Review Date
July 9, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: B. R. Cheese ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
OK guys, River Bend is yet to become a MTN Bike mecca, but I think they're doing what they can given their budget. Good news..no more fees and HORSES ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED! Yaaeeeaa! I started riding the park not long after it opened, and yes they did some stuff to piss me off, but I must say that I appreciate being able to take my toddler son somewhere local to do some fun trail riding. I can attach his tow-bike to mine and we just have a ball. There are some fun boulders to climb on, and you can fish, or hike, or picnic down by the Catawba river. There are fun sections in the park, especially if you increase your speed. Beware of getting in the water. When the "gates" aren't open on the dam, the water level is low enough to walk all the way across the river (impossible for canoeing)...when the dam releases, THE WATER WILL BE OVER YOUR HEAD AND TOO SWIFT FOR A CHILD TO MAKE IT BACK TO SHORE...AND YOU WILL LIKELY NOT HEAR THE WARNING HORN BECAUSE OF THE TRAFFIC ON THE BRIDGE. So if you wade in the pristine waters of the Catawba, don't go too far from shore. When the water is up, its fun-time for the canoers/kayakers. They have a fine portage area. If you desire to ride some rooty technical stuff, stay to the right out of the upper parking area. Most of the other trails have decent climbs and some fun downs. If you take the main trail out of the upper lot, there is a loop that spurs off to the right that has some great jumps. Ride wherever you want, they're not going to call the cops if you get on a hike only trail, but use your bell and common sense because you will likely meet foot traffic. And don't skid, they aren't staffed to groom behind you on a regular basis.
With the right volunteer crew, and some regulation trail building, RIver Bend COULD become a MTB mecca.

Review Date
August 25, 2007

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 1 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 1 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: hendog ,  Downhiller

Summary:
waste of $2.

Recommended Route:
springs road back home.

Review Date
July 12, 2007

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 1 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: alamator ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Agree 100% with scaryslow. These once fine trails are in a sad state. I've told park staff about trails but haven't done a thing in months. Some of the snagged trees are a big safety issue. All of my favorite trails have been either dozed, widened or shut down to bikes. I don't mind getting off the bike to remove fallen debris, but I can't pack a chainsaw with me.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Itusi, Dark Mountain

Review Date
May 7, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: scaryslow327 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Fun ride good work out but it needs to maintained better. The Blue trail would be a great ride if they would clear the trail. My friends and I had to get off the bike several times to clear trees. One word chainsaw.

Recommended Route:
Blue trail

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Lake Norman State Park, Tsali, Bentcreek

Review Date
August 18, 2004

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: brayfiel ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Has anyone been there since spring 2004? Just like I said – it has firmed up - grown back in (tight) and turf has controlled the erosion. And guess what... if some idiot breaks a leg I can get you to medical attention out there quickly. I believe the trails are in the best condition ever.

For the record, I am the Park Manager and the bike trails are not just for the hard-core enthusiast. About 30000 patrons a year visit the park. Less than 8% are horse users and 6% is bikes. The 2004 fees for horses are $8 a day and a significant increase over last years fee and now all bikes are $2 a day. We have posted signs to keep horses only on the green trail. The Blue trail is exclusively bike and some of the changes we made last winter enabled it to be completely self-contained instead shared with horses. The trail grew back in and is better than ever. It is easy to be critical of work that has been done if you are not the one doing it. I can also understand that unlike myself everyone does not have a degree in horticulture, turf management, or ecology. We are bike friendly, we want to make environmentally sound, safe and fair improvements. Do believe all the lies you read - come and see for yourself. I have never ridden a horse and none of my staff do. Remember - this is a county park and it is for all the citizens to use not just the hard-core rider. I welcome any constructive input and volunteers.

Recommended Route:
Stay on the entire Blue Trail for the total experience.