Riverbound Race Series

The River Bound Race Series is a trail race series hosted by the U. S. National Whitewater Center. The series consists of an 8k, 10k, 15k and half marathon distances. There is a 5k option also available at each race (This is the option I have participated in).  The races are spread out over 7 months with a break of two months in between each.  In 2011 the races are held on March 12, May 21, July 16 and September 16.


The course runs through the mountain biking trails at the USNWC.  It consists mostly of single-track, with some double-track and gravel roads.  The race begins along the Wilderness Channel and first heads up towards the Mega-zip area.  Just in front of Big Drop at the end of the Competition Channel the course does a complete 180 and heads down into the deep pine woods.  The dirt on the trails consists mostly of red clay and many parts border along the Catawba River.

The course is steep for the Charlotte area and is a very difficult course.  You can expect to run a 5k two to four minutes slower than your normal time on a flat road.  The trail consists of several long gentle inclines followed by quick steep downhills. This is what makes these trails great for mountain biking, but makes them exceptionally difficult for trail running.


The groups associated with the race series include North Carolina Outward Bound, Dixon Hughes PLLC, Powerade, Jesse Brown's Outdoors, Mountain Khakis, Timberland, GoLite, REI and Presbyterian Orthopaedic Hospital.  The proceeds from this event go to benefit the North Carolina Outward Bound Veterans Program.  This program is  to help veterans adapt to re-entry in to life not in a combat zone.


This is an excellent event in a great setting that goes to benefit a great cause.  Anyone could finish the 5k race with a little bit of effort and training.  I have stayed to enjoy the rapids at the USNWC after two of the three races thus far.   So if you do not have any plans for the 16th of September than come join me.



For those wondering my time in the third race was 30 minutes 13 seconds.  I have improved more than 3 minutes from the first race in March.

Don't forget to like me on Facebook under Blue Ridge Bandit. Here you can find more photos of all the places I have written about.




http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Ridge-Bandit/190721607643691

Additional information about this event can be found at the following websites:



http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/blue-ridge-sports/running/runtown-u-s-a/
www.ncobs.org/veterans
www.ncobs.org
www.usnwc.org
www.tarheeltrailblazers.com

Crowders Mountain State Park

Crowder's Mountain State Park is the most popular destination for Charlotte City Dwellers that are looking for a quick escape to the mountains.  It is not as high as the mountains 2 hours to the west (only 1,625 feet in elevation), but at times it has many things an outdoor enthusiast can enjoy.  Despite its low altitude it does have a lot of elevation gain and the hike to the top can be as strenuous as you would like to make it. This large elevation gain makes it a good training place for hikers that are preparing for a trip to the Smokies or out west.  

The park includes 5126 acres and there are two main access areas.  One is near the visitors center and the other is called the Linwood Access area.  There are signs to both access areas from I-85 (Directions can be found from the websites at the bottom of this article). The park also includes three types of camping (RV, Car Camping, and Primitive Camping). The two primitive camping areas include 16 back-country camping sites.  These sites are a great place for a beginner backpacking trip.  They are also a popular place for scout troops doing shakedown trips in preparation for trips to other places.



Some names of the trails include the Backside, Crowder's, Fern, Lake, Pinnacle, Ridgeline, Rocktop, Tower and Turnback.  My personal favorites are Pinnacle, Crowder's and Fern.  The most beautiful parts of this park are the rock outcroppings at the top, the falcon habitat and the nearly twenty mile views from the top. Because of the low elevation the leaves tend to change at different times than mountains at higher elevations.  This makes Crowder's Mountain State Park best to visit early in the spring and late in the fall.


My favorite way to enjoy this park is to rent a canoe and have a picnic out on the lake.  They rent canoes and provide everything you need.  My wife and I have used this part of the facility numerous times.  I like to enjoy the park this way most because you can take just about anyone out on the lake. It is especially nice for people that are not in great physical shape. The hike to the best views can be very strenuous and could discourage someone from making a return trip to this park.  When people first enjoy the park via canoe they are more likely to enjoy it and return again.

Crowder's Mountain State Park is also a great place to experience a wide variety of challenging rock climbing routes.  They have a variety of terrain that is great for top rope, sport and traditional rock climbing. If you are looking for a group to lead you on your first outdoor climbing outing, Inner Peaks is a local climbing wall that leads trips to this area.  Also the UNC Charlotte Venture Club as well as Charlotte Outdoor Adventure Club lead trips for the public from time to time.  If you are not an experienced climber than always go with someone who is or a licensed guide until you can safely climb on your own.

Don't forget to check out the facebook page for this blog to see additional pictures of the places included in this blog:  

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Ridge-Bandit/190721607643691

Below are many websites that are great resources for information about Crowder's Mountain State Park.  The next time you are looking for a hike remember to keep Crowders Mountain State Park in mind.

www.innerpeaks.com

https://lnt.org/
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/crmo/main.php
http://venture.uncc.edu/