As Wes Dickson, owner of Sycamore Cycles (an Ecusta Trail partner), talks about his passion for cycling, his background illustrates the promise of deep personal and community connections that the Ecusta Trail will bring to the Western North Carolina (WNC) region.  The Transylvania County native recalls, as a youngster, his dad introducing him to mountain biking and how that shared time together not only forged a stronger bond with his father but a lifelong connection to the outdoors and the world of cycling.  “These early experiences with my dad fostered my passion for biking, my cycling business and also my strong connection to activities outside. My family and I are lucky to call Brevard our home and to have the opportunity to help residents of WNC be active, healthy and enjoy our great mountain outdoors.”

Wes envisions the Ecusta Trail as an impetus for developing not only personal connections but the development of strong community connections as well. He knows of what he speaks. Being raised near the Penrose community, Wes remembers the Little River stop on the formerly active Ecusta Paper Rail Line. While Brevard is his current home, he has lived in Etowah and one of his cycle shops is located on Locust Street in Hendersonville. This unique perspective of possessing living and working experiences in both the Brevard and Hendersonville trailheads of the Ecusta Trail provides Wes a unique and deep understanding of the project’s potential. “You know, much of the Highway 64 corridor will be energized by the Ecusta Trail. Certainly, Brevard and Hendersonville will experience positive business opportunities, but so will Penrose, Etowah, Horse Shoe, Laurel Park and other smaller communities that adjoin the trail.” He adds, “I think many communities will see gradual investment in positive commercial and business development.” For example, Wes has added Crank Coffee and Fuel as a service to his cycling business which provides a convenient place for bikers to get a good cup of coffee or beverage before heading out on their biking adventures.

In addition to the Hendersonville shop location, Wes operates his Brevard area cycle shop in Pisgah Forest on New Hendersonville Highway. “We are fortunate to have well developed trails in the Pisgah National Forest for mountain biking enthusiasts, but trails in the DuPont State Forest are a bit easier and provide a great opportunity for the novice or recreational biker.” He adds, “these trails, among others, have begun to showcase Western North Carolina as a destination for cyclists of all skill levels.” Regarding the development of the Ecusta Trail, Wes opines, “aside from the mandated safety requirements, I’d like to see water filling stations, some type of restrooms, tool caddies, and, most importantly, shade-filled places for families to enjoy a lunch while taking a break from trail riding. They’re making steady progress on the trail and I’m glad to see it happen.”

By Tom Keating

Learn more about Sycamore Cycles by visiting their website below