So Long East Coast

Short update today! So I decided to spend one more day riding in the good ole Issaquenna trail system in Clemson, SC. One last ride to say goodbye to the east coast trails and soak in the awesomeness of the diverse terrains around here. With that said, a few quick pictures of my brother Tripp and I on a late afternoon ride here in Clemson.

And of course being who we are, we couldn't help but go a few miles out of our way to make a few runs on the downhill trail. Props to the Clemson crew who maintain it, trail is always super fun to ride.

Now off to Birmingham, AL to ride some good long distance XC!

New Start, Old Friends

So there are tons of good trails across the country. And there are lots of great trails too. But us riders here in the great Western North Carolina region are pretty spoiled. Most of us have the benefit of walking out of our back doors, grabbing a bike, and going on a long ride in one of the best trail systems in the country. And I suppose I am not a true local, but having ridden these trails as often as I can and having most of my friends being locals, I consider these my "home" trails. And what a better place to start a journey of finding new, well... everything, than finding new joys on old trails. By starting something new and different, with old and familiar faces.

So I decided to spend the weekend riding and camping all over Pisgah Forest. Butter Gap, Heartbreak Ridge, Greens Lick, and plenty of other great trails were ridden this weekend. Gorgeous weather, views, and trails. How could it not be a great weekend? Your bedroom window is a great view of freshly bloomed rhododendron from your hammock and your back porch looks off a ledge to watch the sun rise over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Bedroom

Back porch

Dropping in on Greens Lick!

Travel In Style

So being busy the last few days, I unfortunately haven't been able to update everyone about what's going on!  As you read in the last post, I am traveling across the country on a journey to find new trails, friends, and knowledge. But what's a journey without having an epic adventure vehicle to travel in?! So this brings up the big question. What adventure vehicle is best to take across the country? Some people say a Subaru; tough, reliable, fuel efficient yet still practical. Some say a pick-up truck; tons of storage space, capable off road to get to those hard to find trails, and throw a camper on it and you have a place to sleep if you need it. But hey, who likes to swim the main stream? Instead, I decided to build up an awesome adventure van!

Starting point, 2006 Ford E-250 with 99,000 miles. I tell you what, there's a reason people use these as work vans. Tough as nails and more reliable than Old Faithful. Not only is the Triton 5.4L a solid and reliable engine, it has more than enough oomph to push all my gear and bikes up just about any hill you throw at it. Only thing with this choice is I have to make sure not to park too close to any schools!

Here are a couple pictures of the van right when it got home, before any work was done to it.

And after lots of time, effort, and help from some good people like Chris Stallings over at Anchors Aweigh Body Shop and a local cabinets builder Josh, this is the final product. The box on the driver side opens up for full storage underneath, there is a well organized shelving unit on the passenger side, multiple points to hang hooks and baskets to carry miscellaneous parts and tools, and an easy way to carry two bikes. Not to mention the 285/75 tires, Dick Cepek wheels, a custom roof rack, and lots of other little additions!

P.S. - If you need any automotive or housing work done, let me know and I can get you in touch with the guys who helped me. Both are extremely good at what they do, and I recommend them with 100% confidence.

Starting Point

Hey everyone, I'm Matt. I am getting ready to leave for a trip from good ole South Carolina all the way out to Ashland, Oregon for some serious schooling at the United Bicycle Institute. Looking to be on the road driving, riding, meeting new friends, and digging my way deep into the bike industry. This is going to take me through tons of trail systems from Pisgah Forest to Whistler, and everything in between.

I'm setting this blog up not only to make a journal of my trip, but also so everyone I meet as well as friends and family back home can keep up with my trip and hopefully get to experience some great things with me. Hopefully I will be updating this blog on a daily basis, and lots of photos will be uploaded as well as reviews of trail heads I find (and any sweet new part or gear I get to try out!). So pack up, its time to ride All This Way.