Streamline.by.design said:
Bad thing is the lack of someone to shuttle, there will only be two of us, and the lack of time. If it weren't for the lack of time I would hit Props Run and just ride back to the trail head but 17 miles is not happening in 2 or 3 hours time I doubt. Mainly because from the description my brother and I will want to stop and play on some stuff. Also we are from SC and actually haven't been able to ride for a bit over a month due to work, heat, . . .
You would be able to do the Bear Pen Modified Loop without a shuttle and should be able
to do it in that time line. To avoid having to type a long drawn out description of the route
I'll just give basics. If you would like detailed info, go to Singletracks.com, trails, and log
in and see my post there.
Begin ride on FR135 about a mile from Mine Rd. Go back up to Mine road on bikes, then
take Gauley Mtn. Trail off Mine Rd., to Bear Pen Ridge Trail, to Boundary Trail, take a
right at the end of Boundary (at intersection with Bannock Shoals Trail) ride FR135 back
to vehicle. It's about a 16 mile loop. Some technical sections and some fast sections.
There is an overlook about 3/4 the way across Boundary trail (worth a few minutes stop).
You can also do a out and back on Gauley Mtn. Trail although it is mostly used as a
connector trail and is not very difficult, but a nice 10.5 to 11 miles out and back.
Cow Pasture Trail in the Cranberry Glades is about a 8 mile loop trail which has very
little climbing at all but is beautful this time of year. Hope this helps and you get to
enjoy some of the awesome trails this area has to offer. We ride all that has been
mentioned in both posts on XC bikes. No DH/FR stuff necessary.
ODN