1110 feet of climbing bliss....

Location: Kanawha State Forest (just outside of Charleston, West Virginia).

1110 feet of climbing tonight. My Garmin also total 13.5 miles (8 mph average) and a total time of 1 hour and 40 minutes. The first 35 minutes I totaled 750 feet which was a long fire road climb that reminds me of the climb at the old 24 hours of Canaan  (Timberline) course (does anyone remember that great course at Canaan, especially 1993 with all the mud?).

The climbing was a lot for me. I confess, I tend to shy away from the big climbs but today welcomed it because once at the top I knew I was about to enjoy some awesome trails. The downhill portion helped push that average up to the 8 mph, but still I felt really good about the ride today.

If you get the opportunity and your near Charleston, check out these trails. I usually park right near the entrance to the park (north end) which is very close to the access road that leads to the top of the mountain. Once on top, you'll be able to choose from all the trails that were listed on the link earlier. I tend to go up and over the mountain and catch the Middle Ridge Trail which traverses across the ridge top for several miles. It finishes up near Teabury which is a very aggressive trail that drops you out onto the Davis Creek Trail. This trail brings me right back out to where I've parked.

Bob

Comments

[Amanda]

We actually visited this place several years ago and loved it! Glad you liked it too.