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Nashville Fairgrounds

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No one is going to claim the soon to be demolished Nashville fairgrounds is a beautiful place.

But if your plans – like ours did – include conveniently wandering this very cool city while eating your way through numerous hotspots, these dumpy racetrack sites overlooking turn-four do not disappoint.

N+1

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N+1 = ideal number of bikes to own

A common understanding amongst bike enthusiasts, this simple math equation holds true as gospel for many who ride.

Mathematically, I’m increasingly convinced I would be well-served adding a proper gravel bike as a companion to my current mountain bike.  Doing so will allow me to better explore and venture deeper into forest roads.

It’s just simple math really.

 

 

Fire Mountain Trails

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Today I finally had a chance to get outside and play in the forest over at the local #firemountaintrailsystem.  Conveniently located a few minutes from our national park campground, the newly completed bike trail network is decently sized and loads of fun, although not particularly technical.

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Exploring The Smokies

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Usually when out hiking, Kelly and I simply eat bars, gels, and sometimes fruit or trail mix.

However, in a change of routine, today I decided to pack a backcountry stove and #mountainhouse meal.  Not sure why, but for some reason I thought a hot lunch might be a welcome treat – which it was.

A few hours into the hike, we enjoyed a warm lunch and hot tea in the shadow of a backcountry church (denominationn unknown).

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Here in western North Carolina fall colors are in full swing, daytime temperatures are lovely, and the hiking has been wonderful during our first visit to Smokey Mountain National Park.

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