DuPont has a sleeper 2,000ft descent, and it's incredible!

Today I'm out to put together a sneaky loop in DuPont state forest links three of the best trails (Ridgeline, Stone Mountain, and Rock Ridge) for an awesome and almost continuous 2,000ft descent... which kinda blows my mind!
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LFRHGS
Alexander

[@garyharmon5386]

Man you are still young and you have many years left to ride. Seems the older we get the more we really have to listen to our bodies. I am now 73 and started my cycling back when I was six years old. I still try to ride six days a week. I had been a roadie all those years until about three years ago because of the danger on the road. Now the road bike stays on the trainer. Got into mountain biking three years ago and I love it. Stay safe and pedal safe.

[@joeinbikes]

Advertised Ridgeline 15 years ago to my now wife, a surfer chic, that it's a perfect wave on land. Sooo flowy and smooth. It sold her into mtb riding.

[@politiciansthrowstones]

That reminds me of writing Montesano mountain down in Huntsville, Alabama. All those rocks

[@davidlandrigan7067]

As a MTB’er in my mid 50’s recovery and working in low impact miles is the key longevity. Alex mentioned the biggest element of success- just get out and ride. You will face injury, competing priorities, struggles, periods of emotional, mental, and physical stresses you can’t even imagine right now…if you are blessed enough to have any bike, get out and ride. If you love cycling now, it will give the love back in those darker days.

[@stanmustard7292]

You figured it out, Alex. It's all about patience. You've got a bunch more decades to get into and stay in prime shape, it's a long haul, not a sprint. And remember, if you let yourself back slide, it gets harder every time to gain that back, as you age. You're right, getting older is not for the weak.

[@MikeR65]

I started mountain biking in my early 50’s. Covid really screwed me and now it’s very hard for me. I’m not going to give up because it’s such a great sport. You have a lot of great riding ahead of you. Learn you body’s strengths and weaknesses and work with them.

[@BlackMan614]

I got passed going up a steep grade by a guy who is pushing 60 the other day. There is hope for all of us.

[@thepisgahpusher8616]

So I’ve been watching since 2017, this got me into mountain biking, but for this context “The Singletrack Sampler” is one of my favorite “tv shows”. And in this entertainment aspect I have to say this episode is among his best. Alex does an excellent job using this format of show, a little one on one to open, a little chit chat on the climb, monologue, then a downhill play by play, close. In this episode the story telling of “the ride” really shone through. Great entertainment . I’ve not done stone but rocky ridge to hooker to hickory mountain to ridgeline is my favorite lap at DuPont. 👍 excellent work Alex.

[@Mikesonbikes]

Ed and Marco did a great job on the rework. Jim branch is sick too. It's easy for people who don't understand what they're looking at to judge, or to think that the trail needs to be how it was when THEY got there. Trails are in a constant state of fluctuation and they require work to maintain. The fact that we have badass trails like this and builders like Ed and shrimper and Peter and Mike and Joseph etc. In this area is amazing. It's easy for a person to be have strong opinions about something that they don't understand all of the details about. Thanks for highlighting this work and your positivity. Come to the pump jam 😂

[@justinheiser7605]

It's been about a year since I have been out that way. Besides Ridgeline, have any of the other trails been worked on?

[@MyGraceFilledJourney]

You’re right, Ridgeline is better than it was before! I can’t wait to get back there.

[@TwoTrakMind]

I'm 54 and have never been at your level but I've been content withe level of riding I was at. Last summer though, something changed in me that was really hard. I used to ride 5-6 days a week but I noticed that I wasn't recovering as fast as I used to, and after 4 days of riding, I just couldn't do it anymore and had to take a break for a few days. This was super hard to accept. I'm working on eating better, have changed my workout routine, and trying to get more sleep. We'll see what this summer brings. I have always appreciated your honesty and vulnerability because it helps me be easier on myself. I'm sorry it has been hard on you but you're not alone, brother.

[@Jimdomanko]

I started riding when I was 41, hard tails and V Brakes. Now 66 and loving all the new tech that the bikes have. Still riding double blacks and still have the passion. Listen to your body Alex, yes its getting older and yes those crashes hurt more and recovery is longer, BUT you are a mountain biker and you can see it in your eyes. Live long, ride safe and stay stoked young man. 😎

[@MatthewMachuDidge]

It's been 14years since I've been out East, thanks for bringing me back to DuPont Alex!

[@shaunomeara843]

I'm almost 50 keep moving !!... Have. Broken myself majorly and I can tell you the best thing I ever did was get moving and stay moving but also rest when needed!!....

[@Paul-he8uu]

moving down to charlotte this year and am so stoked to have excellent trails like these because of videos like this!!

[@dgreensotr]

Some years ago I made peace with the fact that even if I work harder each succeeding year, I'll achieve less as the years pile up. Still, after each ride, I can't wait to go back out again, but I need to take time to recover. I'm 75 and have been riding for almost 30 years.

[@ssquared8076]

Having hiked that last part of the climb I cant imagine hauling a bike up it big props. I am just getting back into riding after almost 3 years off the bike. in 2020 I had a major hand injury that took almost a year to fully heal then the hard part of getting the the confidence back on the bike. Glad to see you back out there and listen to the PT and do the homework they give you.

[@enchiladasmith014]

I’m 54 and been riding trails since 1989. I’ve seen trails evolve, erode away, disappear due to development and then seen the massive trail building boom everywhere. I’m just a trail junkie and love being on the trail no matter ( except sand and deep sand) and it’s about the trail quality and experience for me personally. Yeah I’m not as sendy as I was years back but I charge pretty hard still and definitely hold my own. Keep it up and the longer you ride the smarter you become on the trail. Thanks for the videos.

[@passionman147]

Keep up the good work. You're riding great! I am 56 years old and still riding on the same level as when I was in my 30s & 40s. Resting every other day helps especially if you ride the intense level that you do. Thank you for all of your epic vids!

[@andrewschober2717]

Alex, I'm 50 and trying to stay in shape is a constant battle. Crashed hard on a drop ( damn pedal strike) and 3 weeks off the bike, starting over again. Keep the positive vibes, listen to your body, and most importantly have fun. You are an inspiration, keep at it. Love the videos. LFRHGS.

[@jamescaldwell3007]

Taking stock of injuries or just basic body state certainly shows a sign of “maturing”. While it creates frustration that you can’t go 90 mph everyday I think it does provide positives!!! Making you proactively think about all around health ain’t a bad thing. And “maturing” eventually will allow a different mindset too, at least it has for me. The transition is certainly a tough one. While I still push it on the trail as hard as I can and as often as I can I very often have to simply appreciate being on the trail. I appreciate the outdoors, physical ability, time with son/friends, and let’s face it…finances that I can afford to do it. I hope to be doing this for a very long time. Also hope to be watching these videos for a very long time. Thx amigo! 🤙

[@brianlehnhardt1632]

Dude, about getting old. I feel ya. I'll be 40 this year and have to be more deliberate about my training. I just hope to have the privilege of getting old, because some people don't.

[@yukonpeteneff]

Hey Alex, I’m 57 years old and still working on getting my fitness and strength back following two knee surgeries. The second one being a Patellofemoral replacement. I did PT for 9 months, tried just riding back into shape the last two summers (live in Vermont) and skiing in the winters but just wasn’t getting strong and favoring the bum knee. I spent the last 6 months with a personal trainer working on strength, flexibility and fitness. All phases of fitness, the different zones. I am so stoked , I now feel strong, not just me legs but my entire body, fitness level is much better and I leave for Arizona the day after tomorrow for 2 weeks of riding. 5 days of which in Sedona. I am so excited to get back on the bike. I purchased a Fatbike last fall to get some seat time in over the winter and did some skinning and back country skiing this winter as well. I feel great, it takes SO much work to not only stay in shape at my age but exponentially more work to get back into shape. Keep riding buddy, keep moving when you can’t ride and keep giving your body the recovery and rest it needs to stay on your game. It’s a life long lesson and we keep learning and adjusting as we get older. Love your channel and your enthusiasm!!!

[@saddleweary2777]

This is like the Andy G show, I never get tired of watching this. I'm on ten times now.

[@waynepennock115]

Hi Alex, I’m a volunteer trail builder in the UK and when we repair trails we get the “you’ve sanitised the trail” comments, yet in a month or so you can’t tell where we’ve repaired the trails! Great flow section at the end of your video and I dig the vibe of your videos! Keep up the great work and heal soon ! ✌️

[@scottcottle4325]

I did this trail having no idea what we were getting in to. It was great to see your video to relive the experience. I went over the handlebars, but no injury, then a rock hit took my derailleur out. This was on an Esker Hayduke hardtail. I was 59yo when I did this. I love Dupont, but not really stone mtn trail. Thanks for the great video

[@mikemullen6028]

You,made me giggle 😂😂 Coming up on 69 and so many setbacks and come backs over the years. Just keep going but let yourself heal at least to 80% and wait till you go down those trails in about thirty years from now. You get to feel pain in parts of your body you didn’t even know you had but you’ll still do it!!! We’re all addicted.

[@bullabl287]

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast, smooth is also sexy. That’s your Ridgeline run right there 😂. I love the weekly videos man. Great job bro!

[@RacerKob]

Riding up Jim Branch is a way better option then going up Ridgeline. That's an awesome route though that I have to do everytime I'm in town.

[@mathewjames1776]

100% agree!

[@MrMuggsly]

Yeah Jim Branch then down Hooker Creek then back up to ridgeline has to be my favorite loop. That being said I need to try stonemountain next time I am out there.

[@justinheiser7605]

@@MrMuggsly Jim Branch to Hooker to Ridgeline is also a personal favorite that I hit anytime I'm out there. I think for this loop though, that he did, going up Ridgeline directly saves some mileage and time.

[@Hardcaslte]

Add hickory mountain loop at the top and you have my go to trio loop every time I go to NC. Up Jim branch, hit hooked creek, then hickory mountain which goes straight into ridge line. I can do that loop two or three times and then head home. I really need to try some other trails in dupont and pisgah but I always end up doing that loop.

[@RacerKob]

@@Hardcaslte 100 percent. Hardest part is deciding which direction. Bombing hooker Creek on the way over to hickory is well worth it too. 😁

[@shoenachos2024]

Good stuff, mane! That's my home turf right there. Used to do this same route often, but doing it the conventional way, up Jim Branch and down Ridgeline, is much more rewarding!

[@nalder4x4runnerfamilyoverl93]

Awesome ride. Appreciate the interlude to address age and fitness in this hobby. I’m starting this mtb journey at 38 and already having to tell myself it’s ok to struggle and even to process a little it takes 3x as much work as it did to learn other skills as a kid. Rock climbing was a fast progression. Mtb is much slower. So I’m focused on enjoying the ride and worrying far less about keeping up with the KZbin crowd. Go pro effect isn’t helping me as I hit a trail and realize y’all make it look so much tamer. Ladybird kicked my butt last night.

[@TMAN882]

At 56 I spent the weekend sending jumps and acting like a big kid. Anywho, I have to be smarter about my riding but compete and ride with people half my age. That smarter includes more stretching, light weight training, and changing up my weekly trail from tech to flow, to jumps, or a little bit of both. Most people forget at a young age, especially with injuries that they can creep up on you later in life. Just manage your week of riding and you will do just fine Alex. I ride every day but pick one or two rest days depending on my rides that week. Love your videos, thanks!!

[@samlunger8777]

AMEN! Well said! Let's keep this sport beautiful, by embracing each other as individuals. I can't thank the trail builders and volunteers that make WNC the amazing place it is enough. LET THERE BE FLOW! And Chunder! And Tech! And mutual respect!

[@gavindean]

I’m 53 until last year I only rode DH here in Switzerland now I ride an E mountain bike and loving the big adventure days in the mountains 😁😁

[@bikingwithmykids7358]

With ya brother, so thankful for what we have!!!!

[@steve_exclamationpoint]

Great stuff, Alex! I feel like DuPont sometimes gets overshadowed by Pisgah for not having the biggest and baddest trails, but there is excellent riding to be had there.

[@ch_chone]

The thing you were asking about was a renovation of the Guion Farms parking lot. They're adding a bathroom and more organized parking spaces! Super excited about it.

[@Filthy_Rich_556]

Someone in the comments on another said Alex sounds like shaggy when he gets excited and now I can't unhear it. Live free, ride hard, and zoinks!

[@cjapps82]

Alex as an adaptive rider I love tech trails can't ride them anymore so smooth and flowing is the name of the game let's hear it for flow

[@saapro9057]

Best bike tuber hands down

[@chrisgugala8860]

Alex, watching this video you say “ to be a better rider, watch your lines and don’t break in turns” and such. I’m 54 and love to MTB! Going as fast as your were you missed all the fun of it I think personally. You’re a great rider and love the videos! I’m not out there to break records, I’m there to be in Mother Nature and enjoy the outside. Just a thought. Peace! Keep up the great vids!

[@scotchvelo]

Love the solo adventure POV vids, Alex. Classic YT MTB content at its best. 🤘

[@paultomlinson528]

Nice ride Alex, always a grin watching your videos!

[@SouthernSender]

Your progression is really showing Alex! Laying down some speed on this ride!

[@JayDubster]

Jeez Louise, that top section was bonkers dude! GoPro definitely didn't do it justice. Soo good to see you back at it Alex.

[@colinmaciver1350]

I am so glad you got you mojo back, when I watched the clip from Berm Park opening I worried you had lost the love ❤ for our sport but your last videos have been some of your best you have ever done, love the channel.

[@aaronjudd732]

Hey man love your videos I have been watching for years you have given me the confidence in my riding to get me to the point I am at today thank you

[@flip625]

Yeah buddy, freaking sent it.

[@dreadsanddirt5966]

**deep breath** Man Alex, I just turned 49 a month ago. Been riding my entire life and despite a blood disorder that has tried to kill me twice and caused me some lung damage I've had to deal with, I've been mostly injury free (knock on wood). That said, I also taught in a private music conservatory for 20 years and when covid came along it blew the whole bottom out of elective private education. Try as I may I just couldn't make ends meet so after struggling for two years I found myself having to take a job in a warehouse (the psychological consequences of that are for another discussion). The first few weeks I was in quite literal pain all day, every day. Whole body and nothing mediated the pain. That eventually passe as I acclimated to the job but I was just a week go put in the doctor's office when I developed tendonitis in both elbows and my right bicep. I'm not a little guy at 210lbs and lifted weights all my life as well. To have been basically forced to take a job I don't even want in order to keep food on the table for myself and my son and have it cause me pain I have to deal with every single day of my life sucks ass. Sure, training helps prevent some injury and rehab others, and supplements like Cissus definitely help when it gets to be too much, but just going out and riding at whatever capacity I am able (some days it's fierce and sendy, some days it's a quiet mosey around the neighborhood) is the best medicine for mind and body. Just keep doing what you love, man.

[@ish474]

Alex I'm 44 I currently have a detached Labrum (shoulder). The mental aspect is the hardest thing to overcome. I am losing muscle mass in my left arm and I haven't even had my surgery yet. I still ride but man I have to pull back to avoid getting hurt even more. Love the channel!

[@scottyfpv5651]

I love Dupont. Ridgeline was my first real flowy trail.

[@cameronwhite8861]

Killer vid dude. So happy to get a classic sampler riding vid. Hope your recovery is quick and your goals are met!

[@HeatherMunive]

wow this trail looked soooo fun. ....love to see and hear you back on the bike, sooo fun!!! Rest and recover !!!

[@danieltobias8373]

Oh dude! You're so going to get blasted for climbing Ridgeline! Even though you didn't "recommend" doing it during peak hours or days. LOL Great video as always man, keep doing your thing!

[@albinofrankengorilla5319]

I will be there in two weeks, coming out from Colorado for a four day rip on a new sled and I cannot wait - thanks for all the great suggestions. The stoke is real 🙂

[@AnthonyGuarriello]

First time watcher and subscribed, Looking good out there! As you were saying in the beginning people need to quick putting others hard work down and get out there and make it better themselves and see how much work goes in to making something that as western NCer's we take for granted. great filming and thanks for sharing can't wait to get out and try this myself.

[@gregbeasley2657]

Awesome ride to watch!

[@revelintheride2639]

Looks like so much fun, one of these days I will get there :) Awesome riding and video as always!!

[@debbiegrooman5800]

Don't worry, you'll still be riding when you're 70. Just keep riding, which you will do because you love it. At 73 and 60 (husband, self), we're living proof. And, you'll keep improving in small ways. I just learned to love drops and im clearing more jumps everyday. Yes, other things get harder, butevery day on the bike is an adventure. (We just got back home to northern Michigan after a few days right where you are. Headed to Bentonville and Utah in a few weeks. We might consider ebikes in the future. 😉)

[@RomanMoroniesFargingWall]

That was a massive save on that drift around 12:45. You were proper crossed up. Hell of a run! 🍻

[@bmaclaps]

Probably my favorite route in Dupont is to park at Lake Imaging, ride up Jim Branch, road ride up to Rocky Ridge, descend RR, connector trail over to Ridgeline and back to the parking lot.

[@jonjustinlanier]

can't wait to give that route a try! thanks for the video!!

[@ridvancaglar7152]

I loved this place

[@MTBDirtSurfin]

Ive never ridden stone mountain but ive done the rest of them in one day! Great ride! And i love the ridgeline rebuild! Its fast and fun!

[@markstrutz]

Great vid and commentary! Add in HICKORY Mountain right before heading back down Ridge. Very fun loop with some nice drops and tech mixed in Plus awesome views this time of year!

[@gregcarr1266]

Whoa, thanks for sharing. I’ve always wondered about Rocky Ridge & Stone Mtn trails. I gotta go ride this

[@lewissmith6500]

I'm 69 and still cruising in the mountains man. You stop you drop.

[@LevoRider]

Raining here so I am riding vicariously through You tube today😁. Nice ride, looks like a great trail. As a stubborn older rider, I tend to try to ride through injuries which can lead to longer layoffs, so patience is the key as well as stretching out every day helps.

[@eighty6gt]

Just go easy on the ramp up, you got it, be patient and be consistent. Eat carefully and stretch and sleep. I am 42 now and last year felt fitter than ever on the trails. Started cycling in my late 20's.

[@b.r.3232]

Holy Smokes!! Awesome trail!!

[@printerror]

Holy crap dude, that Ridgeline rework looks magical. It was chunky last time I was up there. I need to come back and ride this all again like ASAP!

[@KestrelYI]

Great ride, Sampler! Relocated to New Mexico so it has been a few years since I last rode Dupont. The southwest is great but I do miss western NC. Thanks for sharing :) Really nostalgic to shoot through some roto-tunnels.

[@JackBikesTN13]

Great video. This is one of the best loops in the South East in my opinion. I have ridden it 5-6 times. However, really consider whether or not you should recommend riding UP Ridgeline. Jim Branch is right there and easy enough. With 500k subs you have to consider the weight your videos hold. DO NOT RIDE UP RIDGELINE

[@The_Sampler]

Yep, that’s why i put the disclaimer! Nothing wrong with riding up it on a weekday morning though 😬

[@davidfaustino7025]

Can you recommend the full climbing route up to the one way part up the Stone Mountain trail?

[@gavinnephew2194]

This route is so sickk definitely a must hit

[@SecretSpots]

YEWWW! Epic one Alex! 🤙

[@Ciprian.Avarvarei]

👋Hi, Alex, saw your video last evening on my TV and I couldn't leave a comment until today. 💪Nice trails over there, crazy ones realy😀 I am glad that you are ok✅ 🇷🇴Greetings from Romania🚴‍♂️

[@InSearchToPacify]

Hell yeah brother! I dig the chat with all the haters at the front of the video. Been some Sedona drama similar lately, I love what you have to say. Just improving access for folks, how can you hate on that!?

[@Get_Outside_Northeast]

AS time goes by, you will discover MTBing is actually the Fountain of Youth. I'm 60 years old and I'm shredding harder now than I ever have in my 39 year of mtbing because it is still as much fun as it was on day one. Because I don't ever want to stop, it forces me to stay somewhat fit.

[@ANAX_GR]

My guy went so frickin fast down that trail the the go pro effect is almost non existant! Great work Alex!

[@mikejones420]

50 years old last month for me, and still ride my mountain bike, been riding almost 30 years now. Getting older is not that bad, and fitness isnt that bad either, not as much work as you might think. I don't ride hard like I used to, but still can from time to time. I find that riding slower "scenery focused" trails maybe 3 times out of 5 rides helps keep the fitness up to scratch, a ride around a river trail, or lake, and stopping for snack at said river or lake, keeps the heart rate from going beyond target threshold.

[@kairowse2944]

that trail looks soooooo fun

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Nice job, DuPont is a fun area! Injuries suck, especially when you just want to shred!

[@brandonmcminn]

I was having elbow problems and went to a 760mm bar and fatter grips. The ergon fat grips are nice and the trail 1 hells gates have been great.

[@skyerains2754]

I love that Hickory loop. I'll be down in three weeks, hoping its not too wet.

[@pippinrush1520]

Sounds like you need an ebike for continued fitness! It’s the game changer!!

[@motojaymo6653]

Gonna be down there 1st of April for a week. Currently nursing fractured radial head and ribs, sprained mcl and wrist that happened in early December. I'm 53 and the healing process is slooow! Ridgeline, Big Rock, Berm Park and Kanuga is on the play list. Hope I'm ready! Lol.

[@acebikemedia]

the best route in dupont! even better if you add hickory mountain in there too! good riding alex

[@mtbville]

Cool video buddy 🤩🤘🔥

[@benwithrow5044]

Fun video. I don’t think anyone should ride up ridgeline anytime. Jim Branch is the way (up). Also, the hooker creek rework is an absolute blast.

[@GianinMTB]

Epic ride

[@EvansMTBSaga]

Man you get to ride some awesome trails! I was checking your back catalog and see you've been to Bentonville, but no content from Eureka Springs aka Lake Leatherwood. It's a SICK enduro shuttle park about 45 min from Bentonville. If you're planning out some content I'd love to show you around there sometime!

[@calvinwong9252]

Your awesome love trail riding

[@inkrider95]

I can’t wait to get up there and ride the trail system of DuPont and pisgah..

[@Sunshine-wn5ev]

I’m 41 this month myself. Incredibly hard to stay in shape let alone gain endurance and stamina. Love the videos man!! Mtn biking is a game changer for my mental health as well. I ride through the winter and most think I’m nuts to do so in central Pa… I explain to them vaguely .. I have to ride it’s not an option. My well being depends on it. Maybe someday we will cross paths and go for a ride together 🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@aureliewelterlin6663]

We recognize that hooting and hollering! Hope ya recover soon!

[@Dix-OnBik3s]

Thats a beautiful lap. Ran the same route while in the area in December buuuut Took a spill on Rocky Ridge right after the first pack of berms and broke my fibula. Had to hike out to get my arse down to the medicenter. Ill be back for Redemption...

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome epik video 👍🤘

[@ddsgardening7437]

Let it flow fantastic

[@Friskee62]

Excellent ride...

[@workhorsemtb7075]

Man, I love ridgeline. I need to get up there to ride the rework.

[@fickedyodad2137]

Rocky ridge is rad. I love tech and rock gardens but as someone who lives in Pisgah I feel we lack flow trails.

[@tabby4kyeet589]

Rocky Ridge is so fun there are so many spots to hit tricks