Overview
The Brotherhood MTB trail, which parallels the Mendenhall River, is one of several MTB race courses in the Juneau Valley. It is flat for the most part with only one hill about four stories high and 75 meters in lenth. The scenery is great with several spots to pull out and check out the banks of the river where white water rafts full of tourists float by on a regular basis. It is rare to bump into other riders or joggers, but if you are lucky, spotting a black bear could be very exciting. Once in a while a rider may be also surprised by a horse and jockey or even a team since this route is also designated as a horse trail.
Trail Description
The majority of this loop's technical difficulties are the gigantic root systems in the groves of old growth Sitka Spruce. At times, the roots clog thick portions of trail and require mental focus and strong leg energy to navigate and overcome.
There is also a couple very cool drops pictured here. One drops a full 3 meters next to a staircase and the other gets funner the faster you go. In races, riders have the option to take the steep drop or dismount their bike to walk down the stairs. There are several ditch crossings that make nice whoopty-doos, as well.
If the conditions are dry, then riders are likely to ride atop a bed of leaves, needles, and twigs in the dirt, but if typical weather persists, the trails are soft, squishy, and dirty with a few biggger puddles that can run a foot deep and 5-10 meters in length. When the area has seen some precipitation, don't wear your Sunday bests.
Getting There
Take "the road" through all the lights until you cross the Mendenhall River and then park in the oversized turnout. Ride down the paved trail about a quarter of a mile and then dive into the woods as soon as you see a trail veer to the right or to the left.
Images
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