Mountain biking with an 11 year old in North Carolina

[kabewyou]

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.

[bouncybouncy]

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....

[kabewyou]

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.

[bouncybouncy]

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

[IntenseRide]

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!