More and more mountain bikers are hitting the trails this year - and it's not just because of COVID-19.
Former Rock/Creeker Gaston Farmer knows a thing or two about the seemingly sudden mountain biking (MTB) boom in the Scenic City. He currently balances his time as the director of membership, communications and development for SORBA Chattanooga and community engagement coordinator for Lula Lake Land Trust. Gaston is passionate about unifying all bike riders and helping preserve and create trails for future generations. Here, he shares his thoughts on how to do so, along with some tips for fellow enthusiasts.
How long have you been mountain biking?
I have been into riding bikes in the woods for close to seven years now.
What singletrack can we find you ripping down most days?
It's really a mixed bag of sorts, but as of late I would say I'm enjoying the climb up, top loop, then descend back down High Voltage at Raccoon Mountain, or the beautiful and character-filled Moonshine Trail system on Lookout Mountain. Honestly, these days it's more just about riding bikes in the woods. Whether on singletrack or gravel ... it's just good to be outside.
Chattanooga has long been recognized as an "outdoor mecca" in the Southeast with a booming climbing, paddling and trail running scene. We're starting to see more and more mountain biking recently. Why do you think that is?
It's the culmination of a couple of things. MTB as a sport really allows the individual to maximize the quality of their desired outdoor experience by taking you to some truly beautiful places filled with diverse ecosystems and landscapes. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to enhance your fitness, all in a timeline that is up to the rider. One thing that specifically comes to mind, which has actually been a long time in the making, is within the past 10 years, SORBA Chattanooga has worked with multiple private and public land owners and managers to develop over 100 miles of singletrack within 15 miles of downtown Chattanooga. ... So, as more people discover Chattanooga, more trails are being discovered and the progression and development of those trails is being elevated by the newer riding styles and capabilities of modern bikes and those riding the trails.
Spring of 2020 saw a boom in bike sales from seasoned riders and newbies to the sport. For those who are just getting into MTB, what trails would you suggest?
It is certainly a year unlike any other. For those new to MTB, I would suggest Enterprise South Nature Park (ESNP). For those looking for a more removed and remote experience to cut their teeth that could be a little more challenging, I would suggest Five Points Trail network - the Cloudland Connector Trail (CCT) starting at the Nickajack trailhead or at Five Points and heading toward Cloudland Canyon. Also a notable suggestion, the Moonshine Trail system. All [aside from ESNP] are on Lookout Mountain.
For those same newcomers, what organizations should they get involved with to protect and grow the MTB community?
One organization that I would suggest getting involved with is SORBA Chattanooga [local chapter of Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association], which has been around for some time and is the leading organization in trail development and maintenance in the Chattanooga area and surrounding region. For women, the Velo Vixens is an all-female cycling club in the Chattanooga region, and WTF Bike Explorers (Women Trans and Femme) is an organization specifically devoted to empowering women of the LGTBQ community. Also, I think it's important to seek guidance from your local bike shop. If you really want to build community, it starts with the human experience.
What exciting trail developments are happening in the Chattanooga area right now?
There is a lot going on in the development scene in the Chattanooga mountain biking community. For starters, the Walden's Ridge Park Project, a gravity oriented MTB trail network on a 200-acre public nature park. There is also a new trail system being developed by Lula Lake Land Trust that will add another 12 miles of singletrack to the existing 21 miles of trail at the Five Points Trail system.
Any local upcoming races or mountain bike happenings to know about?
I would suggest checking out the Lula Lake 19 Mile Mountain Bike Personal Time Trial race on Oct. 25. This opportunity will provide the chance to ride some remarkably beautiful and creatively designed trails located on private property that are only open to the public on the first and last weekend of every month during Lula's Open Gate Days. Also, if you're looking to get your hands dirty, SORBA Chattanooga is hosting weekly trail maintenance days that you can register to attend through SORBA's website under the "Current Projects" tab.
For more information about Chattanooga's growing MTB scene, check out sorbachattanooga.org. And if you're looking to connect with a local bike shop, the Rock/Creek store located on Riverside Drive is now a proud dealer of Specialized bikes and offers a full-service bike shop.
Gaston Farmer / Contributed photo by Taylor ChesneyWant to get (further) into mountain biking? Rock/Creek has the gear you need. Here's a curated list from the Riverside Drive bike shop.
Patagonia Dirt Craft Bike Shorts
$159
Stretchy, breathable and burly, the Dirt Craft Bike Shorts are a singletrack workhorse. Equipped with a removable padded liner, longer inseam and adjustable waistband, these shorts are built for navigating tough climbs and crushing burly descents.
Five Ten Freerider
$100
These flat pedal mountain biking shoes are inspired by the style and simplicity of BMX shoes. The signature sticky rubber outsole keeps your feet firmly planted on your pedals around town and on the trail, with a casual look for downtime comfort and style.
Specialized Turbo Levo Comp
$6,250
The Turbo Levo is the most celebrated electric mountain bike in existence. Inspired by the Stumpjumper, it is light, stiff and capable, while equipped with the smoothest and most powerful motor from Specialized. It's also packed with enough rider-assisted range to tackle your biggest days.