Mountain biking with an 11 year old in North Carolina

My son and I normally do a week long road cycling trip ride each year with a large group. This year due to weather conditions we are making a last minute change and plan to head to North Carolina for some camping, tubing, rafting and mountain biking. It will be just the two of us. We plan to head to the areas aroung Bryson City and Asheville. We have ridden at Deep Creek in Bryson City and some of the trails around Black Mountain. I am looking for trails that are more on a beginner level for him; don't want to injure or burn him out on the first day. I also do not want to be too remote since we are on our own. Any suggestions would be great!

I know nothing about the area, but have fun! My riding partner is my 13 yo son, and we started mountain biking when he was 11. I have to tell ya, I was in much more danger of burning out than he was! He had to learn a lot of bike handling (as did I!) and he was very conservative about taking risks--wasn't afraid to walk his bike if he felt it too dangerous to ride. I worked at helping him realize that was okay. I mean, I'm his mom, not some rock-hoppin 20-something guy, so his ego was safe with me.

Now that we're roughly the same size (I'm much heaver!), he smokes me up almost all hills, but I smoke him on the downhills. He rarely shifts, just mashes, which I wish he would change, but he's still a kid. He'll learn.

We don't usually go too remote, either. We bike in state or city parks, and we choose the shortest route, and do them twice if we're up to it. I usually take a lot of food, because he might not want just the one thing I brought, and I'd rather he eat than bonk. In New Mexico last year, he had a gastric event and the only place to "go" was behind a tiny tumbleweed along a deserted road. He was so nervous about being seen! But afterwards he was feeling much better and we didn't have to turn back. In other words, bring toilet paper! lol.

He's homeschooled, so we go when the woods are deserted. I feel safer that way for some reason. We often camp alone even when we're not biking, and so we have code words and passwords, too. He's too old to go in the restroom with me anymore! He knows if I say something like, "Dad will be back in a few minutes." that he should just play along, because it means I'm feeling cautious about a certain individual nearby. We have used this a couple of times when he was younger, but now that he's taller than me I haven't had that cautious feeling about anyone all summer.

I try to do a lot of research on where we go, even going as far to look at the trails on Google Earth. I always take a map, and talk to the ranger or employee at the park so they know we're out there.

Remember, if he's not enjoying himself, you don't have to do a whole loop--you can always stop and go back. The trail will be all brand new on the way back.

Have fun! I wish we lived close enough to go with you sometime!
Karen

I am by far an expert of knowledge here but I am sure you will find plenty of trails to keep you busy at 2 different locations near Bryson City:

Tsali

http://www.mtbikewnc.com/trailheads/tsali.html

Fontana

http://www.fontanavillage.com/


Depending on you and your son's ability there are a ton of options...we really do have it all here!!! Enjoy!!!

You might want to read through this guy's blog: http://elwever.blog.com/

He used to be a member of my local mountain biking club, but he moved to Asheville about a year or so ago. He's been posting lots of cool stories and photos of the trails he's been riding down there. He must have an email address posted somewhere, or maybe you could leave a comment on his blog and see if he has any suggestions for you. I've never met him, but he seems like a nice guy.

Karen: Thanks for the pointers - we road bike together and I have learned when he has got to go, he has got to go. The t-p and plenty of food tips are appreciated. He loves camping; I prefer something a bit more comfy, but it is his trip so we will do some campling.

Bouncey - Bouncey - I didn't think of Tsali as an option, then recollected his older brother first riding there when he was about the same age. I also saw the post about the Bicycle Inn in Bakersville and made a call there to learn more.

I have spent the past hour doing some research and see we have lots of options.

We bought some property in Asheville and plan to build on it some time in the future. I 'll have to check in with you on rides in the area.

We have some great options here...from easy to hard with a little of everything in between!!!

Most everything around involves a climb or two which seems to be most kids downfall (most of the easy to moderate trails the youngin's just roll right through)

There is Bent Creek close to downtown Asheville which has camping, lake, and numerous trails dubbed easy by the locals...it is our weekday spot! We can do from 1 hour to 3-4 hours depending on mood and schedule.

If you are looking for more "out in the woods but with conveniences" I would stick to your original plan of Bryson City area...you will be close to hiking, biking, lake, whitewater, and various ammenities if you don't feel like camp food. Also if you are not wanting to "tent" it then look into camping cabins...I know some people who stayed here and said is was nice yet still rugged feeling....

http://www.tumblingwaters.com/

Fontana Village is a bit more crowded (but city it is NOT) it has a lodge, cabins, bike shop, rec room, trails...pretty much all in one spot! You could most likely leave the car in park the whole time!

http://www.fontanavillage.com/

Dupont is also a great area...near Brevard (home of the White Squirrel) it has a "kids trail" which I have yet to check out. If you do look into this area please, PLEASE whatever you do...DO NOT stay at Ultimate Ride Campgrounds...they have not been very friendly from what I have heard ***not personal experience.

Feel free to PM me anytime...I work in front of this glowing box all day so I get emails ALL DAY LONG!!!

have fun planning....

Thanks bouncybouncy -made reservations at Tumbling Waters; going to be 'really roughing it' in a new RV they rent out, will do some tenting in the Black Mountain area so my son will have his tent it time. Tumbling Waters appears to be in the middle of everything we want to do. Most appreciate the info from you.

Have a blast...and be sure to PM me if you have any more questions!

I took my 11 year old to ride the Tsale loops and stayed at the Rosewood Inn. It was nothing fancy, but very clean and affordable. The pool was great and the woman who runs the place is the most pleasant and wonderful person! I have such great memories of that place. There are two loops, Mouse and Thompson that go around Fontana Lake. Have fun!