Happy Trails Series: Townsend Trail

This little ditty is dedicated to the one and only Townsend Trail.  This trail is host to a smallish (but growing yearly!) sized race called the Lakeside Trail Race, an 8 or 15 mile out and back winter time trail race.  It is loads of challenge and a celebration of the quads and cardiovascular system.

Here is the link to the races facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/lakesidetrailrace

Keep an eye on this page, or check in at Off'n Running for this race next winter! That gives you plenty of time to get acclimated to trail running or walking.

This trail is a delightful, hilly, rooty, lake-following out and back trek that is 3.8 miles long.  It is well marked with white flashes typically marking every .25 miles.  It has 2 access points. You could access either trailhead and create your own run length, or run the whole darn thing one way, or out and back for a long run!

Highlights of the Townsend? It is a close to town run with less urban intrusion (there is some power line viewing) than some of the other trails in the G-bo.  You are immediately plunged into nature town about .25 miles into your workout no matter which end of the trail is your starting point.  Another treat is some interesting mini-bridges and water crossings, as well as the trail sitting right on the shore of the lake for long stretches.  The trail "follows" the lake the whole way but you cut back in towards mainland at times, and the lake isn't always in view.  It is also a trekking only, no bike trail.  We love our mountain biking friends, but it's nice to get lost in the running groove without checking for traffic.  There are long straight aways as you serpentine back off the shore that let you kick it wide open!

Cons?  It may be a quite a challenge to a newer trail runner as some hills are pretty acute. Aint' no shame in walking for recovery!  Some of the water crossings can be a bit slippery (see below).   There are some REALLY ROOTY TOOTY sections along the lake, which may just require a slower pace or a walk.  A couple urban intrusions...and I think that's it!

If you start from the South Shore trailhead, in the 1st mile, you receive a fun eyeball prize as you saunter past a small pond on your right, and begin to make your way towards the lake.  You will be crossing into high grass and that will reveal a bit of society as you cruise under power lines, but shortly after you get the reward.  A trot along the side of Lake Townshend that meanders through trees! During mile 1 and 2, keep scanning ahead and on the ground, because roots are definitely present.  There is less heavy leaf accumulation on this part of the trail which makes seeing roots a bit easier. The second half of the run has heavier leaf cover so be careful to keep your root attena up as leaves can hide those burly trip-em-ups.  Most water crossings have a small bridge or board walk.  Some have just a few rocks or a log.  All these "water crossings" are small little trickly guys!  No gushing mountain run off.  I only mention for those who are not 100% cool with mudshoe (I often bring a bin or bag and a second pair of shoes so I can frolick than change into clean kicks).  These unbridged crossings can be muddy and a bit slippery, so you may get some earthy contact on shoes.  This trail will be wetter and water crossings potentially a little more challenging post-rain.  Some relish the adventure of these treats and others may feel unsure if they have balance issues, or an injury.  The second half of the run there is another power line excursion, and lots of quiet beauty.

The other end of this trail has a smaller parking lot right on Yanceyville road, this can accomodate 2-4 cars depending on how parking karma is operating that day.  The South Shore Road Trail head can probably fit 5-6 cars and is really close to Bryan Park Soccer Complex.

PICS AND VIDEO AND A  MAPPER AND LINKS!

Me heading towards the finish line at the 2013 Lakeside race!

YEA! Finito!

Video of the trail!

I chose to run this out and back from the South Shore Trailhead.

I just noticed I have the same gear on as I did the day of the race!? Or maybe I am like a Smurf or the Fonz and just wear the same thing every day.

MAPPER:

LINKS:

The City of Greensboro Link about Townsend Trail:

http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/index.aspx?page=1385

The Map above without the markings:

http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3249

SIR BIKES A LOT!

Rubber meets road, or dirt, is the focus today!  I would like to alert all locals of the amazing dirt and paved trail opportunities for biking and running.  What better way to do this then to highlight a local race!

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of learning about the many types of mountain bike racing!  There is downhill, cyclocross, and also short course.  I know I missed some but I look forward to learning more.  Right here in Greensboro, and Guilford county, mountain bike racing is alive and well.  My friend Kelly is in the process of trying out racing as a possible next step in her fitness.  She has a serious passion for playing outside on her bike, but is not sure if she wants to add racing into the mix.  She invited me along to check out her short course race at Bur-Mil park.

Watching Kelly race was an exciting experience!  I had the chance to be part of the pre-race hangout with Kelly.  There was a mini-huddle of participants gathering after she warmed up. I really liked the supportive atmosphere shared by all the female participants.  They were trading encouraging words, comparing clothing layers, and strategizing about how to deal with the course conditions. Kelly participated in the open category which is for beginner racers, and in this category the kiddos, ladies, and fellas all race together.

This was a timed short course race.  The length of the race is time-based, 30 minutes, and it was a 1 mile loop around a part of the trail system in Bur-Mil Park.  The leader typically does about 6 laps.  This race series was called Biking in the Woods.  And in this particular race,   Kelly finished second!  Way to go, K-money!

Here are some pictorial displays!

Smiley Kelly

Game Face Kelly

Start Line!

However, if this sounds right up your alley, another mountain race series starts up in April, on Wednesday nights.

Here is the link!
http://www.racinginthewoods.com/tmtb-series.html

Other fun info nuggets include three local groups that may peak your interest if you like seeing the the world on two wheels.

The Greensboro Veloclub has something for all levels of riders!  This is more of a road biking group.

http://www.greensborovelo.com

If you prefer your tires nubbly, check out the local Fat Tire Society.

http://www.greensborofattire.org

Multi-sport Spice

The Triad Triathlon Team does group rides and so much more, ride along and maybe get interested in an your first sprint triathlon!  There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced triathletes in this group who do all different kinds of triathlons. AND an indoor tri coming up next weekend!

http://www.triadtriteam.com

Lastly, Buri-Mil park is a feature packed park.  It has quick access to great trails (Big Loop, Little Loop) and the Atlantic-Yadkin Greenway.   Other features, especially nice for totters,  it has a waterpark, a playground, a picnic area, and real bathrooms.

http://burmil.guilfordparks.com