Ride Like a Local is a podcast and article series dedicated to exploring the best mountain bike destinations in the world through the eyes of the riders who call these places home. We’ll find out about the must ride trails and the groups that maintain them, and also where to find pizza and beer after the ride.
Todd Branham had lived, worked, and played in the Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina for 22 years. He’s a professional trail builder and also directs the Pisgah Stage race, a 5-day, fully-supported mountain bike race that showcases 140 miles of the best singletrack in the forest.
In this episode, we ask:
- How did you end up in western North Carolina?
- What makes Pisgah National Forest and the surrounding area stand out among mountain bike destinations?
- For someone visiting for the first time, what are 2 or 3 must ride trails or trail systems?
- Are there any family-friendly rides?
- Which trails are the most challenging?
- Who builds and maintains the trails in your area?
- Are there tour operators or clubs visitors can connect with if they want to ride with locals?
- Where can visitors rent decent mountain bikes for the day or even for the week?
- Where do people hang out after the ride? Are there any bars or breweries that tend to attract mountain bikers?
- Do many visitors choose to camp when visiting Pisgah? For those who prefer a dry bed at night, where else can folks stay?
- What is the best time of year to visit?
- MTB races and festivals seem to be a big draw for visitors. Tell us about some of the races you help organize during the year.
- Are there plans to expand or improve trails in the area?
- Is there anything else mountain bikers need to know before visiting Pisgah National Forest?
Get more info about events at BlueRidgeAdventures.net and also visit the National Forest service website to learn more about the Pisgah National Forest.
This episode is sponsored by Gloworm Lites.
Gloworm is a mountain bike light brand founded almost a decade ago by two mountain bikers in New Zealand, and today the company offers some of the highest quality bike lights on the market – Including Bluetooth control and complete customisation through their app. Gloworm’s complete line of lights start at 1200 lumens and range up to a blinding 3600 lumens, all at reasonable prices.
Save 15% off all light systems on the Gloworm website with the coupon code SINGLETRACKS2021. Shop for lights at glowormlites.co.nz
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I go down twice a year from Northern Ohio to ride Pisgah and DuPont! If I was closer I’d be there more often. Great conversation on this podcast – thanks!
Pisgah is awesome. Granted it is not the same experience as say Moab but, there are volumes of diverse trails in the forest and all around the Blue Ridge mountains from Tennessee to Virginia.