East Bound & Down has been going strong on Pinkbike for three years now. It was originally, for all intents and purposes, an umbrella concept designed to bring some long overdue attention to the people and places east of the Mississippi in an otherwise west coast, B.C. and Euro dominated realm of content found throughout this website. That meant that an EB&D story could have taken on any number of forms, including festival coverage, interviews, destination pieces, etc. For 2016, we decided to narrow the scope a bit and focus the effort and attention to destination storytelling. My approach to sharing these stories has never been a fully experiential one, nor has it been simply about the history of each respective area. I have always thought that big picture and nuance can live harmoniously within the same narrative, and believe that in order to best understand the direction a place is headed, it's important to know where they have been, and to learn about the creative and critical thinking employed to propel them forward.
I set out to accomplish a handful of things during each of these trips, but my ultimate hope is to serve each community well in the way I share their story. The truth is that 2,500 words, 50 or so pictures, and a 75 second video can never come close enough to fully convey the years of hard, often thankless work put into these places by who knows how many people. But this is the internet, and I know I'm already testing the limits of attention span, so it'll have to do. I will say that 2016 in particular has been an especially eye opening year. One of my favorite narratives shared by everywhere I've visited so far is the sense of value that each respective region sees in mountain biking, and it's not just the mountain bikers who see it that way. More and more frequently, we're seeing communities look to mountain biking as not just a viable economic asset, but a social one as well. Connections between mountain bike clubs and organizations, and their townships, tourism bureaus, and city councils continue to grow stronger and stronger as riders make their presence more well known. Progressive trail design is becoming more widely accepted as a boost to local trail networks and towns, and less of a liability to them.
Ultimately, I have an equal amount of appreciation and love for the differences found from one destination to another as I do the similarities. For me, it creates a sense of kinship and community that goes beyond city and state lines. Thank you to each and every person that was a part of the adventure this year. Trails are rad to be sure, but it's the people who make mountain biking special for so many of us. I for one am looking forward to even more of these adventures next year.
Ocala, Florida
"...In the few years that I've been traveling and producing East Bound and Down content for Pinkbike, any inclination to travel to the deep south for riding was always overcome by a stronger desire to explore other, more mountainous options. I don't live in an especially hilly part of the world, but I do have some genuinely brilliant trails surrounding my home, so I've long known that mountains are no longer a requirement for mountain biking. I'm not sure what was holding me back, but after a week in Ocala, I'm sorry I didn't decide to make the trip sooner. Are my legs a little sorer after days of hammering the mostly flat terrain, punctuated by short and bursty ups and downs? Yes, they're thrashed. Am I a little bit bummed that I didn't see a single gator despite my best efforts? You bet I am; as visions of tire tapping a man-eater will have to wait another day. But have I found a reason to head beyond the southernmost reaches of the Appalachians when the time comes next winter to stretch my legs and work on my farmer's tan? Absolutely." Ocala, Florida mountain biking trails
Reading, Pennsylvania
"...When you ride in and around Reading, the quality of the trails and people responsible for them is abundantly clear. Sure, they have some work ahead of them, but that comes with the territory. Ultimately, the mountain bike community may prove to be one of the region's greatest sources of hope this area has had in decades. In a town that has struggled mightily in recent times, who better to help it realize its own potential than people who spend their time caring for and playing in the forests and hills that cradle this community. And while these trails have been recognized by many as a proven asset for the region over the past couple of years, it's obvious that these guys aren't done just yet." Reading, Pennsylvania mountain biking trails
Davis, West Virginia
"...Yes, I have a propensity for east coast riding, but I am also an especially big fan of the trails and terrain found in the northwestern corner of our country. I think that's ultimately what I find so compelling about Davis; the idea that elements from both worlds, that northwest grease and loam coupled with an old world, east coast aesthetic, can and does actually exist. It would seem that northern Vermont and western North Carolina have some company at the top of the "must ride" list east of the Mississippi. In the beginning, the Canaan Valley was one of the country's premier riding destinations, but some of that luster was lost as more and more communities and towns began building trails of their own. But we all know that history repeats itself, and now the town of Davis and the surrounding mountains and valleys are ready to remind everyone just how and wild and wonderful the riding here is and has always been. When you do decide to make the trip, just be sure to find a local and have them show you around. The Appalachian mountains are some of the oldest hills and forests on the planet, and you best believe that there are more than a few surprises hidden away in their nooks and crannies." Davis mountain biking trails
Quebec City, Quebec
"...It's funny to hear people from all three riding areas discuss how much work they have ahead of them, when as far as I can tell, they already have what might be one of the two or three best places to ride anywhere in the eastern half of North America. That, along with the proximity to the culturally stunning, and beautifully built capital city of Quebec, makes for one hell of a compelling argument to spend a lot of time here. Any of the three regions that make up the Quebec Destination Velo de Montagne could easily put their respective heads down, and continue to promote themselves independently of one another. But fortunately for the rest of us, and for the region as well, they've come together in a singular fashion that benefits everyone." Sentiers du Moulin mountain biking trailsVBN Secteur Saint-Raymond mountain biking trailsMont-Sainte-Anne XC Park mountain biking trails
Knoxville, Tennessee
"...I mentioned in the beginning that I had never seen anything like this. Just so we're clear, I wasn't talking about the trails themselves, or even the community. Knoxville does have top notch trails and people, but that's obviously not a quality unique to eastern Tennessee's largest city. Nor was I alluding to the idea of mountain biking being viewed as a top commercial commodity for the region, as there is a growing contingent of towns throughout the world that are utilizing a similar approach. However, it's the scale of not only the city itself, but the cooperation from so many different entities utilizing their respective strengths, and working together towards a common goal that dropped my proverbial jaw. Knoxville's size brings with it a host of logistical challenges that most small towns and communities don't have to deal with, and yet they have somehow not only made it work in spite of said challenges, but the mountain bikers are actually seen as leaders in the community for riders and non-riders alike. It's actually quite stunning to witness this process firsthand, and a virtue that will inevitably lead to even better trails, and a lot more of them. It certainly helps to explain my sudden interest in Knoxville real estate." Knoxville mountain biking trails
Camden, Maine
"...The midcoast of Maine has some of work ahead of it, and the people there are well aware of that. But they do have several pieces in place already, including the passion and vision necessary to elevate the region into eventual bucket list status. It also has the support of the towns and communities in the region who are looking to showcase the coastal mountain dynamic to the rest of the world. Perhaps most importantly, they have loads of world class terrain at the ready. There are trails in place right now that rival, or exceed some of the very best stuff you'll find throughout North America. The terrain at their disposal, between the carpet of deep and soft dirt, pockets of loam throughout the mountain, the abundance of roots and rocks to play around on and sharpen your skill set, it all adds up to a striking playground for riders of virtually all levels. Their flow offerings are on the rise as well, and with Highland on board for future trail development, the ceiling here is staggering. Ragged Mountain and its surrounding peaks are just begging to be explored and ridden, and you cannot discount the impact and energy of the coast itself, and what that brings to the overall sensory experience in a place like this. This is a breathtaking landscape, with the towns and infrastructure in place ready to welcome you and your family, and you what? The riding here is very much worth a place high up on your to-do list. There are several reasons why you should pay this place a visit, and mountain biking sits squarely at the top of the list." Ragged Mountain biking trailsOcala EB&D Travel Information:
For information on the area, including restaurant selections (there are plenty) and activities for the whole family, check of the Ocala/Marion County Convention and Visitor's Bureau website.
Here's the website for the Ocala Mountain Bike Association.
I stayed at the Quality Inn in Ocala. It is bike friendly, has quick WiFi, spacious & clean rooms, a super friendly staff, and is 15 minutes from the trailhead.
If you're interested in helping the Florida Devo group, you can donate here.
Reading EB&D Travel Information:
For information on the area, including restaurant selections, lodging options, and activities for the whole family, check out the Go Greater Reading website.
Here's the website for the BAMBA.
Looking for a bike shop? Head to Shirk's
Davis EB&D Travel Information:
For information on the area, including restaurant selections, lodging options, and activities for the whole family, visit out the Tucker County Tourism website.
Here's the website for the Blackwater Bicycle Association.
Looking for a bike shop? Head to Blackwater Bikes. They're currently looking for a full-time, experienced bike mechanic. Contact information can be found following the link.
Blackwater Falls State Park is the state's most popular. They have a ton of lodging options, including deluxe cabins, perfect for a large group of riders!
Joining the Wednesday night ride? Be sure to join the group at Hellbender Burritos afterward!
Sirianni's Cafe doesn't have a website, but they have a phone! 304-259-5454
Quebec EB&D Travel Information:
For more information regarding the Quebec Destination Velo de Montagne, click here.
For more information regarding Vallee Bras du Nord, click here.
For more information regarding Sentiers du Moulin, click here.
For more information regarding Pat Dorion's work with the GAAP Enduro, click here.
Special thank you to Cafe Noisette for the delicious coffee and snacks!
Thank you to the Northman Insurance Group and its ambassadors; Nick Van Egmond, Mark Taylor and William Coldcastle for making this trip possible. Check them out, they provide insurance for athletes, travelers and other people who revel in adventure.
Looking for a place to stay with you and your pals? The Chalet Montmorency offers riders discounts up to 58% off in the summer. They just want people to come hang and ride at Mont-Sainte-Anne!
Knoxville EB&D Travel Information:
For the most comprehensive travel information on Knoxville, including where to sleep, eat, drink, and be merry, be sure to check out Visit Knoxville.
For trail maps, updates and more information on A.M.B.C., check out their website.
You can also learn more about Legacy Parks here.
Need a bike shop? Well, there are 11 to choose from in town. Harpers, Tennessee Valley Bicycles, and the Bike Zoo are just a few of them.
Camden EB&D Travel Information:
You can download a trail map here, or pick one up at local shops.
Sidecountry Sports is a great place for your bike and ski needs!
For specific information about the Camden Snow Bowl, be sure to check out their website.
For a list of local businesses who actively support mountain biking, see the list on Midcoast Maine NEMBA's website.
Interested in a couple of hours on the water? The crew aboard the Schooner Olad is amazing, as are the views.
Midcoast trails would not be possible without the support of the Town of Camden, The Coastal Mountains Land Trust, and private landowners. Please help mountain biking by respecting the lands we get to ride on!
MENTIONS: @briceshirbach
The stories and videos bring tangebility to bike destinations throughout the EC.
Keep up the great work Brice! Also, how does one get into your queue for future coverage on EB&D?
Got a killer destination and community that we want to share...
Going to have to dig around and find the other episodes now! Thanks Brice, a perfect distraction from the 8" of snow I had land on my driveway over the past few hours!
i escape hustle of washington dc metro as much as i can down there.
but to be fair, we like to talk about ourselves ;-)