North Carolina is known for many things — being the “First in Flight” state, having the largest private residence in the country, and as the birthplace of Pepsi. What many people don’t know is that the state is also home to a lively cycling community that includes every discipline of the sport.
The Piedmont region in the center of North Carolina is the most densely populated part of the state. With the hectic lifestyle that often comes with city-living, a tight-knit group of BMX riders find their escape at Capital City BMX Track in Raleigh, N.C.
“It’s just a sanctuary from the rest of what life has to offer you.” — Mark Auble
It’s easy to forget the work that goes into building and maintaining amazing riding locations. Jim Horton is a Wilkesboro, N.C., resident and an avid adventure chaser. Horton began rock climbing and mountain biking at a young age but eventually found another passion as a trail builder. He realized that without people creating access to his favorite boulders and areas of the woods the sports that he enjoyed so much wouldn’t be possible.
3,083 miles of mountain bike trails cover the state, 40 of those miles were built by Horton at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir in Wilkesboro where he is the trail boss. His trails are famous for their banked turns and flowing single-track.
“Every trail is unique and different. Once people get exposed to riding the trails they start to have more interaction with nature.” — Jim Horton
The mountains of western North Carolina have became a major destination for people wanting to get lost in the woods on their mountain bike. With the legendary Pisgah National Forest and community ran trail networks popping up all over the North Carolina mountains it is easy to see why so many people have fallen in love with the riding here.
“It’s the best way to experience the mountains while staying healthy and active. There is absolutely nothing like it.” — Brad Colvard
