Downhill mountain biking is easy. What? It's true. Mount Washington has the learning to ride thing all wrapped up in a nice and easy package and the best part is, it's on sale this week.
“Without a doubt, our Learn to Ride program is the best way to learn to downhill mountain bike and this week, it's also the most affordable,” says Mike Manara, bike park manager at the mountain.
The Rocky Mountain Learn to Ride Week runs until July 29 and gives learn-to-riders a two-hour lesson with a professional guide, a full-suspension Rocky Mountain bike rental, body armour with helmet, and a bike park lift ticket for just $49.
Before heading up the lifts, Learn to Ride lessons start with guides showing riders the basics of mountain biking. Stance, body position, and riding techniques such as braking and cornering are demonstrated. Once everybody is comfortable, groups head to Green Line, the ultimate learning trail, for the rest of the lesson.
“Our new Green Line trail is wide, forgiving, and was built with the perspective of a beginner mountain biker in mind,” adds Manara. “If you're new to the sport, you will love this trail.”
Green Line flows gently down Mount Washington's west side and meanders 2.3kms from the top of the mountain back down to the base of the Hawk Chair. The trail is an integral component in Mount Washington's plans to make mountain biking more accessible for people wanting to discover one of Canada's fastest-growing sports.
“More people are mountain biking now than ever,” explains Don Sharpe, director of business operations at the resort. “We want to attract beginners to the mountain in the summer months with similar programs that we offer skiers and snowboarders during the winter months.”
Mount Washington's Learn to Ride program is only one of the many lesson options available at the Bike Park this summer. Examples include the new Ride On program, which focuses on progression and features three lessons pre-purchased at a discounted rate. Other lesson packages are designed for kids, families, and there's a cleverly named women's specific program, Mtn. GRRRLS. For further information on these programs and more, visit mountwashington.ca.
“Whether you're a seasoned bike veteran or brand new to the sport, Mount Washington's bike events calendar will get you stoked,” a resort spokesperson said. August could be dubbed “mountain biking month” with the return of Darren Berrecloth's Bearclaw Invitational on Aug.5-6, the BC Cup Provincial Championships on Aug. 13-14, and Darcy Turenne's See Jane Jump Women's Mountain Bike Festival on Aug. 20-21.
Mount Washington’s Bike Park is supported by Maxxis, Dakine, Rocky Mountain Bikes, and Kali Protectives.