Brown Mountain Loop

Very little treefall. No snow. Mosquitos haven’t fully woken up. Excellent time to ride this trail.

I had a bear encounter with a Momma Black Bear and her cubs yesterday on the Brown Mtn trail. I was heading southbound about 3.5 miles from the Eastside trailhead, when I heard a loud noise in the undergrowth just off the trail. I knew right away it was a bear, just not if it was an adult/cub. Turns out it was a cub about 10-15 yards away and it treed itself immediately. As I looked around for Momma Bear, I caught a glimpse of two other cubs getting into the trees also. Fortunately for me, Momma Bear was about 30 yards off the trail, but she was not a happy. I located her because I could hear her huffing and stomping. I could see her pretty clearly, which meant she could see me. Might have been able to smell me before we came together to be honest. Thankfully her ears were up and there was no charge. We looked at each other for a moment or three and I called out loudly "HEY BEAR!" and moved my bike between the bears and me. When I spoke all three cubs hit the ground and ran towards Momma and beyond. After a few more minutes of Momma giving me the "LOOK," she slowly turned moved after her brood. I slowly proceed walking down the trail never turning my back to the bears. Needless to say it was an adrenalin rush. I do carry bear spray, but I was fortunate I didn't meet them on the trail or end up between the group. Just wanted to pass this on as a reminder to be heads up and maintain situational awareness even when riding. Take care and good fortunes.

Tried to ride 6/20/2024. Not GTG. Deadfall has not been cleared. We turned around in less than 1 mile.