For a different kind of biking experience, visit the Armory Dirt Jumps east of Whitefish and try out your aerial skills.
Mimicking the surrounding vistas, three lines of jumps rise and fall stretching east to west parallel to Armory Road. Built from more than 70 dump truck loads of dirt, the tabletop designs are intended for beginner to intermediate riders, although the intermediate line is an intimidating sight for the novice.
“You feel weightless, like you’re flying,” said Ray Peacock, a local rider. “It’s an adrenaline rush and something to do in the off (ski) season.”
This being the inaugural summer, the future of the jumps is in the hands of those who use it, according to Tyler Tourville of Glacier Cyclery.
“We’re looking for more kids to come forward to work on (the area),” said Tourville. Those who use the jumps are encouraged to help shape the park by sharing their ideas and opinions as well as helping with the actual construction. A shed containing an assortment of tools is provided for those who would like to participate.
The park is free. Helmets are recommended and it’s suggested that you walk the lines before riding to look for obstacles, “and to see what you’re getting into,” said Tourville.
How to get there: From downtown Whitefish, travel east on Second Street East. Continue past Armory Road and head up the hill. The park is on the south side of the road before the train tracks.