A TALE of two cities
By Allison Hancin
TREK THROUGH
MUD-LADEN TRAILS
AT SHERMAN
BRANCH MOUNTAIN
BIKING PARK
Sweat drips down your face as
your breathing quickens. Your
legs burn as you ascend the
first hill. At the crest, grit turns
to thrill. On the way down, you
grip the handlebars, and the
wheels of your bike send mud
slinging.
Sherman Branch Mountain
Biking Park features more
than 10 miles of single-
track trails. Head out on
the Main Trail, which has
riders speeding through
straightaways, gliding on
smooth turns and building
up momentum on moderate
inclines. From there, opt for
the Roller Coaster Trail, which
touts 1.8 miles of heart-
pumping climbs, descents and
hairpin turns. End your ride
on the Big Lake Trail, which
challenges riders with rock
gardens that run along 2.1
miles.
You clear the last turn and
high-five your friends as you
finish a wild ride. Wiping the
traces of kicked-up mud from
your brow, you look back at
the conquered trail beaming
with pride.
To plot your next mountain
biking trek, check out
tarheeltrailblazers.com
CASUAL
BY DAY
PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERMAN BRANCH MOUNTAIN BIKING PARK
62 JUNE 2017