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18 DRY, wild, and spirited women geared up for adventure. Photo: Susan Brock
On a cold, rainy weekend in December, Mulberry Gap held a Wild Women’s Winter Takeover. We brought positive energy, our bikes, and holiday costumes and took over the trails, the barn, the clown bikes, and of course, the hot tubs.
It had rained the night before, so we expected wet conditions on the trail. Photo: Susan BrockThe plan for the day was to shuttle up and ride Bear Creek, P1, and P2 trails.
New mother, Terry, was stoked to hit the gravel roads in her holiday costume.
It started to rain during the shuttle ride up but we were committed, at least to riding the Bear Creek trail. Within minutes of starting the descent we were all soaked and the rain didn’t stop. Here, Bridget L comes down the doubletrack right before the trail turns into singletrack.After dropping nearly 1000ft in the rain, we were freezing but still smiling. Photo: Terri WattsShould we keep going? Aimee (purple jacket) is down for more and Cherie (blue jacket) seems to be thinking, “Heck yeah, I came to ride.”Onward on Pinhoti 1.Terri getting rad in the rain.
Made it through the creek crossings. Drink, eat, ride, repeat. Photo: Terri Watts
Flying down Pinhoti 2, which was the slickest (and funnest!) of all trails that day.
Covered in mud–front to back, head to toe, and saddle to bottom bracket. Photos (clockwise from top): Leah Barber, Terri Watts, Aimee Murphy.Erika’s Yeti breathes a sigh of relief after getting that top layer of mud off.
Women’s events are a fun way to connect with old and new friends. Aimee and I haven’t ridden together in years, but we became quick riding buddies after each having our first child.
Ellijay, home of some of the best mountain bike trails in Georgia, is a go-to spot for mountain bikers in the southeast. Mulberry Gap makes the perfect basecamp to ride parts of the epic Pinhoti trail and the Bear Creek trail. Here, you’ll find cabins and campsites, on-site meals, and a gear shop in the quiet seclusion of the North Georgia mountains. Mountain biking in this area since college, I’ve always imagined Mulberry Gap as a resting place as calming as its surroundings. But add in a large group of women and suddenly that all changes.
Wine + beer + women in costume = unforgettable memories
The lovely ladies of Athen’s 706 Project spreading the Christmas (Story) cheer. Photo: Aimee Murphy
Missy P, Bell Joy Ride Ambassador, made sure no one went home empty-handed!The home-cooked meals at Mulberry Gap are always served with love.The barn was the perfect space to gather, warm up, and play games. Cards Against Humanity, anyone?Ciders represented. Equal opportunity alcohol.
Ladies, come to Mulberry Gap and do what you want!
Sure, mountain bikers come from all over to Mulberry Gap to restore and replenish after riding the best trails in Georgia. But the place really comes to life during group events. So bring your friends, or come make new ones. Mulberry Gap has a seasonal closing during January and February but hosts mountain bike skills clinics and fun events throughout the year like the New Year’s Day Ride, Trans North Georgia Ride, Singlespeed Smackdown, and a brand new Singletracks event coming this spring!
