Raleigh is also one very automobile oriented city.
Little regard is given to cyclist, road or off road.
Get used to tight, twisty, root laden trails. The days of wide open spaces, smooth fast trails are left behind in california. You won't find anything remotely like that around here. Raleigh is a cultural wasteland for action sports enthusiasts. There are no skateparks, only a couple of small creeks that serve as rafting or kayaking spots, and no mountains for biking, hiking, skiing or climbing.