Avalon is a swath of the Patapsco River Vally just outside of Baltimore, MD. In the past it has been ranked in the top three best mountain biking spots on the east coast, but remains relatively unknown outside of the mid-Atlantic area. It's quintessential east coast riding featuring technical rocky and muddy trails through Oak-Hickory Forests. There are lots of creek crossings, log obstacles, and short but steep climbs. It was where I learned to mountain bike and my riding styles shows it.
In the fall I found myself in Avalon with Andrew and his friend Brian for a morning ride. I had picked up a Trek Fuel EX9 at the local trek dealer. It was 30 degrees which was only made worse by the east coast humidity. In the past, the only way to get there from Ellicott City was a sketchy carry across a railroad bridge and even sketchier ride through a 1/2 mile long tunnel. Now there was a suspension bridge and bike path. The morning frost was cold, but we warmed up in no time.
New Bike Path and Bridge
Brian, Andrew & Me
The trails were the same as ever. The dry spots were fast hard pack, in the wet spots mud was made even slicker by leaves. I spent most of 2010 nursing my knee back from surgery, but had worked up a little fitness in the fall. The thick sea level air didn't hurt either. On the first climb we came up upon a big group and I couldn't help drop the hammer. I was betting on the average Maryland rider not being in as good a shape as the average Colorado rider (which would describe my fitness at best). A few guys gave chase, but my bet paid off as I led us out through the group. Who says you still can't have glory in retirement!
Mud and Leaves
It was good fun carving the singletrack through the forest and meadows. There is an "old" atmosphere to the forest at Avalon. Centuries of human existence can be seen if you look through the leaves for the ruins. Remnants of the industrial age line the river, the last of which was a paper factory near the train bridge that recently shut down. The result is a eery undertone that takes some perception to recognize, but it's there. That's probably why parts of The Blair Witch Project was filmed at Avalon. Among the ruins are a few more recent abandoned houses that are as just as creepy in real life as in the movie. We stopped for a few pics and carried on. The century old rock bridges under the railroad tracks on the north side of the river which make for a great trail feature. The moss covered rock is super slick, but good fun if you can ride it.
The Patapsco River
Ancient Fish Ladder
The Paper Factory
The Blair Witch House
Andrew's Superfly 100
The McCulloch Boys
The Trail
Andrew Made a Video of the Ride
We took turns riding a big log that paralleled the trail. Andrew nailed it on the first time. It took me three attempts to ride the full length of it. Shame!
Avalon was a great way to spend a cold fall morning. The smell of wet forest, slick leaves, and ancient rock were rich in nostalgia from my early mountain biking career. I might have moved on in life and mountain biking, but learning to ride in Avalon will always be with me.
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