Applied Vitals

I was introduced to Marrington Plantation mountain biking trails this week.  Located on government property, next to the Naval Weapons Station north of Charleston, Marrington Plantation is a 12 mile single track loop.

A permit ($10 annually) is required to park and use the government land.  Well, not required in the sense that there is a maned gate when entering, but you’re subject to getting ticketed or towed.

This 12 mile loop is a lot of fun. For a relatively flat region, there are plenty of features along the trail to keep it exciting.  The trial winds along a creek or stream (not sure the name), crossing a number of its tributaries and providing some vertical  change on the course. Slat bridges, mud, jumps, drop-offs, palmetto groves, deer, and a bit more mud are some of the highlights.

Being relatively flat, it’s a very fast course. As a road cyclist, I found Marrington Plantation to a be a great intro to off road riding. Over the course of the one hour and five minutes that it took me to complete the loop, I was able to settle into the bike drifting in the corners a bit, shifting my weight around and simply handling the bike.