Monday, I ran a list of the 23 National Trails Day events in North Carolina registered with the American Hiking Society, which has spearheaded the event since its inception in 1993. There are nine events in the mountains, 13 in the Piedmont, one at the coast. To peruse that list, go here.

I’ve since learned of five more events:

Piedmont

National Trails Workday: Crowders Mountain State Park
What: Workday: “wear hiking or work appropriate footwear and clothes, and bring gloves if you have them. We will provide tools, drinking water, and snacks.”
When: June 5, 9 a.m.-noon. (Note that this event is on Sunday, June 5, not Saturday, June 4).
Where: Crowders Mountain State Park, Kings Mountain (west of Charlotte).
More info here.

National Trails Day at Briar Chapel
What: Guided mountain bike ride, lunch (with beer), guided hikes.
When: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.(ish)
Where: Trail network at the Briar Chapel development south of Chapel Hill.
More info here.

National Trails Day at Hanging Rock State Park
What: Trail improvements and liter cleanup. Bring: work clothes, gloves, boots, bag lunch, water, snacks.
When: 9 a.m. ‘til you’re done.
Where: Hanging Rock State Park, Danbury.
More info here.

Mountains

Trails Workday
What: Help Elk Knob State Natural Area (pictured above) punch through its trail to the top (and enjoy great views in the process).
When: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Where: Elk Knob State Natural Area, Todd.
More info here.

Coast

Nature Journal Hike: Celebrate National Trails Day
What: Lake Waccamaw State Park’s monthly journal hike, with a National Trails Day twist.
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Lake Waccamaw State Park, Lake Waccamaw.
More info here.

As for me, I’ll be at one of the two Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail events scheduled in the Triangle: either in Eno River State Park or along Falls Lake (probably come down to a coin flip). If you see a guy in a bright yellow shirt sweating profusely, do not say, “Hey, pops! You gonna make it?” A simple “Hello-how’s-it-going?” will suffice.

A reminder, too, that Saturday is also National Land Trust Day. After sweating over your favorite trail, stop by your local Great Outdoor Provision Co. store, treat yourself to that cool new piece of gear you’ve been drooling over and GOPC will donate 10 percent of the price of your purchase to: the Catawba Lands Conservancy, Triangle Land Conservancy, North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and the Piedmont Land Conservancy. How much each one gets depends on  which one you vote for in their online voting. Check it out here.

Enjoy Saturday on the trail.

The post Spend Saturday with a favorite trail appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

Dave: What’s wrong?
Me: My derailer snapped off between a couple rocks. I had to run the last two miles. (I pull the mauled, decapitated derailer from my jersey pocket.)
Dave: (Thoughtfully examining the mess) Hmm … .
Then, from behind …
Matt: I’ve got a spare.
Me: (Surprised) Matt!
It’s Matt Lodder, proprietor of Cary Cycle Surgeon, who’s racing in the Men’s Duo category and is awaiting his partner to return. Though he may be racing, like any dedicated wrench, he’s always on call.

Matt: It’s in my van. I’ll be back.
Meanwhile, Dave begins unscrewing the remains of the derailer hanger, which has also snapped. He ducks into the mobile unit and returns with a replacement, which he begins screwing into place. Slowly, the realization that my day, with just one lap under my belt, may not be over.
Me: I … I’m going back out?
Matt: (Again, surprising me from the rear) Here it is. It’s a used DX, but it should get you through the race.
Meanwhile, another mechanically challenged racer hobbles in.

Dave: Matt, he needs help. Here — (Dave tosses Matt an Allen wrench; Matt rushes to the stricken cyclist’s aid and begins triage.)

Me: Wow, I can’t believe I smashed my derailer and I get to keep racing. It’s really —
Dave: (Taking my bike off the rack) You’re ready. Better get going.
Me: What do I owe you? (Bracing for astronomical sum for emergency roadside assistance, a sum I’m only too happy to pay.)
Dave: A hanger is $10.
Me: And labor?
Dave: Ha! Just $10. You can catch up with me later. Now go!
Me: (Choking up) You … you guys are the best! I won’t forget you!

Thanks to Trek of Raleigh, thanks to Cary Cycle Surgeon (Performance and The Bicycle Chain were also on hand), thanks to their support of the local cycling community by supporting events such as 6 BC I was able to keep racing on Saturday.  Was it Price Point who bailed me out in a pinch? Was it Colorado Cyclist who laughed at my inquiry about labor? So is it Price Point or Colorado Cyclist  I’ll be patronizing for my new derailer?

I think not.

Photo: Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh works feverishly under primitive conditions to get my bike back in shape for Saturday’s 6BC mtb race.

The post Support your local bike shop: A tale from the trail appeared first on GetGoing NC!.