This trail can be ridden in either direction. The Bethnal Rd. crossing is the high point, so from either end, it is a climb up to Bethnal Rd., and a descent to the opposite side.
WEST TO EAST is not the preferred direciton. This trail shoots off of the
The Back 40 Loop - Segment 3: Blowing Springs to Hwy 340 (Library) to the east, and connects with
SBAT to the west. Starting from the
SBAT junction, you begin with a very narrow radius left-hand berm, which then leads you to a low area of level trail that consists of a gravel base. You follow that briefly and then begin a subtle climb along a deep bench-cut trail, which leads you to an open power line area with a punchy climb with two steep switchbacks. Keep your speed going into them, as traction is difficult here due to the soil composition.
Once up top, you dart back into the woods for a brief section of rolling terrain. Now you exit the canopy into a large field that is an old "stump dump," which is what the locals refer to this section as. It's a steady climb through the field and up a series of bermed corners that lead you to the Bethnal Rd. crossing.
Drop in off Bethnal Rd. headed East, and it's flow time! The reworked wide trail has rock kickers, tables top jumps of varying lengths, and big berms. All of the optional features can be ridden around, so it's fun for ALL skill levels! This will become one of the most popular trails on the entire Back 40. This descent continues all the way to the point where the trail "T's" with
The Back 40 Loop - Segment 2: East End Of 340 to Blowing Springs.
EAST TO WEST: Going this way, the ascent from
The Back 40 Loop - Segment 2: East End Of 340 to Blowing Springs up to the Bethnal Rd. crossing offers an easy climb. Once you cross Bethnal Rd. and drop in, you'll have a few bermed corners that lead you into the "stump dump" field. It's a subtle descent, but the soil is good, and you can carry some fairly high speeds throughout this section.
Once through the field, you duck back into the woods and follow a narrow bench-cut trail in and out of some hollows with some sharp switchbacks where the "up and back" trails cross the dry creek beds. This leads you back to the power line road and two very sharp switchbacks. You now head back into the canopy and after a short descent and level section, you begin a very brief climb back up to
SBAT.
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