A deer with glowing red eyes lurks in the high grass near a mountain bike trail, the shadow of an unsuspecting rider is in the background.

Close Encounters: E-Mountain Biking with Deer in the Southeast

As mountain bikers exploring the scenic trails of the Southeast, we’re often privileged to encounter wildlife in their natural habitats. It is one of the many reasons that I ride.  Among these encounters, deer stand out as beautiful, curious, and sometimes unpredictable trail companions. Here’s what you should know about sharing the trails with deer, and how to stay safe when encountering these large animals.

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An eMTB rider has a disconcerted look as he realized his helmet is entangled in a spider web, the large Joro spider is inches from his face!

Joro Spiders: Meet Your eMTB Trail Buddies

If you’ve ever blasted down a trail in the Southeast and found yourself tangled in a massive web, congratulations—you’ve just met your Joro Spider trail buddy! These bright, web-spinning miscreants have become a common sight for eMTB riders in the Southeast, stretching their impressive webs across our favorite trails, usually around face-height. But who are these unexpected riding companions, where did they come from, and should we be worried? Let’s dive into the world of Joro Spiders and their reluctant role in the eMTB experience.

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Top view of a variety of nuts and dried fruits in a jar against a blue background.

Fuel Your Ride: Best Nutritious Trail Snacks for e-Mountain Biking

Raise your hand if you’ve ever found a broken or melted protein snack in your bike kit. 🤚  When hitting the trails in the Southeast, choosing the right nutritious trail snacks for mountain biking can make or break your ride. The region’s heat and humidity demand energy-dense foods that won’t spoil quickly, melt, or weigh you down. Whether you’re tackling technical climbs or cruising through singletrack, the right snacks will keep you energized and hydrated. Let’s explore the best options for you, and also some snacks that may not be as trail friendly as they seem.

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Muddy e-mountain bike picture angled from front of frame with drivetrain and back wheel in the background.

The Dirt Stops Here: A Guide on How to Clean Your eMTB

A good day of e-mountain bike riding, especially in the Southeast, usually ends with you loading your filthy beast onto your bike rack and admiring the work that you’ve done to make it look that way.  Almost as satisfying, is dabbing your clean machine dry before putting it away for the evening.  That evening cleaning is important – keeping your eMTB clean isn’t just about looking good — it’s about performance, longevity, and making sure that expensive motor keeps humming smoothly.

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An image that shows a pile of gray bricks on the left side and a pile of pillows on the right side.

The BIG Choice: Hardtail vs Full Suspension eMTBs

If you are like me, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face, when getting ready to drop several thousand dollars, is whether to go with a hardtail or full suspension eMTB. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your riding style, terrain, and budget. In this quick and handy guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.

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