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  • June 15, 2010
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June 23, 2006

BIKE PARK REPORT

Author: Rob McSkimming

Summer has officially begun and, fittingly, the first summer weekend is upon us.  The Park is in fantastic shape right now with just the right moisture content on all of the favourites:  A-Line, B-Line, Dirt Merchant are primo.  Seven day per week Extended Play has kicked in making for beautiful evening riding during the year's longest days.

With summer kicking in big things are happening at the Park.  Despite ample snow and a cool spring Garbanzo will open as scheduled this Saturday.  The crew has been working the trails for the last two weeks – removing snow and repairing the effects of a big winter.  For the first few days you can expect the upper half to be wet, greasy and on the gnarly side in spots.  However once you reach Franz's/Highway 86 the riding is primo with a ton of options to choose from.

If temperatures heat up as expected Garbanzo will be the place to be for advanced riders.  The Gondola will also be back in action starting this weekend which should keep line-ups to a minimum at the other end of the spectrum. 

The Magic Park also debuts on Saturday at the base of Blackcomb.  Magic is the perfect place for those new to park riding.  It is completely separated from the main park, providing a stress-free learning environment.  This area is ideal for families with young children.  Rentals, helmets etc. for all shapes and sizes are available at the base.

I should also put in a word regarding mountain construction.  In preparation for the 2010 Games there is a huge amount of snowmaking construction and trail work being done on Whistler Mountain.  Much of this work happens in and around the Bike Park so you can expect trail closures at various location as the work progresses.  You can find out what is happening by calling the Dirt Phone, checking mountain bulletin boards or contacting Guest Relations.

Speaking of construction, the warmer, drier weather means that Rob, Marty, Dave and the rest of the trail crew are making progress with new construction.  The Boneyard and Biker X areas and now ridden in with new lines and features being added.  On the mountain the two main areas of focus are extensions to Dirt merchant and Crank It Up.

The new Air Dome is also making headway.  The Air Dome will be our new indoor jump learning centre, to be located at Base 2 just above the village.  The Air Dome will have a foam pit, a resi ramp and other features.  Initially the Air Dome will be used exclusively for the Summer Gravity Camps managed by Andrew Shandro from July 16 - August 13^th.  The Summer Gravity Camps are absolutely the best way for riders to take their riding to the next level – six fun but intense days with the world's best riders and coaches.  Spaces are still available but are filling up fast especially for the first camp.

Finally, the Red Bull Elevation track is sick.  Mark July 1^st in your calendar – this event is going to go off!

Rob McSkimming