Chicopee Woods Trail System

The Chicopee Mountain Bike Trails are maintained by the Gainesville chapter of the Southern Off-Road Biking Association (SORBA). This non-profit organization is purpose is to help advocate for off-road cycling, build and maintain local trails, and help gain access to lands for mountain biking.

The Chicopee Woods Trail System is located near the Elachee Nature Center and the Gainesville College Trail located on the campus of Gainesville State College in Oakwood, Georgia. These two systems combine to provide about 16 miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trail. In 2008 the Flying Squirrel (intermediate) trail was opened and in 2009 the Copperhead (advanced) Trail was added.

To Pedal or Not to Pedal

Trying to decide on what to do in regard to pedals. Pedals come in three basic configurations; platform, toe clip or cage, and clipless. The bike I purchased came equipped with platform pedals which essentially provide power during the down stroke and do not provide any fixed connection to the pedal. The cage and clipless options facilitate power thru the full rotation of the pedal which in efficient and provide a means to keep the riders foot connected to the pedal through rough terrain. Being connected to the pedal also has its perils; if you don’t unclip in time, you go down with the bike.

I decided to try out the toe clip since they were relatively inexpensive ($5.00) and easy to install.  They definately took some getting used-to, but provided more power going uphill and kept me connected to the bike.  The toe clips were not very difficult to release, so the tendency to fall was not an issue.

The example below of platform pedals have metal studs or teeth that help prevent the riders feet from slipping off the pedal.  They are constructed of metal and much sturdier than their plastic counterparts.

Toe clips are available in various configurations; Strapless, metal, and hard plastic.  Many platform pedals come with the capability to attach toe clips, but be sure to verify the holes line up and the screws are long enough to thread through.

Clipless pedals require specialized shoes with a cleat that is attached to the sole of the the shoe.  The pedal is also specialized for the shoe/cleat to clip into the pedal.  The rider must  twist their foot outward in order to release from the pedal.

Blankets Creek - 11/7/2009

It turned out to be a great day to ride the trails at Blankets Creek, despite the chilly start.  We had four riders and rode the 4.2 mile Dwelling Loop twice, so we got a good workout.  Last week we all realized our bikes needed some maintenance and enhancements, so the local bike shops are reaping the benefits.

I have read some reviews about Blankets Creek where people complained about overcrowding, today the parking lot was full 20 - 30 vehicles, but we only encountered one other group on the trail (lucky I guess).  As I commented in the 10/31 posting, the Dwelling loop provides great challenges and with all the variation it will keep us coming back for some time.  In addition, there are still two advanced trails we have not ridden, so we are very fortunate to have such a well designed set of trails so close to home.