February 26, 2008 |
It is hard to think about biking for us snowbound mountain folk. I just can't picture dirt and rocks when I'm slaying fresh pow. The two do not go together, you would think. And that is the way it has been for most of the time since December. At least until recently, that is. The winter storms have given way to sunny skies and spring like weather. The giant snow banks in the valley are starting to shrink and a bit of mud is beginning to appear here and there. Now, don't get me wrong, the winter is far from over and I am not delusional thinking that I'll be riding A-Line anytime soon. As a matter of fact, it would take me at least two hours of shoveling snow just to get to my bike and that would cut into my ski time. But, as I ride Fitz and Garbo lifts daily, my mind often drifts away to the Bike Park as I pass over Joyride and Schleyer. I think of better jumps, better drops, new lines and tweaking old lines. Every time I look into the forest, I imagine a trail, a stunt or a line. While I enjoy tree skiing purely for the skiing, I can't help imagining bike trails. So in some twisted way the dirt and snow do go together after all...
Predictions of the Bike Park opening may be a bit premature and might make for some ballsy beer bets, but there is no doubt that snow in the lower bike park is not accumulating. So, if it is not accumulating, then it must be disappearing, n'est ce pas? And if that is the case, then it will not be too long now. Anyway, it's nice to dream...
Speaking of dreaming - I may have mentioned in a previous Bike Park Report that in my position I am required to attend many meetings of the minds. No, I do not fall into a dreamy slumber at these meetings, but occasionally we discuss some pretty dreamy subjects - new trails, new machines etc. All of that makes my ears perk up, but talks of expansion make me salivate like my old dog Eddie eyeing up my Sunday morning bacon. She gets none by the way. You know that the WBP has always been fairly progressive, not afraid to push the limits and not afraid to act on rider's demands. All of that is nice to do, but ultimately it costs money and although WB is not frivolous with their cash, they are not afraid to go to town for a good cause. And the Bike Park is a good cause. As a matter of fact, expanding the Bike Park is a good cause. Now, you can appreciate that I can't go into great details as that would be like opening your Christmas presents in August, which would not be fair to you. But it is fair to say that WB is as committed as ever to the Bike Park and summer activities in general. The most visible work which will have positive impact on the Bike Park will be the No Joke rebuild and continuation of Blue Velvet in the Garbo zone. The lower Bike Park will receive a lot of attention in the form of extensive maintenance, new blue trail and the opening of Ninja Cougar. Sounds good? That is what I like about planning meetings, as long as they don't happen on a 30 cm day.
As of this writing, there is more snow on the way and a lot more of good skiing to do. Biking will have to wait...a bit.
Since I mentioned predicting the the Bike Park opening date, here is my prediction - May 3rd.
Disclaimer; this prediction is a strictly an unofficial prediction and should not be interpreted as official Bike Park opening date, which is subject to the whims of Mother Nature.
See you soon.