Jeff Barber

Jeff co-founded Singletracks with his wife Leah in 1998 and has been dedicated to sharing the mountain bike information that inspires others to take epic adventures ever since. He started mountain biking in high school and served in the US Air Force before devoting himself full time to Singletracks in 2007.

Though formally educated as an engineer, Jeff began writing stories at an early stage, inspired by his mother who is a longtime accomplished author. He enjoys covering the world of mountain biking from every possible angle, whether it's trails or gear or skills. His goal for every story: that readers learn at least one new thing.

Author snapshot

MTB Background and expertise

  • Riding experience: Trail, XC, and bikepacking.
  • Mountain biking since: 1992
  • Number of products reviewed: ?. I think my first product review for the site was this one for a plastic wallet.
  • Current stable: Canyon Neuron, Orange P7 hardtail, and Scott Fun XC

Education and writing experience

  • Bachelors of Science in Engineering, Duke University
  • Masters of Business Administration, Duke University
  • Other publications: Panther Press (Lakeside High School - Augusta, GA), CitySearch.com
 
A person riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a wooded area, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves. The cyclist is wearing a pink top and a helmet.
Mountain Bike Trails
Itusi Trail at Lake Norman State Park
Jan 17, 2007
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
IMBA lobbying for cyclists in DC
Jan 16, 2007
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike helmet cam
Jan 15, 2007
  1
Lance leads this leg of the 2005 Tour de Georgia with Floyd Landis in hot pursuit.
Culture
Armstrong with a little Landis on the side
Jan 12, 2007
Sock with a cartoon chicken design, featuring a red and white color scheme and the text "Ya Clucken" printed on the side, displayed on a wooden surface.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
What happened to Sock Guy?
Jan 11, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
iPod case for mountain bikes
Jan 10, 2007
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Community
Lance drops Leadville MTB race
Jan 9, 2007
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Jobs for mountain bikers
Jan 8, 2007
  2
Good deal on the combo pack from amazon.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Deal on Suunto Mountain Bike Watch
Jan 7, 2007
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Forget the skis, jump on your mountain bike
Jan 5, 2007
From Evomo.
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Mountain bike lifestyle clothing
Jan 4, 2007
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Transfer mountain bike trail maps to your GPS
Oct 19, 2006
  2
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bikes and Gear
Using your GPS on the mountain bike trail
Sep 7, 2006
  4
Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain biking in Albuquerque
Mar 13, 2006
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bike Trails
NC Triangle (Locals Only)
Jul 6, 2005
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bike Trails
Buffalo Creek: Shhhh! (It's a secret)
Jun 24, 2005
Mountain Bikes and Gear
What a GPS Can Do for Mountain Bikers
Jun 19, 2004
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bike Trails
Tons of Trails in Colorado Springs
May 27, 2004
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bike Trails
Tsali is the Place to Ride
May 15, 2002
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Mountain Bike Trails
East Side vs. West Side
Mar 30, 2002
  2
Leah and I drove out to Lake Norman State Park just outside Statesville, NC on Saturday to check out the mountain bike trails there. The <a title="Lake Norman mountain bike trails" href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/itusi-lake-norman-state-park.html">Itusi trails</a> had been on Leah's singletracks wishlist for some time and we decided driving up to Blacksburg or Damascus would just be too far for the day. The forecast for the day was 74 degrees (in January!) so we were stoked to hit the trails. At the trail we saw at least a dozen cars or so and a number of people gearing up to hit the trails. There were mountain bikers of all sorts - from the guys wearing jeans and sweatshirts to the dudes in spandex and pro jerseys. There were men and women at the trailhead and we even saw grey hairs riding with 10-year old kids. Truly an eclectic mix of riders that makes riding in the southeast so interesting. The Itusi trails are broken up into a main loop with 2 shorter loops branching off at various points. The trails are designated for one way travel and we were a bit confused about where to start since the only trail we could see was marked "Do Not Enter." We quickly realized the trail started across the road and we were off. The first quarter mile or so is on a fire road but that quickly gives way to some smooth, fast singletrack. We were very surprised at the overall smoothness of the trails and the lack of rocks and roots to slow things down. There were some nice spots to get a little air on the trail and none of the climbs or descents were too steep. Trail distances were marked every half mile and the loops were very well marked and easy to follow. We didn't see too many of the riders from the parking lot but that's probably because the trail is mostly "one way." This seems like a great way to manage a trail: people can ride fast without worrying about collisions, you won't see as many people, and the trail is easy to follow. My only suggestion would be to alternate directions from day to day for local riders who tire of riding the same direction. We rode the entire 7 miles or so of trail in around 45 minutes and having driven 2 hours to get there we were ready for more. We jumped back on the trail and did another, shorter 4 mile loop before we had our fill. After that it was off to Statesville for lunch and then back to Durham. The Itusi trails at Lake Norman State Park are great for riders of all abilities. Work is continuing on a new phase of trails that promises to add another 6 miles or so to the existing network and we can't wait. <div style="text-align: center;"><img id="image27" src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=
Culture
Mountain bike jerks
Sep 13, 2001
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A cyclist riding a mountain bike along a dirt trail in a wooded area during late autumn, surrounded by bare trees and fallen leaves. The cyclist is wearing a red helmet and a pink shirt, actively navigating the path.
Mountain Bike Trails
Hidden Gems Found in Augusta, GA
Sep 13, 2001
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