Professional Rider Brice Shirbach Shares His Take on Brevard
There’s something magnetic about Brevard, North Carolina — a pull that riders feel long before they hit the trail. For professional mountain biker and storyteller Brice Shirbach, that pull has turned into more than a decade of returns. Brice has built a life around riding bikes, sharing stories, and exploring landscapes worldwide, but few places keep calling him back like Brevard. Below, he takes us inside what makes this corner of Appalachia a true mountain biking standout — in his own words.
Meet Brice
I’m Brice Shirbach — a lifelong rider, storyteller, and proud dad to three kids: Logan (10), Henry (7), and Hazel (4). My wife and I met in college and have called the Philly area home ever since. I’ve been riding bikes my whole life, and after college, I began racing mountain bikes while also pushing to tell more stories from the East Coast. Over many years, I somehow managed to turn racing and storytelling into a full-time career, and now my focus is almost entirely on riding trails and sharing stories from around the world.
Brevard has become one of my favorite places to ride and explore, and over the years, I’ve returned for training blocks, short films, and countless trips just to enjoy the trails.
Why Brevard Draws Me In
Brevard is uniquely positioned for East Coast mountain biking. The scale of the descents, the combination of high-quality and abundant trails, the infrastructure supporting cycling of all types, and the year-round riding make it hard to beat. I first came here in 2014 for a Pinkbike story featuring World Cup athletes Luca Shaw and Neko Mulally. Even back then, the area immediately stood out, and I’ve kept returning ever since.
What Makes Brevard’s Trails Special
The trails in Brevard are incredible — both in quality and quantity — and they offer something for every level of rider. There is so much riding here, and all of it is fun, with most trails rideable year-round. Among all the options, Avery Creek has become a personal favorite, with a mix of high-speed sections and classic Pisgah technical features that keep every ride exciting.
Whether you’re just starting out or are more advanced, Brevard has trails that will challenge and inspire you. I remember my first ride over a decade ago and being struck by the infrastructure. The greenways and bike paths make it easy to get around without a car, and the local businesses — both bike-related and not — really embrace the connection between mountain biking and the town’s identity.
What makes the experience even more special is the community. The locals are incredibly passionate about their trails and among the most organized advocates I’ve ever seen. Groups like Pisgah Area SORBA manage relationships with National Forests and State Parks, maintain access to hundreds of miles of trails, and stay on top of trail restoration and building. It’s a really impressive group of people.
What I love most about Brevard is not just the quantity and quality of trails, but the scale of the riding and the landscape itself. As an East Coaster, I feel like Appalachia is criminally underrated for riding, and Brevard is a phenomenal gateway to some of the best terrain the region has to offer.
Where to Stay & Hang Out
Brevard has plenty of lodging options, from hotels and motels to Airbnbs, but one of the coolest places I’ve stayed is Pilot Cove, right at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest.
After a day on the trails, there are plenty of spots to grab a bite, relax, and reflect on the ride. I often head to one of the bike shops with a food truck, where the space and amenities make it easy to enjoy a meal or drink after riding.
I also enjoy supporting local businesses whenever I’m in town. I ride for Weevil Outdoor, an MTB apparel company located just across from the Pisgah Ranger District. Their showroom, complete with food trucks, gear, beer, and fire pits, is always a stop for me. I also love visiting bike shops like The Hub, Sycamore Cycles, Squatch Bikes, and Earth Mountain Bicycle.
For dinner, Sora Japanese is a must — and if I have more than one night, I’ll always grab a taco or two at El Ranchero.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re visiting for the first time, stop by one of the area’s bike shops for advice. Most of the employees are excellent riders themselves, with deep knowledge of trails, conditions, and crowd patterns, and they can help you make the most of your trip.
When it comes to timing your visit, I find springtime is prime riding season in Brevard. After a long winter, the extended daylight, comfortable temperatures, and hero dirt all combine to make the trails hard to beat. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the area offers great riding year-round.
Brevard in Three Words
World Class Riding.
Explore More
Hundreds of miles of singletrack, epic descents, and a passionate mountain biking community await. Discover more trail recommendations and bike shops to plan your next ride.
