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Guess not too many folks use these.Well I picked some up and heres a few thoughts for anyone else considering them:
Pros: Very easy to install. Very sturdy. Holds the bikes in place solidly. Very little travel noise, even at speed.
I had read that the length of the rack can prevent you from opening the rear hatch fully, but it was not a problem on my Outback – there was only about 1mm to spare, but it cleared.
Cons: Im about 6′ 1". It takes every bit of stretch I’ve got to hoist the bike up there. Would probably be easier on a sedan or something a bit lower, but on newer outbacks, it takes some effort. If I was an inch shorter, Id need a step or some help to get it the bike up there.Total mileage is about 6 miles (not counting the skills areas). However, there are a few different ways to descend from the top of the lower knob (Middle Earth Trail). If you wanted to hit all the mileage, you’d have to climb the lower knob a second time, and you’d end up closer to 7 miles.
New stuff is all open open now – Crazy fun. 3 skills areas, a tough 2.5 mile loop high on the mountain, and a jump / berm / pump downhill trail.
The upper loops needs to get ridden in a bit, but its quite a descent.
Im still working up the nerve for the bigger stuff in the advanced skills area. soon…The uppermost trails wont be done for a while yet, however,
They are just finishing up two new trails and two skills areas. The skills areas look very impressive thus far. Professionally built bridges, drops, logs, skinnys and other obstacles. They are currently aiming these recent new features to be open for a "Rocky Knob Fest" at the end of April. I think this should add about 4 miles of trail to the mountain, which will give about 6 – 6.5 miles total of open trails. Not the longest trail system around certainly, but they’ve packed alot into what’s there.
No real beginner trails, and some extremely rocky climbs and descents as you can see in the pics above. Good stuff. I live in Boone, so Im pretty ecstatic to have all this just a few minutes away.A few new pics and more info can be found here:
http://rockyknob.wordpress.com/Nice pics btw!
The Kerr Scott Trails in NC are great through the winter. Snow isnt terribly common, Its often mid 40’s even in the dead of winter. Once you actually get into the NC mtns its hit or miss, but if you pick the right weekend it can be great (Pisgah). I hear good things about Tsali tho I have yet to go in winter.
Good to know. Im hoping to take some winter trips down there myself.
I assume there are a few good hotels in Bryson city – or closer?No problem – Enjoy!
Dark Mountain and The OVT trailhead are very close to each other – only about half a mile apart, just drive/ride across the damn to get to the other one. Warrior creek is 4-5 miles down the road (268). I personally dont like riding this road – traffic ZOOMS by, so I drive to the trailhead, But it would not be difficult to ride if you preferred – its relatively flat, pretty county. Several places to park at warrior creek if you shuttle.
Both the campgrounds are quite nice. Warrior Creek trails circle the campground, so you’re in and out of campground road crossings. The OVT ends (or starts) up at the Bandit’s Roost campground, but doesn’t really wind through it. Bandits roost would be the most centrally located to all the trails.I know the headwaters loop is not yet open, But I think thyere getting pretty close? Don’t know the official word, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see at least part of it open in spring. The trail crew down there is great – they move fast.
Also – Looks like Kerr Scott just got EPIC Status! Nice.
http://www.imba.com/epics/kerr-scottWould also be easy take a run up to Boone (30 miles away) and hit rocky Knob while you’re there. only about 3 miles of trail so far (loop), but its much steeper and rockier than anything at Kerr Scott, Would be worth a stop to change things up.
After Pisgah – Go to Wilkesboro, NC – OVT, Dark Mtn and Warrior Creek all packed in close together (30ish miles total) at Kerr Scott – Have fun – sounds awseome!
Very nice! I haven’t been up there since early last summer, Looks like theyve worn in very well and added some good signage! Have to head back up there pronto.
The view from the overlook trail was pretty incredible…Geeez dude… inches away…
I have not done this trail yet but I am going to soon thanks for the write up sound technical and funIt is an extremely fun trail -whatever the mileage is. Enjoy!
Cool. That makes sense. Yeah I don’t really care about mileage – as long as I get a good run in and Im worn out when im done! Just was wondering about the difference.
Just posted the trail and a map of the system:
http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails … -park.html(this is only like 4 miles from my house, so yeah im pretty pumped about it…)
Rocky Knob Park (Boone, NC) will officially open May 1st 2011.
This will include the initial 1.6 mile lower loop.
A grand opening is set for sometime later this year when the upper trails are completed. there are currently about 6.5 miles of additional trails under construction.
The trails will be pretty awesome when completed – a 3.6 mile climb though some extremely rocky draws and bowls, and then a swooping 2 mile or so down hill. Its a perfect spot – fantastic views, mountain foliage and rock formations throughout the park – this place is ROCKY for sure. Other features (skills area etc) are planned as well. Come on by and check it out if you’re in the area!Nice Vid! Need to find my way over there for sure…
Too blizzardy to think about riding..
I did get an Alien II multitool and a Camelbak Mule. Already had a smaller camel back- but will love the larger bladder and extra storage for longer rides.All in one was the thought – but I’m not locked into it. Just thought Id throw it all in together if there was a good option out there.
I guess whether or not to get the HRM included should have been the first question….Awesome video!
Dude must have some iron lungs….Thanks! I’ll take a look at the 705. Id use it for hiking as well.
