Southridge Lower Loop

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E-Bikes Unknown

The Southridge Lower Loop is another fun section of the Southridge XC Course. It starts off the Long View Drive Access Road, a few hundred feet from where the Southridge Upper Loop ends.

There's no signage at the open space, beyond the occasional worn away white arrow painted on rocks. Still, finding the start of this loop isn't too difficult if you just head towards the water tank and keep an eye open for singletrack to the north (left). Keep the MTB Project mobile app out if in doubt.

The first little bit follows some easy turns through rolling terrain before the trail rises on a steady climb past the water tank. At the top, cross over the doubletrack for a short descent and then mellow climb that leads back over the same doubletrack.

This is where the fun kicks off with a initial drop-in that feeds into a flowy set of turns that have a small wood bridge crossing. Shortly after the crossing, you'll encounter a 4-5 foot rock drop. Good news is that the drop is much easier than it appears; lean back and go easy on the brakes.

This immediately drops you into a loose, twisty waterfall. Once past this section, the technical part is over. Enjoy the twisty flow ahead, but save some energy for the climb after the tight left hand turn under the tree. This little section will get your heart rate up. Once you're past the 100-ft or so of climbing, the trail ends at a loose left hand.

Turn left on the Elm Avenue Access Spur, "Sand Bagger Hill." The Southridge Exit Trail (final section of the race course) starts to the right, about halfway up, but most riders prefer to continue up the road instead.