I haven't been out to Owl's Roost in quite awhile. I had heard that some changes had been made, and had happened to be in the area, so I decided to pop in and see what had transpired since my last ride there, way to long ago. I started at the parking lot for the nice downhill cruise to the trails.

Hotter than 40 hells at that time--pushing 100degrees with typical NC July humidity. As I made my way downhill, towards the main trail, I wondered to myself if I would be able to spot the changes made to the trail system since it had been so long since I had been there.

The beginning areas were essentially the same, only you could tell that the trail itself had been manicured more meticulously, with attention to problem areas where erosion could have easily occured before. I noticed a few sections that used to run closer to the lake had been bypassed -- with re-routes that utilized more of the climbing factor involved with the general slope of the land that falls towards the lake.

I was especially impressed with the new section that makes an incredibly snake-like craw through and up the ravine. It is quite the leg burner, as chest-high whoops await any respite you seek coming up, or going down this bad boy. Again, I can't say enough for how well this trail has been built. Even on my 36lb. freerider, it was a pleasure to suffer a bit on some of the climbs.  All of it doable in the middle ring, you can really see its potential in developing riders new to the sport by making them think about gear combinations to tackle some of the obstacles out there.

Speaking of which, the log stacks before the start of the greenway, near the end of the trail are a nice touch. Several in a row will test your handling skills -- especially in the dead of summer when your muscles feel like they are already back home on the couch while you're still sweating it out on the trail.

I was very impressed with the way Owl's Roost has been taken care of. It's length and the short, bursting climbs will challenge any novice and intermediate rider, while at the same time, giving the more experienced rider a great workout if done at a fast cadence.

My only nitpicks are a lack of areas for more "creative" lines through some of the terrain that would allow some of your more fully-suspended riders to take advantage of. It breaks my heart to see that giant gulley out there with only one attempt at a spot where your wheels could leave the ground. Other than that, it provides all you could want in a trail that will challenge, excite, and even frustrate you at times. Excellent work and a big thumbs up to all who put their sweat and time into carving out a wonderful example of a mountain bike trail.

Recommended Route: Start at the parking lot, ride fast down the hill. Enter the trail 500 yds to the left after reaching the greenway.