Event: Riding at Blue Mountain Bike Park
Place: Palmerton, PA
Ridden: August 2015
Click on video to watch
Something different this week, downhill riding. Downhill riding is as the name implies, consists of going primarily only down hill. Downhill trails are typically built at ski resorts, where there is steep terrain and a large amount of vertical drop. The trails are fast, with bermed corners, drops, rock gardens, and jumps. The bikes ridden are specific for this type of terrain, they have more suspension to deal with the chunkier trails. Due to the fast speed and gnarly trail obstacles, riders typically wear all sorts of gear- full face helmets and knee and elbow pads are common.
Blue Mountain Bike Park, located at Blue Mountain Ski Area, is close by in Palmerton, PA. There are 20 trails, ranging from beginner to advanced. In addition to downhill trails, there is a small pump track. The ski lift runs to give riders and their bikes a ride back to the top. Bike, helmet, and pad rentals are available.
It certainly was something different. A great way to work on skills and get comfortable with speed. We met friends there who showed us around the trials and gave us hints and tips about what trail features were coming; but the trails are well marked enough that one could get around without prior trail knowledge.
- words by Jess
- video by Joël