This is another jam-packed show covering all of the latest bike park updates, including openings, news, and reports from the last week.
If you're looking for bike park news, opening dates, trail reports, information about upcoming events, as well as a quick recap of what happened on the trails in the past week, this show is for you. The MTBParks Podcast covers lift accessed bike parks throughout North America in this weekly roundup with Mountain Bike Radio's Ben Welnak and MTBparks.com founder Michelle Good.
Want to get your park on the show? Contact us today at info@mountainbikeradio.com.
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Currently Open Parks:
Whistler Mountain Bike Park - BC
Sir Sam's Mountain Bike Park - Ontario
Bromont Bike Park - Quebec
Burke Bike Park at Kingdom Trails
Evolution Bike Park | Crested Butte
Upcoming Park Openings:
Opening Day - Saturday, June 21
Location: Snowmass Village, CO 81615
Park News:
Whistler's extended play takes effect this weekend giving you three more hours to shred each day AND the resort announced recently that the Garbanzo Zone will be opening up on June 21st, a full week earlier than last year.
The Biker Cross trail has been the subject of a mini excavator assault, which has delivered a well-deserved total rebuild of this high traffic lower trail. The original Biker Cross was built as a dual slalom course, however in recent years the surrounding vegetation has had more of a singletrack route in mind. The rebuild has focused on bringing the course back to its former glory in this regard, now plenty wide allowing slower riders to take the lower route and more advanced riders to tackle the high line packed with bermy jibs on this flowing roller coaster of a trail. Every berm is being rebuilt with playful, springy transitions, and jumps through the flats have been torn down to make room for creative new features with multiple line options to switch up your descent.
Silver Star Mountain Resort, located in Vernon, British Columbia, recently announced that it plans to add 25 kilometers of new cross country mountain bike trails this year, with more in the works for 2015. When complete, the expansion's estimated cost will equal more than $250,000 and will provide riders of all abilities a more diverse selection of trail options. Silver Star began its expansion in 2013 to introduce a new XC, all-mountain riding component to the resort.
Silver Star has expanded its downhill trail network to provide riders with the option of riding a new intermediate trail from the summit to the mountain base. Jedi Mind Trick, a blue trail that runs from the base of the mountain to half-way up is being extended to the summit and the double black diamond trail Pro-Star – Walk the Line, that runs from the summit to half way down the mountain will be extended to the bottom. The trail network that will link existing trails with new trails are currently in their final stages of construction.
Mammoth will be opening the gondola this weekend, which is one week earlier than originally planned. MTBparks.com friend Eric Hunter tells MTBparks that trails at Mammoth Bike Park are in amazing shape right now.
The Snow Summit Bike Park at Big Bear flips the schedule to daily operations next week. This week the Snow Summit Trail Crew made their way over to Miracle Mile to put in some work! The Down-Flat-Up Bridge on Lower Miracle has been shortened and the mandatory-left when airing off the bridge will now line up better and take you into a new jump! Basically this section of trail is going to be faster and better. They hauled in tons of pavers to make the section ride faster.
There's still time to register for the VP Components EnduroFest coming up June 21 & 22. Running at high elevation, this event features a course that puts the “endure” into enduro, with three arduous transfer climbs plus three technically demanding timed downhill stages on loose, rocky and dusty terrain.
The winner in each category is based on the fastest total time in the three special stages. The eleven categories include beginner, sport, expert and pro riders. $4,000 goes to the top 20 Pro/Open men; with $1,000 split between the top ten Pro/Open women. Awards go three deep in all other categories.
Summer arrived in Park City last week as the resort fired up the Town Lift for mountain bikes on June 6. The Crescent Lift is scheduled to open June 21, which will provide more than 70 miles of lift-accessed terrain on the town’s centralized resort.
Upcoming Events:
Blue Mtn PA - PA State Championship - June 22
Sun Valley, ID: June 27-29, 2014
Part of the North American Enduro Tour
This two day race featuring an evening prologue on the 27th promises to be one of the longest and most grueling enduro races riders will find anywhere in North America.
British Columbia June 28-July 5, 2014
BC Bike Race, all competitors start each day together in a mass start, working their way against the clock and through the course to the daily finish line. Racers' finish times are recorded at the end of each day completed. At the end of the race, each of the stage race times is added up to calculate the overall winners in each category. In BC Bike Race, we have 7 days, or 7 stages, of incredible mountain bike racing.
July 5 Killington VT East Coast Showdown – VT State Championship
Canyons Resort, UT: July 19, 2014
The North American Enduro Tour comes to Utah! Enduro Cup at Canyons Resort features a true European format, 6 stages covering 17 miles, 3 timed technical descents and 3 untimed climbs. While the climbs are untimed, there is a cut off time.
Racers will be treated to a premier event based out of the Canyons Resort village, in the mountain bike mecca of Park City, Utah. Beautiful and challenging aspen lined trails, professional chip timing, a post-race meal, athlete gift bag and raffle.
July 20 Plattekill NY Plattepalooza
Winter Park, CO: July 25-27, 2014
Part of the North American Enduro Tour
As part of the Colorado Freeride Festival, the Specialized Enduro is a 3-day, 5-stage race that will showcase some of the world’s fastest, fittest, and most technical mountain bike athletes battling it out throughout the trail system of Trestle Bike Park.
Whistler, BC: August 9-10, 2014
The SRAM Canadian Open Enduro presented by Specialized is part of the legendary 10 day Crankworx Whistler mountain bike festival. This much anticipated competition will showcase the world’s fastest and fittest mountain bike athletes competing for the largest prize purse in Enduro racing history. The race will feature both the Whistler Valley and the world famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park and the stages are regarded as some of the finest, most technical trails in the NAET. The five stage, single day format, with almost 50 minutes of racing, and approximately 50km of riding will be a true test of athletic endurance, versatility and mountain bike skills.
August 17 Attitash NH NH State Championship
Highland Bike Park – Northfield, NH: August 24, 2014
Triple Crown: The OverMountain Enduro is an event open to racers of all abilities. The 4 stage race spans across Highland Mountain- incorporating everything from trail riding to downhill. The course will challenge participants in both fitness and technical riding ability. The OverMountain Enduro puts the fun back into racing.
Sept 7 Killington VT Eastern USA Regional ENDURO Championship Series Finals
Mountain Creek Bike Park – Vernon, NJ: September 14, 2014
Triple Crown: The King of the Mountain Enduro race will be comprised of several timed “special” stages and non timed “transport” stages. The “specials” will consist primarily of downhill and technical sections but riders should expect to climb up to 10-20% of the total distance of each stage. The “transport” stages between each “special” will move riders from one area of the mountain to the other and may include some significant climbs.
Burke Bike Park & Kingdom Trails - Burke, VT: September 28, 2014
Triple Crown: The 2014 Kingdom Enduro is a 3 stage race showcasing everything that the Burke Bike Park has to offer. From cross-country to single track to downhill, this race will test your endurance and technical skill. The race will be held Sunday, September 28, with a practice day scheduled for Saturday, September 27. The race will be divided into 3 stages consisting of timed specials and untimed transport sections. The Kingdom Enduro is the final stop in the Triple Crown Enduro Series
Big Mountain Enduro at Snowmass
Saturday, June 21 – Sunday, June 22
Location: Snowmass, CO
Durango - June 28-29
The Durango Enduro is not for the timid; it is a true backcountry event that will
This premier stop will also be part of the 2014 North American Enduro Tour.
The Keystone Bike Park contains some of the most raw and rugged lift-accessed mountain biking in the US. With rock gardens, drops and high-speed features, there will not be a dull moment on your bike. Our courses will challenge riders to the fullest and combine the top trails on the mountain, along with unique course designs never seen before at Keystone. Throughout the weekend, expect to see at least six rowdy stages with some pedal transitions, a non-stop festival taking place in the village and entertainment for the entire family to enjoy.
Big Mountain Ultra Enduro at Crested Butte
Big Mountain Enduro Finals: September 3 - 7, 2014
The Crested Butte five-day Enduro is not for the faint of heart!
Riders will be challenged with five days of racing, four of those days deep in the backcountry, with big climbing transitions that will literally take you to the top of the world overlooking majestic peaks. The fifth and final day of racing will be held at Evolution Bike Park, also where awards and festivities will culminate.
This will be a stand alone event and not a part of the Big Mountain Enduro Series overall rankings. Registration for the Crested Butte Ultra Enduro will include five days of enduro racing in the backcountry, organized shuttles each backcountry day, lift ticket on the final day at the Evolution Bike Park, coffee and beer provided each day by our respective sponsors, breakfast and lunch each day, BME apparel kit, an annual subscription to Mountain Flyer Magazine, a large awards ceremony and an adventure experience of a lifetime.
2014 POC ESC Enduro Cup USAC Regional Championship Series
June 22 Blue Mtn PA – PA State Championship
2014 POC ESC SuperD Cup USAC Regional Championship Series
June 21 Blue Mtn PA -PA State Championship
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Enjoy one complimentary, one-day lift ticket at each of these bike parks during the 2014 season. The list of bike parks offering one free day of riding this season–with your MTBparks Pass–is still growing, so be sure to check back often!
(Use code "MTBradio" to get $10 off!)
RIDE FREE AT THESE PARTICIPATING BIKE PARKS:
United States
Colorado | Bike Snowmass @ Aspen/Snowmass
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
MTBParks Pass holders also get a free Budweiser draft beer at the Elk Camp Restaurant.
Colorado | Evolution Bike Park @ Crested Butte
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Idaho | Silver Mountain Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Minnesota | Spirit Mountain Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Montana | Big Sky Mountain Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
New Hampshire | Attitash Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
New Mexico | Angel Fire
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
New York | Plattekill Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season. 10% off recurring visits after you use your complimentary day.
New York | Whiteface Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season. 10% off lift tickets all season long with your MTBparks Pass.
Bike and Stay package coming soon!
Pennsylvania | Blue Mountain Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Utah | Brian Head Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Vermont | Burke Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Vermont | Mount Snow Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Virginia | Bryce Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Washington | Stevens Pass Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
West Virginia | Snowshoe Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
Canada
New Brunswick | Sugarloaf Bike Park
One complimentary lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS:
California | China Peak Bike Park
50% OFF LIFT TICKETS ALL SEASON for MTBparks Pass members in 2014.
Montana | Whitefish Bike Park
50% of one lift ticket valid one time during the 2014 season.
New Jersey | Mountain Creek Bike Park
50% OFF LIFT TICKETS ALL SEASON for MTBparks Pass members in 2014.
All Mountain Cyclery | Boulder City, Nevada
50% off shuttles through the end of the year.
WANT EVEN MORE GREAT DEALS?
Ray's Indoor Bike Park | Cleveland, OH
One FREE day pass to check out Ray's Bike Park in Cleveland (valid during 2014/2015 fall/winter season)
Ray's Indoor Bike Park | Milwaukee, WI
One FREE day pass to check out Ray's Bike Park in Milwaukee (valid during 2014/2015 fall/winter season)
MTBparks Pass holders are eligible to receive a 15% discount on ANY purchase.
* SPECIAL 30% OFF CRAMPON CLASSIC PEDALS FOR CHARTER MEMBERS (through 5/31/14)