Blood Mountain - Appalachian Trail Hike

Lately my training has been getting a bit more consistent. I have been working on just steady improvement and consistency and this week I had a good mix of SBR. Since this weekend, I was alone, I set out on a new adventure...begin tackling the Georgia mountains/trails.

On Friday, I decided that I would begin with Blood Mountain. This is part of the Appalachian Trail, and one of the highest points in Georgia. I have access to a ton of great places to hike and they are all close by! I have never been on the Appalachian Trail and decided this was a great place to start. One of my goals this year, is to get in at least 20 long hikes (long is anything over 4 hours for me). These are all done Chuckie style, that is The Caveman Way.

After a quick google of "best places to hike in georgia", I came across Blood Mountain. It's just north of Atlanta and Blood Mountain climbs to 4,446 feet above sea level. As mentioned above it is part of the Appalachian Trail that extends all the way to Main. A little side note, after being out on the trail for a few days, I can only dream of the day my kids and I hike the entire Appalachian Trail....boys...take note! The name Blood Mountain supposedly came from bloody battles (aren't all battles bloody?) between the Creek and the Cherokee Indians. I didn't see any Indians or battles over my 2 days, but I was ready just in case!

After 2 days on the trail, all I have to say is AWESOME! It was exciting to be out in the woods hiking by myself. In fact, I have never really hiked or slept outside alone or without a tent...just a sleeping bad under the stars. Most of the trip was breathtaking with the all scenery (streams, views, cliffs, animals). It was peaceful, amazing, and surreal.

The only time I cowered like a baby was at night when some animal began playing with my head while I was sleeping. I naturally awoke and was ready for a dog-fight or bear-fight, but all in all I think it was a bug or nat. I am big wuss! All the talk of bears and rattlesnakes always puts me on the edge. So that bug was just lucky I didn't knife him! Besides, what are the odds a bear would want to kisss me?

With all of my fear of the dark and bugs, simply looking up in the lit sky was all anyone needed. The sky was clear and I saw more stars than anywhere else I had ever been. I tried snapping a few pics, but they didn't turn out. My campsite was nestled on a little spot near a flowing creek and enclosed by a circle of big trees. So laying on my back looking up, I could see the stars right through a circle of tree tops. It was very cool. I will definitely be back to Blood Mountain again and perhaps for a mini cycling weekend (huge area for cyclists and cycle cabins).

Chuckie - this could be a great place for an EAST COAST camp.......

Total mileage = no idea
Hours spent on trail = no idea

Pictures will be posted soon.

Why I Always Fear The Open Water

Another Ride and Good Day

I had to travel today for work and fortunately I was able to meet up with my buddy Scott on the way to Atlanta. Scott hosted me at his casa once again. He lives in what I call paradise. Trails and mountains (the eastern type) are out his front door, he has access to excellent roads with limited cars and of course the weather is usually warm.

With the time change, we both were able to have a full day of work and still get in a decent ride....

Out the door at 6pm and on the mountain for a few hours. I am really starting to like mountain biking. We started out on one tough climb. He kept warning me to take it easy, and I kept thinking this hill has to end sometime. It took us nearly 30 mins to reach the top. As with any hard ride up hill, you know it pays off once you are able to bomb down the descent. I wasn't disappointed on the way down other than the mud in the eyes! Lots of jumps, speed, and yes I am hooked on mountain biking.

All in all, this was another great day. Pic of his bike above (not actually his as I forgot the camera, but similar). I have been borrowing his other Maverick and that bike kick serious butt. I think its been a huge mistake riding it as I know I can't afford it!

So today was 1.5hour run in the early am watching the sunrise, and a 1.5 - 2 hour ride in the PM (we both forgot about time). Caveman ride.

Raccoon Mountain Ride

I was able to get out for a nice 4 hour ride over the weekend. Typically I am a road guy, but I may have been converted to mountain biking. Holy crap that was fun!

I met a good friend of mine halfway between Atlanta and Knoxville and we hit the trails. I enjoyed every minute of it, except for the huge bonk about 2 hours into it. I only had 1 water bottle, no food, and I was very un-prepared. I kept saying Chuck would be pissed. I remember a ride with him last year when one of the guys got dropped due to a big bonk (started out way too fast, and then couldn't ride hard to get home). Anyway, I wasn't with Chuckie, but thought I may have to spend the night on the trail!

Definitely a ride to remember, and thanks Scott for letting me borrow the bike!

Not my video, but at least some footage. I hope it doesn't make you sick.