Getting a slice of humble pie at Bennett Gap in Pisgah, NC

[@brandonk8213]

My friend and I are in this video. At the end when you are riding back to your car at 11:40. You pass a tan honda element and a coleman tent. My friend and I were riding that weekend all throughout and camped there. Awesome video of one of my favorite trails.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Dude, that is very cool! Have yet to camp there, definitely something I look forward to doing sometime, as you say to ride all over the place and then just chill at the camp. Great plan!

[@arlingtonguy54]

Ive only ridden Buckwheat and Bennett once and I live here. That is a gnarly rocky trail. It’s way over my pay grade but it gives me a good reference point for riding Pisgah because its the hardest trail here. What ever else we ride we now say, well, it cant be as bad as Bennett. Good video, thanks.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Love the approach! I found pilot to be harder overall, but Bennett's tough spots are far harder.

[@bennnnnnn]

Nice video. I hit Bennet Gap and Middle and Lower Black Mountain for the first time on Saturday. Loved it

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Great selection for a day, seems like you got quite the day in!

[@thomasspelmans9455]

I did the trail a few days ago, it was so much fun. The climb was ok, but it was worth the downhill! I also go to that area at least three times a year from Florida

[@thomasspelmans9455]

The part you were talking about how steep it was, it hardly showed on camra too

[@BlindstuffMTB]

It never shows on the camera how steep places are. Even windrock looks kinda flat.

[@tedclev]

Defnitely one of Pisgah's finest. The stair step down is so sketchy and the camera does it no justice. I laughed at 4:38 when you said you got freaked out by that hole. I remember the first time I saw that; it's a straight drop down a cliff and it freaked me out too.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Lol, yeah, that got me 100%, I'll go back eventually and take my time to session it a bit, I'm pretty sure I could do some of those features with enough time. The drop is the one that's the scariest imho, the runoff is almost non-existant.

[@automotivedistributors9708]

I can’t wait to shred there his spring. It’s on my short list! Nice ridin bro

[@BlindstuffMTB]

You're gonna love this trail. Thanks!

[@tycojewel7979]

Another awesome video. I am working my way up to this.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Laurel! Its just a matter of practice and consistency, Asheville in general is well worth the visit and filled with riding for everyone.

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'd watch full, uncut rides. I'd love that. I tend towards videos that are even as long as 3hours.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Daniel! Really happy you've enjoyed so many videos on the channel. For now I don't have plans on releasing un-cut versions, but as the channel grows it may be something to add if I start a Patreon someday.

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

@@BlindstuffMTB you really should start a patreon or SubscribeStar or something.

[@VitalieVisuals]

Looks like a fun trail!

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Nice talk through and yes I Love The GRIND!!! But the views of that we get to take in and enjoy while grinding make up for it, no matter where it is, we’re in nature. Great clip, Live-Life-Loud!!! Bro!!!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks bro! Agree 100% with you.

[@FloridaTrailrider]

Brother so great that you are hitting these epic spots. Love it!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

It really is worth the long drive, there is just so much awesome stuff out there!

[@raymondchapman2075]

I love both the climb and descent, its just great being out I think. I have a friend who would happily climb all day and wouldn't mind shuttling down. Strange guy. This looked like really challenging but fun trail. Another great video dude.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

hahaha indeed a strange guy, I'm with you, both parts are fun, but the descent is definitely important! Trail was super hard in some spots and manageable in the rest, that what made me like it so much, it wasn't hard enough to be impossible.

[@10acebikesjodybennettii19]

I live in the Foothills of the smokies love it here beautiful bro!!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

The riding around TN is amazing!

[@10acebikesjodybennettii19]

BlindstuffMTB I am riding tomorrow and all next week Monday through Thursday!!! gonna be a blast doing Urban wilderness!

[@jodylowe8476]

Great videos man.

[@mtn0freek]

I agree dude, the climbs are a great point to focus on being in our natural environment.

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

great riding you put out there, nice video as always, thank you VDN!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Verdon!

[@HallMarc_Trails]

That trail is just awesome, great flowy downhills, challenging technical climbs (and drops) that one particular drop at 3:10 was insane, as for climbing i used to really enjoy them before my 8 year break from biking but since i started riding again last september i don't enjoy them so much, that's basically down to fitness, i'm sure when i'm as fit as i once was then i'll enjoy them again, fitness is key i think. Enjoyed watching that one, awesome riding, another brilliant vid :)

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks man! Much appreciated. The drop at 3:10 is doable, that's one I want to go back for, with some practice and the right mind set I think I can get it, on the right side, the left line is just crazy. I agree, climbing has become more fun as I've improved, when I was starting I hated it, you bring a very good point in, fitness does make it more fun.

[@WattyLegend]

Soon as its a little warmer Ima head that way!! So close to here I need to hit it!

[@thomasspelmans9455]

Watty Legend! Make sure the trail is open because they close it to bikers in the summer. Check mtb project

[@WattyLegend]

Thanks for the heads up!! Will do!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

That information on mtb project is outdated, thanks to amazing advocacy efforts the trail is now open to mtb year round.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Go for it, with how close it is, you have to go!

[@RealMJSr]

I am looking forward to making it up to Pisgah soon. Some of the trail looked mad technical.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Really was! I had seen other videos, so I was expecting a bit, but this was serious stuff. Pisgah is always a good choice!

[@eviltaz78]

Awesome video! Great work and it looks like a blast!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks frank. It was so much fun truth be told. Love those kinds of challenging trails.

[@retzsch25]

I need to make a trip up from S.FL asap! Been to NC a bunch of times but have never ridden there.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Go for it! The drive to NC is always worth it!

[@mccreadymtb6043]

Looks like such a fun trail! Those two sections worry me though the steps and the big rock drop a bit further down!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

The big rock drop is still way above my pay grade, maybe someday!

[@gobikeyourself]

I totally share your thoughts on the uphill. To me still it's at least as pleasing as going downhill ... allthough that might shift a bit with the jeffsy ;-) ... And I allways have the feeling I pay a lot more attention to line choice and enjoying every aspect of a downhill, because - especially if it's a long climb - most likely you only go up and down once. Pretty much like a backcountry skitour. Bueatiful trail btw!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

I totally agree with you, the backcountry skiing anology is spot on!

[@Spearchinero]

Wowwwwww I must go there!! Great video! So far what are your top 5 trails ??

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Patricio! Choosing a top 5 is nearly impossible, there's so much good riding I couldn't really choose. Maybe I could do a top five in a certain area, but overall, the riding is so different in UT, CO, NC, FL that I just want to ride in all of them haha.

[@heymoe1179]

I agree on the uphill. Gotta pay your dues...and I actually enjoy the up.

[@evdb7246]

Looking for a recommendation for a good XC focussed training loop. Will be there in the spring and plan to bring both MTB and road bike. As an XC racer, a lot of this stuff is a bit too aggressive for me. Nice 5-10km loop with some sustained climbs and moderately technical decent would be ideal. I'm not from the area and though I've done a number of road cycling training camps in N/S Carolina, haven't ever brought the XC race bike - this year would be a first. I'm cat 3 on the road and MTB.

[@VisualSOLUTIONSMedia]

Great ride, another excellent video! Wanted to ride Bennett last time I was up in WNC from Miami, didn't make it. Now I know I will- minus, I'll be honest, the steps... but I love climbs, just for the record. Man, what a beautiful overlook!!! How much time does the ride take/how long back to the car? Thanks!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks! Bennett is really cool. You should ride it next time for sure. I usually do the loop by including buckewhat knob, like this: www.trailforks.com/ridelog/planner/view/36603 How long it takes really depends on climbing speed etc, can't say for sure, but its really worth it.

[@omarprr]

Do you run the bike in the hi or low setting? Have you run both are there big differences?

[@BlindstuffMTB]

I run it in the low setting, I have honestly never tried the high yet.

[@omarprr]

Thanks

[@omarprr]

Just got my YT Jeffsy... super stock

[@BlindstuffMTB]

omarprr guess I should try the other setting soon, I'll make sure to post up a video if I notice any changes

[@BlindstuffMTB]

omarprr congrats, NBD is always a great day

[@MrTonka]

BG hands out humble pie on a daily. :)

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Its never the same as what you see on video lol, I was prepared to work hard, just not this much!

[@MrTonka]

I've reserved a slice of humble pie in May. haha

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Hahaha you'll thoroughly enjoy it, wish it were easier to drive up, I'd be there all the time.

[@MrTonka]

I've "survived" once already. I'm looking to ride it this time. ;) (hopefully) That drive must suck for you. It's bearable for me, but just. Still 9 hours or so from my house.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Oh, so now you gotta go full send mode lol. I can do the drive in just under 12 hours. It exhausting but worth it. Much more manageable if you split the drive with a buddy

[@tuetis]

Hey man I found your channel not long ago and I love it! What are the chances of you coming out to Colorado and we can shoot an epic edit?

[@tycojewel7979]

Great review of YT

[@BlindstuffMTB]

The bike has treated me well indeed!

[@jeimukhun18]

Great video! Btw, (weather wise), can you ride these trails in January? Thanks, man!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks! Happy you liked it. Yes. Expect it to be cold and plan accordingly. A lot of weather variation throughout the day. If it's rainy there's other trails that do better imo, like pilot rock.

[@jeimukhun18]

@@BlindstuffMTB Thanks, man. how cold does it get?

[@BlindstuffMTB]

@@jeimukhun18 anywhere between 20 and 50 F. I know it's not a very useful answer. You're just gonna have to look at the forecast a lot

[@carson54444]

What is there not to get about a fascination with Western North Carolina?

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Great question.

[@jinavl]

was that view razors edge

[@BlindstuffMTB]

I THINK its Looking Glass Rock, not 100% sure though

[@arlingtonguy54]

Yes Looking Glass Rock over to the right.

[@DiegoLopez-oi8gt]

What would you recommend if you only had time for one ride in Pisgah - BG or Black Mtn Trail?

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Middle black MTN. Super varied on the way down, a little bit of everything.

[@Montblanc1986]

For some reason I subscribed

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Glad to have you on board

[@jodylowe8476]

Lots of servings of pie in pisgah.

[@TheBeardedMountainBiker]

That’s good advice about the hikers, if only every mtb’r were that courteous. The issue we have at home are groups of mtb’rs that feel they are more important than anyone else and unfortunately it’s only a matter of time before we get banned from some trails...such a shame the minority have to ruin it for the majority. Sweet trail, love the running commentary 👍

[@BlindstuffMTB]

It's always the noisy ones that get noticed, you can have a 99% of people be respectful, and the 1% that are a*holes can actually make enough noise to form the stereotype. Its really hard to battle that, so the way I see it is, at least I'll do my part and hope others think the same way. Thanks man!

[@mydestinationtraining7905]

What type of bike

[@10acebikesjodybennettii19]

it's that a new bike?? thought you were on a pivot?? or a commensal maybe hell maybe I wasn't paying attention!!??!!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Same one, I've been on the YT Jeffsy 27 since about June. I do have a few test rides on other ones, maybe you saw one of those vids hahaha.

[@zxtenn]

Do you use carbon wheels on such serious terrain?? Just wondering as they aren't cheap to replace

[@BlindstuffMTB]

I don't have any personal experience with carbon wheels, but some of my friends ride the same trails I do with them and have never had an issue. There are some surprisingly strong carbon wheels out there.

[@JacoblBroughton]

Yeah that first step is something serious, the video sadly doesn't do it much justice.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Video never does. I eventually went back and conquered it, and even that video looks like nothing

[@jameshudson7053]

I see why you say humble!