Hey folks,

I'd like to lead a trip to the Pisgah National Forest in western NC this
weekend to do some mountain biking on the amazing trails at Tsali.  These
are widely held to be among the best in the east, are insanely scenic, and
are great fun for almost all levels (I wouldn't attempt this unless you're
comfortable doing the 12-mile Beginner/Intermediate loop at San Felasco).
The plan is to meet at the gear shed at 5 on Friday, drive up and camp in
the forest, do the Thompson Loop Trail and Mouse Branch Loop Trail on
Saturday, camp next to the trailhead, and do the Right Loop and Left Loop on
Sunday (http://main.nc.us/graham/hiking/tsali.html).  Since we'll be camping
right next to the trails, you can opt out of whatever - the trails are also
open to hiking if you'd rather do that.  We'll probably get started early,
leave NC in the early afternoon, and get back to Gainesville around 10ish.

Since we'll probably need to bring a truck for all the bikes, gas will
likely be up around $40-50.  Beyond that, it'll be a few bucks a day for
trail use fees and camping.  You'll need a mountain bike - I have one extra
and I may be able to help one or two people find one on Craigslist for
$60-100.  You don't need a backpacking pack, but bring all the normal
camping stuff (water, food, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, rain gear, etc.).

Let me know if you want to go, if you can drive, and what your bike
situation is.

-Jeff

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