Page 71 - Flathead Beacon // 7.27.16

WEEKEND OUTLOOK
WEEKLY ON-MOUNTAIN NEWS WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2016
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Riley Polumbus
your bike’s suspension. We experienced this sensation on a at surface before hitting the trail.
en it was time to “drop in” (mountain biker lingo for descending) and apply the skills we just learned. One at a time we went down Money and Nathan kept an eye on
our technique and provided each of us with feedback at the bottom of the trail. We rode up the Bad Rock li and this time went down Limelight. Again Nathan kept an eye on each of us and o ered feedback before returning to the practice area.
We made several laps this way, starting with learning and practicing a new funda- mental skill on a at surface, then down the trail, up the li and down again experienc- ing all three of the new trails. Lessons cater to the needs of the participants so everyone can progress at their own pace. When par- ticipants are di erent ages and levels of expe- rience, it helps that they know one another. Several families have taken the lesson where parents and siblings learned together.
Did I nd my ow? Getting close! I learned a few key techniques that helped me ride a downhill speci c bike as well as how to ride berms. My novice classmate certainly learned a lot as she was able to ride every trail we descended. We all had fun. With a few more laps in the Bad Rock zone on our new trails, practicing what Nathan taught me, I will be ready for Kashmir before too long.
Pointers: Talk a friend or family member in to going with you! Wear at-soled shoes, long shorts and a long-sleeve or 3⁄4 sleeve shirt. Sign up for a lesson by calling Village Rentals at 406-862-1995.
Adventure exists in many forms, most o en in the form of trying something new, going beyond one’s comfort zone or taking a risk. Why do we
FLOW FOUNDproper body position on our bike. In down- hill biking you will stand most of the time so that your body becomes an extension of
pursue such adventures? To discover a new passion, gain self-con dence
or at the very least have fun trying.
For a few summers now, learning to
downhill mountain bike has been my ever- elusive quest. A er expanding our bike park in 2013 and having our trail Kashmir named a “Model Flow Trail” by the International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2014, I knew that I needed to try the sport. As an avid skier and XC mountain biker I expected be competent on downhill trails, however I have been somewhat intimidated by the level of di culty.
Until now.
is summer we built three new downhill trails just for me! I mean, we built three new trails for people like me— new
to the sport of downhill biking and seek-
ing a place to learn the basics. ese three new trails are built with the same “ owy” design as Kashmir, however they are easier and shorter. Just like skiing, bike trails have ability ratings: Limelight is a half mile green/ blue trail, Money is a half mile blue trail and Rush is a mile-long blue. ey were designed on an easier grade (less steep), built wider and the features (berms, rollers, jumps) are less intimidating than what you’ll nd on the likes of Kashmir or the other trails at
the summit. All three trails are accessed by the Bad Rock chairli , and because they are shorter in length you will not tire out so you can practice over and over.
The Learn to Bike Downhill package is o ered daily through August 15th and Monday, Wednesday, Friday through September 2nd.
Also this summer we took a hint from our wildly successful “Learn to Ski/Ride” package that we o er in the winter to never ever skiers and snowboarders and created the summer biking version: the “Learn to Bike Downhill” package. Like its winter cousin, the package includes equipment rental (downhill bike, full-face helmet, leg and arm pads), li ticket and lesson. Between the new trails and this learn to bike package it’s the perfect way to try out this sport and hopefully nd your ow.
I took the lesson last week with two oth- ers, one was not a mountain biker and the other had some mountain biking experience. Lessons are kept to small groups so that the instructor will be able to give each student personal attention. We arrived a half hour early to get sized up for our bikes and out t- ted with a helmet and pads.
I know what some of you are think-
ing, “I don’t want to do something that requires all those pads.” I can see that it can be intimidating, however you’d be amazed at people who give it a try. A er our lesson I saw three teens and their parents walk out of Village Rentals suited up head to toe. ey hopped on their bikes and merrily pedaled away proving that people of all walks of life going for it in the spirit of trying something new. Plus, you will feel like a Stormtrooper and that’s just plain fun.
Once we were all geared up, our instruc- tor Nathan Ha erman demonstrated the most important skill: braking. Before we put foot to pedal, Nathan had us practice proper technique for breaking while standing next to our bikes. Once we all demonstrated that we could brake properly, we took a short ride on pavement. Next we learned and practiced
AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK FUN
Play and progress through the different Aerial Adventure Park courses! With ve courses of various dif culty levels you will want to master the whole park. After the fun
stop in the Base Lodge to enjoy a cold victory beverage of choice.
AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK: ADULT (AGES 13+) - $47 / JUNIOR (AGES 7-12) - $35
LODGING starting at $99*
Need lodging for guests? We’ve got options for every budget. Plus, get discounted rates on activities when you stay with us. Find more lodging options and deals at SKIWHITEFISH.COM.
*Taxes and fees not included. Other restrictions may apply.
Photo © Noah Clayton
877-SKI-FISH | SKIWHITEFISH.COM
JULY 27, 2016 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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