2 novices and an old, out of shape veteran are headed over to check out the riding in Capital View Park in Frankfort this afternoon. If anybody is into showing us some moves or just coming out to enjoy the carnage come on...
barryg
Here's a map. This place looks awesome!

Barry,

Call Jackie Eggers. She is planning on heading over there with her kids today.

I'm in Asheville or I might meet you there. The trails there are actually pretty good, I think. Of course, I'm not much of a real mountain biker so I'm probably not a great judge.

Hi Barry,

How'd the ride go? Would like to join you sometime for an MTB ride. I've ridden with you Barry, you are not out of shape! Great day for it. Wished I had time to ride the trails at the Ocoee today.. can't do it all though in one short day. Have ridden some of the new trails there... fun! Mtn biking is a big deal there now. Definitely worth taking your bike next time you go! The newer trails are near the WW Center, they have a great map they give out there for free at the info desk with the trails overlying a topo map. On par with commercial maps you can buy for places like Moab, Durango, Crested Butte, etc.

I go to CVP about once a month... more or less depending season / conditions there. Fun trail and a lot closer than Cave Run but... less to offer IMO. CVP is also a lot more sensitive to rain.... which of course hasn't been a big problem lately! That river flood plain clay soil soaks it up and holds it forever when the leaves are off the trees and there's no transpiration. The Cave Run trails, with the exception of the horse trails like Sheltowee, handle water a lot better. You can forget the horse trails unless it's been dry a long time or unless you like getting beat to hell.

Wes

We did meet up with Jackie and the kids and had a great time at Capital View. It was the first time Taylor and Clay had done trails with that much technicality and gradient. While Taylor was more reserved on some of the ups and downs, Clay was totally in his element and absolutely loved the bowls and the steep, winding downhills through the trees. I think Clay could be on his way to becoming a great mt. biker as evidenced by his statement to me on one of the steeper uphill climbs, "...what goes up must come down!" If you want to really enjoy class II+ and above mt. biking, learning to embrace the uphills is key I think. BTW, Clay was riding a heavy, kids bike with only ONE gear!

Capital View is a real jewel! What an awesome local resource. It even had C6 and I musing about moving to Frankfort someday. A cool town with consistent great local whitewater boating and mt. biking is rare in Central KY. And in that context, it clearly puts Lex and Richmond (except when it rains enough:-) to shame!
barryg

Wow Barry, as a lifelong Frankfort resident, you put a tear in my eye. I like it here. Come on down!
We were on the KY river in my Dad's houseboat Sunday afternoon from around 1-4 and probably saw yall biking at Capitol View.

CVP is a great place for kids and new riders. With the notable exception of the climb behind the library, the climbs are short and there are numerous bailing options if they wear out. Veterans Park on the southside is another great option for kids / beginners. A much shorter trail but fun system, it's the primary stomping ground for Brit and I to ride since it's only a 2 min bike ride from our house. With this rain and no transpiration, it will be muddy for a week though. Riding on muddy trails may be fun for some, but wears the trail much faster, starts mudholes and is not an evirionmentally sound move. Makes us look irresponsible to other trail users. I'm sure you already know all of this Barry being a veteran rider, but thought a newbie or someone interested in getting into it may be listening in...

Wes