Lock 4

The summer after my freshmen year at college, I came to Tennessee to live with my parents. That sounds weird I know, but that's a different story. I had a job as a Ranger at a city public golf course. Between that and working for my dad around the house, I rode my bike. One of the key places was Lock 4 in Gallatin.

For those of you familiar with trails in the Philadelphia area, Lock 4 is best described as a combination of Belmont Plateau and Middle Run. It's tight, twisty, littered with roots and a few drops for good measure. I thought it was a loop a little over six miles long and planned to do three laps. It's actually a little over eight. I did three laps anyway.

I had a blast. Some guy in the parking lot warned me the trails were slick as I headed out. The first lap was fast. I hammered. Thinking it was only a six mile loop, i kept it full tilt. Yep the trails were slick. My front and rear wheels tried sliding out independantly from one turn to the next. Still fun. Still ripping fast. After the seven mile mark, I obviously realized the loop was longer than originally expected. I also realized I probably hit it a little harder then I should.

Oh well finish the loop and see what's left. Not much. Second loop hurt. Crashed twice. Couldn't manage the wheel slides so well. I tried slowing down and taking it easy, but somehow kept plowing on. I was ready to quit and go home after the second, but figured a third was necessary. I'd take the camera this time and take some pictues to slow myself down. Lock 4 has very nice signage. There are signs telling you where to go and what to watch out for. This one in particular was a good one to pay attention to.

A couple of years ago I came around this turn and ignored the sign. I ended up with a couple of broken fingers on top of the broken rib I'd gotton in the French Creek race a few weeks earlier. This is why...

Sure it's not much of a drop, but where I'm standing for this picture is a ninety degree turn to my left. Back then I came ripping around the top turn, went to launch and realized I didn't have enough landing. Landed with the brakes locked and went down - crunch!. Today the turns were too slick to haphazardly rip around and launch.

Overall a good ride. If you're ever in the Nasvhille area, I highly recommend checking out Lock 4. Next is Hamilton Creek if the weather cooperates.