DO SUMMIT GOOD: East Coast MTB Trip

My brother and I headed over to North Carolina on the east coast of the United States to go mountain biking for a long weekend.

Hosted by Arvindh and Scott, two very keen bikers, it was destined to be an epic.

We headed out from Heathrow T3 and lapped up the executive lounge, flying with big bro as its benefits. After a 7 hour flight we landed at Durham & Reliegh airport, picked up the Chevrolet Suburban and headed to Arvindh's house.

After a quick chat and bike check, we headed to a cool Mexican joint downtown, to enjoy a few coronas and well needed nachos, I've never been a fan of aeroplane food.

An early night and an early morning had us en route to W.Kerr Scott Dam and Reservouir's trail system, home of 4 epic trails, Warrior Creek, Dark Mountain, Fort Hamby and Over Mountain Victory.

We arrived at our camp site, set up and headed straight out on our bikes. Following a 3 hour ride on Warrior Creek, we headed back to camp. Arvindh had a fall towards the end of the trail and was suffering with his shoulder to the point where he could not lift his arm!! We lit a fire, got the cooler out and tucked into a Corona or two, followed by a BBQ on an open fire. It doesn't get much better.

I had a few things to get used to on the US bike, firstly the brakes are on the opposite side!! Nightmare! Few trips over the handlebars and I still kept pulling the left brake! The set up of the gears and suspension also took a bit of time getting used to.

A good nights kip and we were up getting the fire started ready for breakfast. Arvindh could not move his arm so he was out of the days ride. Scott Andy and myself headed to Dark Mountain. After a night of rain and a lot of leaves on the trail it was going to be fun handling the bikes. We gunned it for 3 or so hours and enjoyed a fast, tight and flowing trail with loads of variety. A few falls but a fun day out. More beer, another BBQ and a few more beers finished the evening off.

Unfortunately due to loads of overnight rain we were unable to get out Sunday morning. We packed up and headed to a micro brewery for a few beers and lunch, before a flight home to the UK... Oh and straight to work.

Great weekend, great company and great riding. Looking forward to heading out next year, maybe for an extra few days...