Mountain Bike Knox

Mountain bike trails don’t build themselves. Most destination trail systems have a backbone organization that organizes pedal people: riders, volunteers, trail builders, and donors. In Knoxville, Tennessee, AMBC (Appalachian Mountain Bike Club) has been Knox County’s trail stewards since 2007. They build and maintain over 80 miles of trail, with plenty more ready to drop. Bonus: When trail building, their crew tackles nature and invasive species, removing the honeysuckle problem that threatens to take over local plants and tree species.

AMBC (Appalachian Mountain Bike Club)

Also, important work: They organize and plan plenty of local events and group rides that aim to get you outside, in nature, and on two wheels. I have a soft spot for their Joy Ride programs for women of all skill levels. Yes, to more women on bikes. Mark your calendars for a festive annual event this November 1-3 at Baker Creek Preserve. Fun fact: there are 50 miles of trails in the Urban Wilderness, all within two miles of downtown Knoxville.

There’s something about Knoxville; it keeps pulling me back into its purple-smoky mountain bike majesty. As a Michigander and Midwesterner, it’s a manageable 9-hour road trip. We love the vibe, the people, the pump track, bunches of trails for XC or techy riders, a world-class downhill trail (Devil’s Racetrack), a local brewery (Crafty Bastard), and a bike shop, Bear Paw Bikes. Their stickers caption: Bears do shift in the woods! Tacos at SoKno Taco is a quick shift up the road, or you can belly up at 71 South if you are too tired to move far. Baker Creek Preserve is the hub of all this bike goodness, but there’s plenty around town to ride and explore.

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