Reviewed by: bRad , from Charlotte

Summary:
Good fun city trail. Well maintained. Recommend riding both loops in a counter clockwise direction. New routing in progress... would love to see some more jumps! Great trail for racing... see http://www.charlottemtnbike.com/ for details.

Reviewed by: Traveller , from charlotte

Summary:
I have to remark in defense of "king pin" in S.F. Mabey he doesn't have the greatest amount of tact, but he is right about terrain making for more challenging and rewarding riding. Here in clt we are somewhat limited by our landscape. I mean that we do the best with what our terrain provides us, but I'd be lieing to myself and others to say that clt has some of the most rewarding and challenging trails anywhere, just because it's where I live. I suggest if you really love riding, get out, make your next vacation a mtn biking one. pick a place you really want to ride, study up on the trails to find the ones you'd like to ride and go. Expand your horizons, see other parts of the world. You may find you won't get so peeved off by someone giving an opinion in open forum such as this. Like the others said, this trail is a good, close by trail that keeps me biking even when I can't get out of town. You will get a good workout and will have to stay alert on trails. This trail is best for someone just getting into biking who loves singletrack and is looking to improve manuverability skills as well as trying to go faster. Also anyone who wants to ride anytime, but can't go far for a good workout, and to keep from getting rusty.

Recommended Route:
Tyvola cross so. blvd., don't forget to stop of at South park cycles on the way, to renaisance prk.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Dairy barn, Catawba river

Reviewed by: Chris , from Charlotte

Summary:
I've been riding this trail for years. Although the Carolina Trailbalzers do a great job maintaining the trail, it needs a dirt transplant. It sees so much use that the dirt is wearing away leaving behind nothing but roots. It is a rough ride on my nasty old aluminum hardtail. It is still a great trail and any skill level can ride. I have improved alot as a rider because of it. If you are a beginner, ride the softball side first. Better riders shouldn't skip the farmer's market loop - it adds maybe 3/4 of a mile - the longest downhill of the ride (relatively speaking) followed by the best climb back out. Ride it fast, but try not to ride it too soon after a rain. Let's leave what dirt is still out there on the trail. Peace!

Recommended Route:
Tennis loop first, then softball loop with the farmer's market loop thrown in.

Reviewed by: Haro , from Charlotte, NC

Summary:
I lived in Charlotte and of all the trails there - I miss this one the most. It is versitile, great for skill building in climbs, bunny hops, switch backs & whoops. Cane Creek is a bit faster, Cataba is bigger in elevation, Pisgah in Ashville is all around longer and taller.
For a great morning or afternoon ride, Renaissance rocks. Its easy to follow and seldom crowded. Beginners can walk the hard parts - two creek crossings, a few good hills. Bunny hops are awesome and there are a few good ups and downs to work the gears on. IT does become a bit soupy after rain and snow (even more fun!) - wear clothes suited for Carolina red mud. Renaissance is great for a weekday workout and developes your skills for the weekends at longer, harder trails. It's the best urban trail I've seen - out in these woods, crossing creeks, you almost forget you are in the middle of a large city.

Recommended Route:
Tyvola Rd - trails circle colliseum parking lots
Start at Tennis courts ride to soccer field and around. Local bike shops have maps or download it from the internet.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Cataba River, Cane Creek

Reviewed by: Huck , from Greenwich, CT

Summary:
This review is not of the trail but a recommendation for king pin below: Go to Whistler, acquire some real skills, and keep your attitude to yourself please.