Southern Exposure: Tsali Day 1 // 23 Miles

With the heavy traveling miles behind us we set out to NOC this morning to pick up Amanda’s rental mountain bike, a Specialized Camber 29. After the super easy process, we were on our way to Tsali, a short 15-minute drive through the Nantahala Gorge and surrounding national forest.

Tsali has 4 trails and each day 2 of them are designated for mtb’ing and the other 2 for horseback riding. Today’s trails were the Left and Right Loops, which are the more challenging of the group — good amount of climbing, creek crossings and quick descents.

Amanda got the hang of the 29er fairly quick and was soon crushing roots and cruising through creek crossings. We rode both loops and called it a day knowing we would be back tomorrow to ride Mouse Branch and Thompson Loop and would need some legs for it. It’s good to be back.

Trout for dinner!

2012 Miles; 1717.15