By Matt West
Many Brevard residents are unknowingly living in a recreational hotspot for the entire nation. Pisgah National Forest was named one of the best mountain biking destinations in the country by Outside.com’s “Adventure Advisor.” Here in Brevard we have access to Pisgah and Dupont, which are two great locations for a more under the radar biking experience.
Cycling is a great sport that can be done competitively or for recreational purposes. It is a great, exciting way to stay in shape, and the BHS Bike Club is a great option for students. The group was started by teachers Kevin Spradlin and Ashley Dickson. They meet on Thursdays at designated trailheads to ride. Spradlin said, “Cycling club is a group that is open to middle schoolers and high schoolers and pretty much anyone who is into mountain biking in our area. We meet once a week and go to different trailheads to do some riding. When we get the group together, we split up into groups, one for beginners, and one for more advanced riders.” They are also considering starting maintenance classes to help people take care of their bikes.
Students who don’t own bikes are not out of luck because Sycamore Cycles donated six bikes to the program. Mr. Spradlin said, “We can transport bikes, but we can’t transport the kids. If a student needs his bike at the trailhead we can do that…A lot of students will bum rides off of other kids in the bike club or get their parents to take them.”
Students interested in joining the Bike Club should see one of the advisers to get a waiver. The club will begin riding weekly once again in the spring.