Awesome video. We've ridden the main loop, but not the connector trails, which is totally doable for someone with lesser skills than yourself. I rode it on a hardtail and found myself wishing for full-suspension as the trail is pretty rooty, in sections. For people who don't mind a little stop and hike, it worth noting that Cove Creek Falls is a short (but steep) hike off the trail. IMO, very worth the detour.
@@DrJMTB Skipped the connector - after riding a couple hundred yrds. It was completely rutted. Climbed the rest to the top of Cove and bombed down. Really fun!
I'd say you should be able to knock this one out in a few hours if the initial fire road climb can be done with moderate ease for you. It's a really fun but not over-the-top long ride!
I did this exact loop this afternoon 04/02/2022. However, the “scenic bridge” near the campground was not there. I had to traverse the River using rocks and a 2x8 between them. Doing this while holding my bike above the water and current was treacherous to say the least. But I do see where they are building a bridge so in the near future crossing the River should be easy to do. Nice loop. I enjoyed it except for the River crossing! Thanks for the great videos.
Same! You ever hit Bennett Gap? I hit it one time, and I feel like it was a longer version of the Cove Creek Connector you're referring to. Full Black Mt DH is a super fun tech decent as well.
Thanks for watching! I'd hate to say for sure as we stopped several times for the video and to re-ride some of the sections, but I'd say someone in good shape could knock it out in 1 1/2 hours no problem.
There would hardly be a better rig for the area IMO. ruclips.net/video/8rWms_8LxFs/видео.html just in case you haven't seen it. I don't think you'd be disappointed at all.
Awesome video. We've ridden the main loop, but not the connector trails, which is totally doable for someone with lesser skills than yourself. I rode it on a hardtail and found myself wishing for full-suspension as the trail is pretty rooty, in sections. For people who don't mind a little stop and hike, it worth noting that Cove Creek Falls is a short (but steep) hike off the trail. IMO, very worth the detour.
Yes it is a very nice waterfall and I'd say most people that are capable of this ride would be more than capable of hiking down to it.
@@DrJMTB For sure! But some may not want to break up the flow of the downhill. LOL
Great trail. Rode this trail on Sunday! Used this video as reference. Thanks!
👊🏼👊🏼 glad you enjoyed it!
@@DrJMTB Skipped the connector - after riding a couple hundred yrds. It was completely rutted. Climbed the rest to the top of Cove and bombed down. Really fun!
@@coryliverman We rode the connector 3 weeks ago and it was definitely rougher in places than it was when I did this video.
Cool navigation video. I'll have to check it out when I move out there next year.
how long would this whole thing take for a noob technical rider but sorta fit ?? easy to moderate?
I'd say you should be able to knock this one out in a few hours if the initial fire road climb can be done with moderate ease for you. It's a really fun but not over-the-top long ride!
Have you done Trace Ridge and Spencer Branch?
No I haven't
I did this exact loop this afternoon 04/02/2022. However, the “scenic bridge” near the campground was not there. I had to traverse the River using rocks and a 2x8 between them. Doing this while holding my bike above the water and current was treacherous to say the least. But I do see where they are building a bridge so in the near future crossing the River should be easy to do. Nice loop. I enjoyed it except for the River crossing! Thanks for the great videos.
I was there this past week and definitely missed the bridge! Still one of my favorite routes though.
I like that chunky dh section toward the beginning. As much as I like to flow and stuff, tech descents are really fun.
Same! You ever hit Bennett Gap? I hit it one time, and I feel like it was a longer version of the Cove Creek Connector you're referring to. Full Black Mt DH is a super fun tech decent as well.
I enjoyed it. How long did your whole ride actually take in real time? I liked how you give directions. Very helpful.
Thanks for watching! I'd hate to say for sure as we stopped several times for the video and to re-ride some of the sections, but I'd say someone in good shape could knock it out in 1 1/2 hours no problem.
Love to the the GPX for that ride. Trying to piece together the loop. Thx
Cove Creek Connector short DH: 1:41, the reason you want to ride this trail (Cove Creek DH): 6:42
hey its owen hamilton
Do you think your 2020 Hightower is good for most of NC mtb? I just moved out here and sold my MTB before I moved. Looking to get a bike again
There would hardly be a better rig for the area IMO. ruclips.net/video/8rWms_8LxFs/видео.html just in case you haven't seen it. I don't think you'd be disappointed at all.
Dr. J MTB thanks I hadn’t seen it yet. Quite the set up you have! Maybe I’ll see you out there one day