follow NC 28 north (a 4-lane highway) about 3 miles to the top of the hill and a sign for the Tsali Recreation Area; turn right. Follow the paved road to the campground and trailhead parking lot. (It's a fun twisty, windy road!)

More detailed directions will be provided at the carpool location.

The Trip Leader(s) for this event has (have) elected to personally collect the funds that event participants are required to pay, or to require participants to pay funds directly to a third party.  No funds will be paid to the Atlanta Outdoor Club for this event.  Therefore, by registering for this event, you acknowledge an agree to the following: (1) the monies paid by registrants will not be monitored, managed, or otherwise accounted for by the Atlanta Outdoor Club; (2) that the Atlanta Outdoor Club bears no financial responsibility for this event; and (3) you waive any and all claims against the Atlanta Outdoor Club, and hold the Atlanta Outdoor Club harmless for the loss of any monies you paid for this event.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any paying registrant may request directly from the Trip Leader, prior to the event, a breakdown of the funds collected, estimated expenses, and deposits made in anticipation of the event.  Following the event, the Trip Leader must complete his or her financial accounting for the event, and a paid registrant may request a breakdown of funds collected, money spent and supporting documentation after that time.  If you were unable to obtain requested documentation, please contact the Director of Paid Events.

Listed cost is a maximum.  Final cost will be determined at the campsite based upon group size.  Funds will be collected at the campsite.  Please bring change.

• $2 Rider Fee due each day of riding
• Camping for 2 nights
• Firewood for the campfire.

Cancellations within less than 24 hours an make it difficult for the Trip Leaders to add others in your place.  Please keep this in mind as the weekend approaches.