Spring Spins

See the Mountains on a Bike!

There’s no better way to shake off the cobwebs of winter than with a spring spin through the mountains. Whatever your style or abilities, you’ll find a bike — and a ride — that fits.

Mountain bikers

The Aska Trail System features about 17 miles of premiere single-track trails. You’ll find the trailhead at Deep Gap, approximately 4.4 miles down Aska Road from Blue Ridge (look for the Forest Service parking lot). Individual trails in the system include the renowned Stanley Gap and Green Mountain trails, as well as the easier Long Branch Loop. Check the Fannin Chamber’s website for other trails and access points.

Electric Bikers

You won’t think twice about tackling hills with a little “turbo-assist” from Blue Ridge Electric Bikes. Rent one of their deluxe Pedego electric bikes for the day or by the hour. Or, join them for a guided tour of Fall Branch Falls, Tanasi Trails at the Ocoee Whitewater Center, the Shallowford Bridge area or even Downtown Blue Ridge.

Pedal Pushers

No bike? No worries. Head out to the Fannin County Recreation Complex for a do-it-yourself bike rental. Just drive 3.5 miles north on GA Hwy. 5 and turn right on Tom Boyd Road. Park down by the baseball fields and look for Blue Ridge Fun Bike’s automated bike stand. The bikes have seven gears, leather seats and handlebars, baskets on the back and puncture-resistant tires.

It’s $5 to rent each bike, plus 15¢ per 10 minutes (the average rental costs about $6-$8). Just download and install the “Movatic” app on your smartphone, then follow the directions to unlike a bike. Then enjoy a ride along the park’s easy trails.