Laurel Hill Rocks
Ok, let me gush for just one post. It doesn’t happen that often, and really doesn’t happen for these reasons. Yup, the title says it all. The Laurel Hill trails are fantastic. Really, really fantastic. Now before you grab your bike and rush off to Lorton VA, please take the time to read why I think this. It may not be for the reasons you would hope them to be.
The easiest way for me to start explaining is first get a couple of thoughts out and upfront. If I have learned anything about our relationship (yes, you, the one reading this right now) is that you value honesty. So let me tell you some of the reasons that Laurel Hill is not great. This isn’t to be understood as “Reasons I hate Laurel Hill.” This is simply items that will not be reasons for loving it. Is that fair? I thought so.
Facts about LH. (aka reasons that are not reasons I love Laurel Hill):
1. It is not technical. At all. Nada.
2. It does not make your lungs exploded from long, grueling climbs.
3. It does not make you piss yourself from terrifying descents.
Why I think Laurel Hill deserves best new trail in the DC area:
1. Did you know Lorton VA was site to a horrible, horrible prison ? It was! This is where our nations capital would send it’s most harden, vile criminals to serve out their sentence for the terrible crimes they committed. And NOW????? It is a fast and flowing mountain bike playground.
2. Excellent use of the grounds. These trails have been planned in such a way to make great use of the space. And what a space it is! Mostly the trails sit in open fields with a few wooded sections. Here, multiple loops connect so that you can mix and match your favorite parts for ideal distance. And it all sits on the grounds of a former maximum security prison.
3. It is fast, flowy and fun. You can haul-ass at speeds that make you pee yourself. Or, cruise along letting Mother Nature pass at your leisure. Your call. This is a great place for singlespeeds or fixies, rigid or hardtails, new rider or chain ring scarred veterans. And before anyone tries to tell me that it is “just too easy” you can shut your pie hole because you must be a douche-nozzle that simply lives to deprive yourself of fun. Comment dites-vous du FUN ?
4. It was a former Project Nike Missile site. And a prison. Did I mention a prison?
Thats all for gushing. Hope you find it as enjoyable as I did.
Cheers!
-fatty
