Whiteface Mountain Bike Park opens for the season on 6-19-09

[downhillmike]

I know this is a ski forum but it is obvious everyone here loves Whiteface Mountain and the Lake Placid/Wilmington experience. It also seems for good reasons many are sad the ski season has come to a close. No need to wait till November to visit Whiteface. The woods between your favorite ski trails have been maintained and manicured as world class mtn. bike trails.

We (High Peaks Cyclery) operate the mountain bike park during Whiteface's summer months. With your summer lift ticket you get 2 choices of uphill transport, the gondola for experts trails, and our shuttle bus that only goes to the beginner/intermediate trails (bottom of tower 10 hill). We also have an entire network of world class x-c trails that traverse back and forth below tower 10 hill, all the way to the Flume and beyond.

Open for the mountain biking season on 6-19-09 for 7 days a week.

Here are a few pictures from last season:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/31/1216761864_kcbrousseau.jpg

http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/31/1216761741_logride.jpg

http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/46/1221156145_2008%203rd%20annual%205%20k%20dh%20077. jpg

http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/46/1221154825_2008%203rd%20annual%205%20k%20dh%20023. jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y163/k3davis/riding/jrodwaterfall.jpg
Please note most of the above pictures were taken on the expert trails of pro downhill mountain bikers.


For all Whiteface Mountain Bike Park info please visit:
www.downhillmike.com

[downhillmike]

This is our pump track. Fairly new to bike parks. A pump track can be ridden in either direction without pedaling. This can also be ridden on any type of bike by any type of rider. Pump tracks teach you great skills and are an amazing cardio work out. These new skills help you ride x-c or dh trails longer and with more energy. I figured you may have seen this from the gondola and wasn't exactly sure what is was.

http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/44/1217462589_pump%20track%20from%20gondola.jpg

[Snowballs]

thanks Mike. it's cool we have a top notch bike area! great job.

i may have to ride those x-c trails this summer.

[NPN]

Nice, but way beyond my skill level.

That Flume ride sounds interesting though.

[downhillmike]

Maybe those were the wrong pictures to post. Here are some from our lower trails that the shuttle bus accesses.

Our shuttle bus:
http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album414/8_14_08_race_loading_the_bus.jpg

Local grom getting ready:
http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album414/Daleinfullgear.jpg

Family fun at The Face summer style:
http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album414/7_31_07_009.jpg

Classic lower mountain single-track taken on trail # 11 (Whitetail):
http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album414/lowermountaintrail.jpg

Crossing the Stag Brook is a little more challenging, but not too bad & big fun:


http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album414/Jonny_Mayr_at_the_stream_crossing.sized.jpg


I think that's just one of the things that makes Whiteface so great winter or summer. It can be a super challenging mountain that can be intimidating. It's just that much better once you get the confidence and over that fear. Talk about getting stoked! It took me a couple of years before I was comfortable on the upper trails. Now I am more scared while snowboarding than biking. Serious. Just like skiing it's important to progress at a safe pace with the proper equipment. Many locals in the past came here in the summer with their x-c rigs and headed right up top. That's crazy and like taking your x-c skis on the gondola and skiing down the slides, when you've only skiied x-c prior. Crazy.

[nyspnypd]

Now those easier trails especially lower valley looks like something I could give a try.

[downhillmike]

Now those easier trails especially lower valley looks like something I could give a try.

I circled the shuttle bus drop off location. All trails below the red line are considered beginner/intermediate terrain.
http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album415/lower_mtn_wf_mtnbike_map.sized.jpg

[nyspnypd]

Now those easier trails especially lower valley looks like something I could give a try.

I circled the shuttle bus drop off location. All trails below the red line are considered beginner/intermediate terrain.
http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album415/lower_mtn_wf_mtnbike_map.sized.jpg

That is a good amount of beginner trails i may have to give it a try this summer.

[Snowballs]

can't get the trail map to open-adobe says document damaged.

i read the Decline Magazine article. nice read. at the end he states........when you link the top and bottom runs you have an eight minute ride...........
that's gotta be a typo. lil whiteface summit to the bottom in eight minutes? on a mtn bike?

what the heck is a grom?

any bikers start pedaling yet? i got 25 miles on. hey it's a start!


are there any ADK biking or atving forums? maybe we should add a board?

[highpeaksdrifter]

can't get the trail map to open-adobe says document damaged.

i read the Decline Magazine article. nice read. at the end he states........when you link the top and bottom runs you have an eight minute ride...........
that's gotta be a typo. lil whiteface summit to the bottom in eight minutes? on a mtn bike?

what the heck is a grom?

any bikers start pedaling yet? i got 25 miles on. hey it's a start!


are there any ADK biking or atving forums? maybe we should add a board?

I got out once so far on my road bike. It felt good.

I love the pic of the biker coming down Stag Brook. Great shot. I might have to pony up the money for a mountain bike this year.

[Snowballs]

here's alink to a couple of videos from high peaks cyclery that show bike riding at Face. looks fun!!! it would be really cool riding around the mtn in the summer. wonder if we could hit HPD's for bbq and beers afterward? JUST KIDDING! surely a swim in the Ausable would be warranted.

http://highpeakscyclery.com/page.cfm?pageID=161

well, time to shift gears. i'm putting up the boards and picking up the mtn bike/quad/lawnmower/canoe/hedgetimmer/fishing pole/pressure washer/Great Escape pass/rake/beach chairs/sunscreen/ babe watching glasses!!!

[highpeaksdrifter]

here's alink to a couple of videos from high peaks cyclery that show bike riding at Face. looks fun!!! it would be really cool riding around the mtn in the summer. wonder if we could hit HPD's for bbq and beers afterward? JUST KIDDING! surely a swim in the Ausable would be warranted.

http://highpeakscyclery.com/page.cfm?pageID=161

well, time to shift gears. i'm putting up the boards and picking up the mtn bike/quad/lawnmower/canoe/hedgetimmer/fishing pole/pressure washer/Great Escape pass/rake/beach chairs/sunscreen/ babe watching glasses!!!

Maybe

[downhillmike]

can't get the trail map to open-adobe says document damaged.

i read the Decline Magazine article. nice read. at the end he states........when you link the top and bottom runs you have an eight minute ride...........
that's gotta be a typo. lil whiteface summit to the bottom in eight minutes? on a mtn bike?

what the heck is a grom?

any bikers start pedaling yet? i got 25 miles on. hey it's a start!


are there any ADK biking or atving forums? maybe we should add a board?

The pro winning time on our race course for our 5 K DH was 7:24.3. The top riders in the states can usually break 8 minutes. Since we put up a $5,000.00 pro cash purse we do get the top riders in the country and beyond. All other dh courses at other mountains (including world cup events) are 3 to 5 minute tracks. Whiteface is just huge vertical for biking. Just huge. Most riders take 15 to 25 minutes for 1 run from the top of Little Whiteface. I went from over an hour to under 10 minutes once I got a big bike and had the confidence to just let 'er roll.

A grom is a little dude. Mountain bikers call kids "groms"

Did the trail map not open from the Whiteface site? I can look into that.

There are many biking forums. None specifically for the Adirondacks. If one was started here I would be happy to help administer, field questions, etc. I do love talking about Whiteface and I can't think of a better place than here.

Also thanks for your interest and the great questions.

[Snowballs]

GREAT QUESTIONS! He said I ask GREAT QUESTIONS! I ROCK! I'll have to go tell my lil grom.

Here's another.

what's a big bike? and has anyone tried it on a Big Wheel? the snow tribe rips it on snow shovels. i always wanted to try that! guess i'm a bit of a grom myself.

whacha think HPD? you gonna hook a downhill Mike up? they seem to have a topnotch thing going. $5000.00 purse. top pro riders. top rated course. i've read about Face's DH course at other sites.....it's gaininng fame. alot of people could be interested. meebe we should have a hiker/biker/stoner etc boards for the off season. many of our members do these things. would there be any additional costs?

the map i could not open was from your site,dhm. maybe it's my adobe, although it's an up to date version. i'll check the Face page for a link so i can scope out the trails..................I WANNA RIDE IT!

btw, i have a Gary Fisher Cake. no you can't ride it. :) jk. is it a big bike?

[downhillmike]

The Gary Fisher Cake is a great bike but it's a "little bike"
http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album416/gary_fisher_cake_3_2006_bike.jpg

A little bike just means it's a trail bike and not a big bike (downhill bike). Trail bikes weigh between 25 and 30 pounds and have 4 to 5 inches of front and rear wheel travel. perfect for the lower mountain trails at Whiteface.

I have been riding a Specialized demo 9 which is a pretty big bike. 50+ pounds and 9 inches of travel. That means the front and rear shocks compress and rebound a full 9 inches. This bike is perfect for the upper mountain.
http://www.hcor.net/gallery/album416/demo_9.jpg

To answer another question: No one has ridden a Big Wheel that I know of, but we do have a local that rides the upper mountain single-track on his mountain unicycle. He's from Wilmington and actually traveled with a circus the last few years. The dudes amazing! He could probably ride Whiteface on a Big Wheel.
http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/500716.html?nav=5008

[highpeaksdrifter]

GREAT QUESTIONS! He said I ask GREAT QUESTIONS! I ROCK! I'll have to go tell my lil grom.


whacha think HPD? you gonna hook a downhill Mike up? they seem to have a topnotch thing going.

They do have a topnotch thing going, I've heard that for years, but I'm not sure what you mean by hooking Mike up.

We can post all the mountain bike stuff you want here if that's what you mean. As far as that goes, the same for road biking, hiking, kaycking or any other ADK activity.

[downhillmike]

can't get the trail map to open-adobe says document damaged.

Try this link for the trail map:
http://www.orda.org/newsite/todo/summer/wf_mtnbike_map.pdf

[Snowballs]

Ok that's great info DHM. i'm glad you posted here. your enthusiasm for the sport and affection for Face are obvious. i bet you have a fantastic time rippin it. you guys are doing a great job!

i'm definitely coming up and riding the lower hill this summer. for me, it always wierd being on a ski mtn off season. seeing the empty chairs, the grass, the contour of the ground that's usually buried in snow is different. but just being on the mtn is always cool. can't wait to ride the trails.

the times they're turning in down that hill are impressive, haulin butt! the videos were cool and show some real speed. the guy on a unicycle-are you kidding me! those things don't even have brakes. imagine struggling to ride down the hill and some guy shows up on a freegin unicycle. hehehe. impressive.

seriously, this is a really cool thing. i don't suppose it will be long till we see X games or mtn dew like bike competions at Face with national/worldwide coverage. das good.

what's next? a skier cross type course for mtn bikes? ripping the bobsled run with studded tires? ascending the 90 meter ski jump for big air? Lord only knows. He certainly has endowed us potential. gracias.

thanks for the info DHM. and thanks for all you do. you too, HPD. people like you guys go a long way towards getting things done so that others may benefit. i'll beep the horn as i ride past your house. 8)

shave and a haircut........two bits.

[SKIdds]

HPD - given how serious the WF MTB terrain is, maybe you should go over and harass the CT guys about the comparatively piddly trails they ride ;).

[campgottagopee]

HPD - given how serious the WF MTB terrain is, maybe you should go over and harass the CT guys about the comparatively piddly trails they ride ;).

They couldn't take it :evil:

[Snowballs]

HPD - given how serious the WF MTB terrain is, maybe you should go over and harass the CT guys about the comparatively piddly trails they ride ;).

hehehe

[highpeaksdrifter]

Nah...I have so "friction" moments over there with some of them on occasion, but the ones I've met are all good guys. I hope some of them ski WF one of these years.

[SKIdds]

Nah...I have so "friction" moments over there with some of them on occasion, but the ones I've met are all good guys. I hope some of them ski WF one of these years.
I was just joking. Everyone seems cranky with end of season or whatever, so even some friendly button pushing isn't the best of ideas right now. I agree they are a good bunch of guys. I met a bunch of them at the Bump or Bust 2 competition.

[downhillmike]

seriously, this is a really cool thing. i don't suppose it will be long till we see X games or mtn dew like bike competions at Face with national/worldwide coverage. das good.

what's next? a skier cross type course for mtn bikes? ripping the bobsled run with studded tires? ascending the 90 meter ski jump for big air?

4 Cross and Dual Slalom (gated racing) is very popular already for mountain biking at ski resorts. A few bikers have expresses interest in jumping off the 120 on their bike also. It has been done in Europe but not yet in the states.

Just like all other sports that have taken it to the next level, mountain biking is no different. I still can't believe the jumps and table tops both skiers and snowboarders go off. That stuff is huge!

Also like other sports it's great for families. Not all skiers and snowboarders do the huge stuff. Right?

Anyways, thanks for all of the kind words. We really love what we do and without ORDA or High Peaks Cyclery this history in the making would not even be happening.

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

Try this link for the trail map:
http://www.orda.org/newsite/todo/summer/wf_mtnbike_map.pdf



thanks for that.

i have a question regarding bike trail #26, "the ledges". is this bike trail between the ski trails "empire" and "upper mackenzie" (a/k/a "the ledges")?

[downhillmike]

Try this link for the trail map:
http://www.orda.org/newsite/todo/summer/wf_mtnbike_map.pdf



thanks for that.

i have a question regarding bike trail #26, "the ledges". is this bike trail between the ski trails "empire" and "upper mackenzie" (a/k/a "the ledges")?

Yep. Blast down Approach and just after Upper Empire you make a 90 degree left into the woods. This trail should only be attempted by experts. Being heavy on your brakes on this kind of terrain is sketchy. I thought this trail was off the charts at 1st, but with a big bike and some confidence your bike will roll right over almost anything.

We call this the 'V' rock and it's on trail # 26:
From above:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/35/1216948776_trail%2026%20v%20rock%20from%20above.jp g

From below:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/35/1216948721_trail%2026%20the%20v%20rock.jpg

Once you learn these lines it's just like controlled glade skiing. The average speed in the woods is not as fast as most people think. On a big downhill bike the fork has 8 or 9 inches of suspension. What that does besides soak up the bumps is it sets the angle of the bike and your body position perfect for going downhill only. If you roll up to terrain like that on a trail bike with only 5 inches of suspension (travel) it looks impossible. It is possible, but WAY harder and not nearly as much fun. The hydraulic disc brakes allows for perfect "one finger" braking modulation. Now you still have a thumb and 3 fingers on your bars, so you have control and can brake with NO skidding.

We may use this trail for part of our big downhill race in August? Last year we had an easier course and the racers want more of a challenge. If i wasn't so busy on race day I would love to watch the top pros hit the "V" rock. We had a nice crowd lining the trails at last years race. In Europe and at World Cups thousands of fans line the course with bull horns and cow bells.

If you are curious about any other trails please don't be shy.

[Snowballs]

seriously, this is a really cool thing. i don't suppose it will be long till we see X games or mtn dew like bike competions at Face with national/worldwide coverage. das good.

what's next? a skier cross type course for mtn bikes? ripping the bobsled run with studded tires? ascending the 90 meter ski jump for big air?

4 Cross and Dual Slalom (gated racing) is very popular already for mountain biking at ski resorts. A few bikers have expresses interest in jumping off the 120 on their bike also. It has been done in Europe but not yet in the states.

thought so. hehehe.

ride a bike down the 120 meter jump............ WHAT A FREEGIN RIDE THAT WOULD BE! You'ld have to be one CRAZY............!

[downhillmike]

Here is a video of a mountain biker going off of a ski jump. Looks kind of dated too?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7094235620076643101

[Snowballs]

that wasn't sooooooo bad. i'm surprised he had to keep pedaling on the way down to keep his speed up. all those cross members boards held his speed down. (notice the brrrrrrrrrr sound)

still wicked cool.

no i wouldn't try it.

when's the races at Face this season DHM?

[downhillmike]

Races & events at the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park:

June 20: Discover Whiteface Day
June 21: June pump track challenge
July 02: Local downhill race # 1 of 3
July 4: Ladies Day # 1 of 4
July 9: Mini dual slalom race # 1 of 3
July 16: Mini X-C race # 1 of 3
July 23: Mini downhill race # 2 of 3
July 24: July pump track challenge
July 30: Mini dual slalom race # 2 of 3
August 1: Ladies Day # 2 of 3
August 6: Mini X-C race # 2 of 3
August 13: Mini Downhill series final # 3 of 3
August 20: Mini Dual Slalom race series final # 3 of 3
August 27: Mini X-C race series final # 3 of 3
August 29: Whiteface Gravity East Dual Slalom
August 30: Whiteface 4th Annual 5 K Downhill
(Gravity East # 8 & Pro Gravity Tour # 5)
August 31: August pump track challenge
September 5: Ladies Day # 3 of 4
September 12: Whiteface 2nd annual Fall Classic -XC race # 2
September 20: September pump track challenge
October 3: Ladies Day # 4 of 4
October 12: Whiteface 3rd Annual Columbus Day Treasure Hunt
October 18: October pump track challenge

[tjf67]

DHM you should take some of this info over to Alpinezone. There are downhillers over there and they get a lot of hits from all over the place.
Tell the CLITS TJF sent you

[downhillmike]

Thanks. Wow that will make it like 16 forum boards I post on.

[highpeaksdrifter]

Thanks. Wow that will make it like 16 forum boards I post on.

16? :shock: That sounds like a full time job. At least you're getting your message out there.

[downhillmike]

I like to keep busy, and the mountain bikers need to know what I know about the downhilling at Whiteface. When mountain bikers that go to other resorts come here for the 1st time, they are blown away.
It's been a secret for WAY too long!

Check out this quote from a pro from Montreal that rides Bromont. Bromont has huge lift lines in the summer. The most common question from Canadians are is "How long our your lift lines".

From DH racer.com:
Quote:
Originally Posted by downhillmike View Post
Honestly we have never had a ton of riders yet. I think when Simon came down here that surprised him and he wanted to help spread the word of the awesome big mountain riding on the east coast. That's was how and why he came up with Discover Whiteface Day.

"Honestly I don't know exactly why or how I came up with this idea... I just got so amazed by my visit in Whiteface that I wanted everybody to discover this mountain. This is really not something you can compare to Bromont or Ste-Anne. It's unbelievable to see how the trails are designed but still natural, no bulldozer or mechanical work involved here... just amazingly fast trails kept in a fully natural environement. It sometimes reminds me footages from movies shot in British Colombia. And the other thing that I loved was: You get on top fast but you go down hill during a very long time... all this for almost the price of what we got here in Quebec (depending on exchange rate!).

Francais:
Honnêtement, je sais pas exactement pourquoi ou comment j'en suis venu avec cette idée. J'ai juste tellement impressionné par ma visite a Whiteface que je veux que tout le monde voit ça! C'est vraiment pas quelque chose que vous pouvez comparer a Bromont ou Ste-Anne. C'est incroyable de voir comment les trails ont été faites mais gardée dans un environement naturel... pas de bulldozer ou de mini pépine là bas, on dirait que la trail est née avec la montagne! ça me rapelle un peu des séquences de films tournée en Colombie Britanique. L'autre affaire que j'ai adoré; Tu montes vite, mais maudit que tu descends longtemps... tout ça pour apeu près le prix de ce qu'on a au Québec (selon le taux de change, évidement!)
__________________
www.DownhillQuebec.com
MP pour confirmer votre présence à la fds d'ouverture de Whiteface!"

[downhillmike]

After our ORDA meeting yesterday we discussed how to attract more skiers here in the summer to check out the biking.

All season pass holders (2009/2010 season) will receive 1 free lift ticket during the summer for mountain biking.

As we get closer to opening day I will start a new thread for that. Bridget and I will also be sending out email blasts stating that.

I was even invited to join Bridget for one her "awesome" podcasts:
http://www.whiteface.com/conditions/sumpod.php

Bridget is awesome at this and I will try to get better.

[Snowballs]

i like this guy. ^^^ He's got spunk, spirit and great ideas ! thanks for the free summer one day pass, DHM !

[highpeaksdrifter]

Mike,
Just curious, do you move to Boulder City, Nevada after MB biking at WF shuts down and do you have a MB bike business there as well?

[downhillmike]

I have been living in Boulder City for the past 2 winters. You could say mountain biking changed my life a bit. Haha.
I worked at a couple of races there 2 years ago as a shuttle driver and just helping out.
It was a fun race and Bootleg Canyon(http://www.bootlegcanyon.org/) is my second favorite place to ride. Well with the experience I learned from ORDA on how to put on events (5 K DH), it was obvious on how to make the races there even better. The Mob in Mojave was always on Presidents Day Weekend and not a sanctioned event. We made it (my business partner Elias) not only a U.S.A.Cycling race, but the 1st points race for 2009. So to answer your question I am trying to make it as a promoter & guide in Boulder City for the winters.

Here's a couple of videos of the Mob in Mojave we put on out west a few of months ago:
http://vimeo.com/3383453
http://channelmtb.com/racescene_episodes.html

Turns out we had over 300 at the race in February. Huge turnout with the top 2 World Cup riders from the U.K. taking 1st & 2nd.
What we learned at the Mob in Mojave will make this years 5 K DH at Whiteface even better. Whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note. The 5 k DH is the last points race on the U.S.A. Cycling National Gravity Calendar.

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gallery/data/2053/WC6V8145.JPG

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gallery/data/2053/WC6V8733.JPG

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/gallery/data/2053/WC6V8767.JPG


http://www.littermag.com/2009/wp-content/themes/mimbo/images/foes-kid.jpg

[Snowballs]

those guys ride like me!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[downhillmike]

All is set for our opening weekend event at Whiteface Mountain Bike Park for June 20 & June 21.
Hope to see some of you Whiteface skiers and riders at Discover Whiteface Weekend.
Friday: 6-19-09:

* Opening day at Whiteface:10:00 am till 4:00 pm.

Saturday: 6-20-09.

* Open riding from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm.
* Live music for your enjoyment in front of the gondola from 1:00 pm till 4:00 pm
* The Lake Placid Center for the Arts has been reserved from 7:00 pm till 9:00 pm (or later of needed) http://www.lakeplacidarts.org/. This is a great place to see a bike film. Especially in 3-D!
* Free of charge showing of Truth & Beauty by Nat Bartholomew in 3-D.
* There will also be a pro trials show prior to the film by Sam Perkins.
* During the film all will receive a coupon for a free micro brew at the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery for the after film party.

Sunday: 6-21-09:

* Open from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm
* 12 noon will be our 1st of 5 monthly pump track challenges.

Pump Track Challenge Rules:
01) No chains allowed
02) $10.00 to enter and a 25 participant maximum
03) Any rider that can do 10 laps in 3 minutes goes into the winners' pool.
04) All riders that make it to the winners' pool will have 1 chance for the 2 fastest laps
05) 1 winner takes all (up to $250.00)



For more on Discover Whiteface Weekend:
http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/discover-whiteface-day/

[tjf67]

What type of bike is best for the pump track?

[downhillmike]

A hard tail would be best for the pump track.

[Snowballs]

great info DHM! sure to be an awesome event with lots of action. truly hope i can make it.

you mentioned awhile back that ski season pass holders will get a free day pass at the bike park. is that still in the cards? how does the payment plan for the season passes figure in......in that the season pass will not be paid in full until September? does it include adult full season passes only or do the non-holiday, junior, etc, crowd also qualify?

this is a great idea. it stands to reward season pass holders and provide the bike park with exposure and possibly more business......all at no cost to ORDA. who ever thought of it deserves an " ATA BOY! ".

[downhillmike]

Any type of season pass will work for 1 free day of lift service biking any day we are open this summer, regardless if you paid in full or on the payment plan.

Whiteface used to do this a few years ago and we just re introduced the idea.

For the non expert: We operate a shuttle bus for the pump track and intermediate trails. This year we will operate 2 buses on Saturday, and other days if needed. This should really make your experience much better, and possibly doulble the amount of time you spend on your bike. If you are fast you can beat the bus down and catch the next ride on our other bus. A bus should be leaving every 15 to 20 minutes.

Here is our new trail map. This is still a rough draft but you'll see we are color coding the trails this year. We will have all new trail markers the same colors as you see on the map. There will also be 5 large (3' 4 ' maps) on the mountain saying "You are here" at key locations. Even if you know this mountain it can get confusing when you are in between the trails.

Rough draft of new map:
http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3488/pbpic3488252.jpg
Please ignore the dates on this map as they are from last year. Just wanted to show how we are making this mountain more user friendly for the bikers or new comers.

[Snowballs]

excellent. thanks ORDA, Face Bike Park and DownHill Mike! many of us should take advantage of this offer. how cool is it to be on the mtn in the good ol' summertime? the colored trail makers will help us snowbirds as trails look different w/no snow. the extra buses adding more bike runs..... fantastic! DHM's info is quick, concise and informative. it don't get no better!

i said it before and i'll say it again.........DHM your enthusiasm is readily apparent and you and your team are doing a wonderful job. the mtn, the sport and many, many people will find enjoyment and benefit from your efforts. you are an asset to the Placid/Face area and it's community. well done.

i have noticed my event is not on the list. are we foregoing my ride down the 120 meter ski jump on my pimped out Big Wheel ? people (some on here!) were really, really hoping to see me rip it. :wink: :wink: :wink: perhaps i can substitute a rip through the High Falls Gorge on a Boogie Board. Woo Hoo!

how 'bout it,guys......anybody wanna see me hit it ? 8) 8) 8)

don't be shy. like the bike park day pass......this one's a freebie!

[downhillmike]

Thanks for the very kind words and I will continue with my enthusiasm for 1 more thing.

The bike film we are showing at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts is in high definition 3-D. I wasn't 100% sure the 3-D effects would show in all their glory on the big screen. There was talk of having to rent special projectors.

Well, we went to the LPCA today to watch the video Truth & Beauty in 3-D.
Wholly mackerel! It was unbelievable on the big screen. Total 3-D effects for a gravity bike film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did I mention the film is free?

[campgottagopee]

I'm pretty sure I'm stickin w/ golf as my summer time activity----I'm no where cool enough to do that---pix are way nasty tho.

[tjf67]

Do you know what time the ribbon cutting is for the Flume trails tomorrow??

Thanks

[Adirondackskier]

Just an update on the opening ceremony for the Flume Trail Network. The ceremony will be held this Saturday (5/30) at 11:00 am.

There will be a ribbon cutting followed by brief statements (approximately 5 minutes) from each of the organizations involved: Whiteface Mountain, Wilmington Mountain Peddlers, Town of Wilmington, Adirondack Mountain Club, and DEC.

Other highlights include:
A barbeque (and hopefully some good weather) immediately following the ceremony (approximately 12:30 pm).

A volunteer trail work project (building a new single track bridge over a wet area).

And, guided hikes/bike rides.

[Snowballs]

what no Mariachi Band to go with the Ya Ya Ya speeches? Ze Burro will be bummed !

Great job on the new trails. Gracias to all involved for making it happen. Muy Bueno !!!

[downhillmike]

See you at 11:00 am. I will be the one with the Whiteface bike jersey on.

[tjf67]

See you at 11:00 am. I will be the one with the Whiteface bike jersey on.


Where you there I did not see you. Went riding up there for a couple hours when the shin dig was done. Great riding. Hey if you go onto the whiteface trail system before they open for the season it is free correct? there was no one around to pay the ten bucks to if you wanted to anyways.

[downhillmike]

I was there for a few minutes. I rode down trail # 20 (along the river) and showed up right before the ceremony. I talked to a few people for a few minutes, but had to get back to work.
No charge before we open. The signs will be up in the next 2 weeks.

[Snowballs]

sanctioned poaching!!! told ya these guys rock!!! :wink:

[downhillmike]

DATE: June 2, 2009


CONTACT: Stephanie Ryan (sryan@orda.org) at (518) 523-1655

Whiteface Mountain Bike Park operated by High Peaks Cyclery Opens June 19
Purchase a Mountain Bike Season Pass by June 18 and Save $50

WILMINGTON, N.Y. – The Whiteface Mountain Bike Park opens for the summer season Friday, June 19 with a Discover Whiteface weekend. The weekend boasts riding the trails, a free movie viewing, a pro trials show, the first monthly Pump Track Challenge, live music and more. High Peaks Cyclery, in conjunction the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) manages and operates the mountain biking facility.
The Whiteface Mountain Bike Park opens the trails 10 a.m. The park features 27 hand-built downhill and cross country mountain bike trails that twist and run between the ski trails. These trails range from gentle cruisers for beginners to technical single tracks and wooden features for advanced riders. A shuttle bus ferries riders to the beginner/intermediate trails while experts can ride the Cloudsplitter Gondola to the top of Little Whiteface to access advanced terrain. The trails go through streams and woods, meander next to waterfalls and are truly spectacular.
Saturday, June 20, features an evening of free mountain biking entertainment. Local pro rider Sam Perkins will perform his one-of-a-kind pro trials show, showcasing the latest and greatest moves on his bike at 7 p.m. at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts. At 7:30 p.m. the party moves inside for a free viewing of Truth & Beauty – the first-ever mountain bike film to be shown in 3-D – and it even features a few minutes of last year’s Whiteface 5K Downhill race. Then it’s on to the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery for the after-party, where all attendees of the movie 21 and over may receive a complimentary micro-brew.
The final day of Discover Whiteface begins with the first monthly Pump Track Challenge at noon. A limit of 25 riders has been set, with an entry fee of $10 per rider. Any rider that can do 10 laps in three minutes goes into the winners’ pool. All riders that make it to the winners’ pool will have one chance for the fastest two laps, with the winner taking all the prize money.
Local band Damaged Goods will once again be performing their classic rock right in front of the Cloudsplitter Gondola from 1 p.m. until closing to wrap up the weekend’s festivities.
The Whiteface Downhill Mountain Bike Park will be open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Free guided tours are available weekends at 1 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. Lift tickets, mountain bike rentals, lessons, clinics and more are available right on site. Please note that all riders are required to wear a helmet while biking at Whiteface. Purchase a season pass by June 18 and save $50. To learn more about Discover Whiteface Weekend and the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park’s schedule of operation, program rates, rentals, and more, please log on to downhillmike.com. or http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/05/18/discover-whiteface-day/.
For more information on ORDA venues and events and for web cams from five locations, please log on to whitefacelakeplacid.com.
– ORDA –


See, I wasn't making this stuff up. It's real. Fully legit.
DHM

[downhillmike]

More here on the ribbon cutting ceremony:
http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/page/content.detail/id/506775.html?nav=5046

Adirondacks are becoming a mountain biking destination. Man, that's going to save me a lot on gas not having to drive out to Utah.

[Snowballs]

wow. you guys really got it going on. just so people are clear..........

are the flume trail and beaver brook system two seperate trail systems? and do they link up to each other? where can we find maps,hopefully before driving up. and before long drives up are made.....are there fees for their use?

will DHM let me thrash on his bike? :wink: lol

these trails should bring people and dollars to the area with very, very low cost to the Taxpayers, unlike some NC projects. these trail projects are very practical, very sensible and look to be very popular. Great project concept. great job. Local initiative....people helping themselves! MUY BUENO!!!

too bad NY doesn't have State ATV/dirt bike trails. they're good business. many people have dirt machines. i could sure use more area to ride my ATV. Pennsylvania has alot of really nice ATV/Dirt bike trail systems. they draw lots of riders. always thought rippin around Gore/Face would be fun, not that it would ever happen.

[downhillmike]

wow. you guys really got it going on. just so people are clear..........

Yes we do and thanks

are the flume trail and beaver brook system two seperate trail systems? and do they link up to each other? where can we find maps,hopefully before driving up. and before long drives up are made.....are there fees for their use?

Yes they are 2 different trail systems and are both free of charge. They do not hook up with each other. The Beaver Brook system is of of Hardy road in Wilmington. I think there may be trail maps in the trail register at the parking lot? I will look into that. They were pretty proud of their new maps, and for good reasons, so I am sure they are readily available.

will DHM let me thrash on his bike? :wink: lol
Yes, but you are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear & tear. Actually, for the 1st year ever I am riding our rental bikes, both x-c and dh They're that good!

.

[Snowballs]

hehehe. Damn, you're quick!

i was jk on riding yo bike.....but thanks anyway! my Cake is more than enough bike for any trails i'll ride.......but i am kinda tempted to rent a big bike for aleast one ride down lil Face.....but i'ld prolly walk down any really rough sections.....maybe not :shock: :lol: :shock: :lol: :shock: ........

Just in case, how is the mtn rescue off season......lol

[downhillmike]

You are already learning. Just last month you asked me what is a big bike?
Not only people can learn a new sport you can also learn a new language.
Maybe I will add a downhiller bikers glossary to this thread?

If you do rent a "big bike" we will have it fully "dialed" in just for you. Be a "pinner".

[Snowballs]

Be a "pinner".

LOL. as in ...WFO ? not the kinda pinner i'ld do on a MTB.....but OK. i'm more of a fatty on the lower mtn kinda rider, leaving my own flume....... of dust.

[highpeaksdrifter]

[
[b]Yes they are 2 different trail systems and are both free of charge. They do not hook up with each other. The Beaver Brook system is of of Hardy road in Wilmington.

The Beaver Brook system isn't open yet right? It's future development?

[downhillmike]

I am not sure about the other x-c trails in Wilmington. I think that section is still being worked on?

After speaking with Sam Perkins (pro trials rider doing the trials demo before the film)he reminded me of the bunny hopping contest.
Before the film Truth & Beauty and after Sam's demo we will have a bunny hopping contest at approx. 7:15 pm on Saturday June 20 . Nothing fancy, just a bar that we raise after each jump. Last year Joey Appleton edged out Sam with his final hop of just under 3 feet.
So, bring your hard tail and be part of the show if you want.

[highpeaksdrifter]

I am not sure about the other x-c trails in Wilmington. I think that section is still being worked on?


If anyone has any info on the Beaver Brook trails I'd be greatful to hear it. Here's a proposed map:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/wwfbikes.pdf

[Snowballs]

I am not sure about the other x-c trails in Wilmington. I think that section is still being worked on?


If anyone has any info on the Beaver Brook trails I'd be greatful to hear it. Here's a proposed map:

http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/wwfbikes.pdf

thanks for posting that......H-PDF!

[Snowballs]

here's a link touting the economic benefits of bicycle tourism in my area. we have some nice paved trails to ride.

http://www.poststar.com/articles/2009/06/04/business/local/14861608.txt

the cycling " tour de Battenkill " REALLY packs them in.

the Battenkill river, of trout fishing fame, is a wicked cool tubing trip. this forest lined lil river has crystal clear water w/many spots to stop and swim. there's very little shallow areas that force walking and hardly any paddling involved. kinda like a lazy river ride at an amusement park. Otters and alotta colorful wild birds. there's a grill and picnic tables 2/3's of the way down where we always stop and BBQ. jam a cooler in a tube, pack w/food and use nature's charcole - sticks! Put in at Shushan and exit at the covered bridge at Rexleigh. this covered bridge used to have an side opening that made for cool jumps. if you go, avoid any brush piles that may be on the river's edge after high water. once, on the upper river above Shushan towards VT, i had to rescue a girl from being dragged under one. it was really touch and go...i didn't think we were gonna get out. but that's on the upper river. the lower river is kept mostly clear by the commercial tubing companies and the locals. the current is mild. go after June. the water is cold before then. you'll freeze your ya ya's. it's a 3-5 hour float, depending on the stops you make. fyi

[downhillmike]

Okay we are only 2 days form opening and our 1st event of the summer season; Discover Whiteface Weekend.

The Dual Slalom course will be ready for opening day. Here's an early picture from a few days ago when we started building it:
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj351/DownhillMike/dualslalom1.jpg?t=1245077189

Remember your 2009/2010 Whiteface ski pass is good for 1 free day of lift service mountain biking. Here's a link to some more pictures and a couple short videos of some of the new projects:
http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/downhill-biking-more-fun-and-more-affordable-than-ever/

There is also the free showing of the 1st ever 3-d mtn bike film; Truth & Beauty at the LPCA Saturday night at 7:00 pm.

See ya at The Face

[tjf67]

Okay we are only 2 days form opening and our 1st event of the summer season; Discover Whiteface Weekend.

The Dual Slalom course will be ready for opening day. Here's an early picture from a few days ago when we started building it:
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj351/DownhillMike/dualslalom1.jpg?t=1245077189

Remember your 2009/2010 Whiteface ski pass is good for 1 free day of lift service mountain biking. Here's a link to some more pictures and a couple short videos of some of the new projects:
http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/downhill-biking-more-fun-and-more-affordable-than-ever/

There is also the free showing of the 1st ever 3-d mtn bike film; Truth & Beauty at the LPCA Saturday night at 7:00 pm.

See ya at The Face

It is a very generous offer to let us have one free ticket with our season passes. How are you going to know we have one? Even if you already purchased it you will not see it in the mail till november. Maybe they should give a free ticket if people present there season pass from the 08/09 season.

[highpeaksdrifter]

Okay we are only 2 days form opening and our 1st event of the summer season; Discover Whiteface Weekend.

The Dual Slalom course will be ready for opening day. Here's an early picture from a few days ago when we started building it:
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj351/DownhillMike/dualslalom1.jpg?t=1245077189

Remember your 2009/2010 Whiteface ski pass is good for 1 free day of lift service mountain biking. Here's a link to some more pictures and a couple short videos of some of the new projects:
http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/downhill-biking-more-fun-and-more-affordable-than-ever/

There is also the free showing of the 1st ever 3-d mtn bike film; Truth & Beauty at the LPCA Saturday night at 7:00 pm.

See ya at The Face

It is a very generous offer to let us have one free ticket with our season passes. How are you going to know we have one? Even if you already purchased it you will not see it in the mail till november. Maybe they should give a free ticket if people present there season pass from the 08/09 season.
Good point, plus those on staff (Ski School, Ski Patrol, Safety, Mt. Host) won't get their passes until November. What do you think Mike, would last seasons staff passes work?

[Snowballs]

they must just check it on the ol' puter. do we just show our driver's liscense DHM ? are you guys gonna ride it? i am.

[downhillmike]

If you have purchased next years pass that will show on our computer, and we really hope to see you. All of you.

Our crew has been installing all the new trail signs for the past 3 days. We have been very careful not to place too many signs, but just enough so you know you are on the right trail. The new color schemes have been something we have been thinking about for a few years now, and should make it easy to ride without using your trail map.

I appreciate all your great questions, and allowing me to write so much about the mountain bike park. I just have so much fun riding at Whiteface, that even before I had anything to do with the mountain, I just knew it was my job to get the word out. If others can have 1/2 as much fun as I do, I must speak.

So for those of you that have followed this thread and learned the lingo, bring your little bike, bring your big bike or bring your pump track bike and we'll see ya at The Face this summer!

If you are trying to choose which day to come this weekend please remember the live music on Sunday the 21st for the Summer Solstice. The band Damaged Goods is awesome. Classic rock performed by very talented classic rockers.

A full report complete with pictures for Discover Whiteface Weekend will follow.

[NPN]

Doesn't look like Missy Giove will be joining you this weekend, or anythime soon.

And she was just a few exits away, so sad!

http://sports.rightpundits.com/?p=2771

[Snowballs]

Doesn't look like Missy Giovi will be joining you this weekend, or anythime soon.

And she was just a few exits away, so sad!

http://sports.rightpundits.com/?p=2771

i'm not so sure weed want her there. :lol:

hard to imagine getting mixed up in a drug deal as a world class athlete. years ago, Bam Morris was a great running back for the Steelers who's career was cut way short. he kept getting busted for selling drugs. he traded tens of millions of dollars of future NFL earnings for a jail cell. Toopid!

[tjf67]

If you have purchased next years pass that will show on our computer, and we really hope to see you. All of you.

Our crew has been installing all the new trail signs for the past 3 days. We have been very careful not to place too many signs, but just enough so you know you are on the right trail. The new color schemes have been something we have been thinking about for a few years now, and should make it easy to ride without using your trail map.

I appreciate all your great questions, and allowing me to write so much about the mountain bike park. I just have so much fun riding at Whiteface, that even before I had anything to do with the mountain, I just knew it was my job to get the word out. If others can have 1/2 as much fun as I do, I must speak.

So for those of you that have followed this thread and learned the lingo, bring your little bike, bring your big bike or bring your pump track bike and we'll see ya at The Face this summer!

If you are trying to choose which day to come this weekend please remember the live music on Sunday the 21st for the Summer Solstice. The band Damaged Goods is awesome. Classic rock performed by very talented classic rockers.

A full report complete with pictures for Discover Whiteface Weekend will follow.


What if your pass is not issued till Novemeber. Some of us Volunteer over at the hill and the passes are not in the computer till then??
Great movie BTW. The tour de-Francais had a stop on the way around town. We had the old school bike and were ready for some bunny hopping

PICS??

[downhillmike]

If you already bought your early pass just come by with i.d. There is always someone upstairs to help us with anything like that.

The women taking the pictures is sending me video and over 500 pictures from the weekend. Now that we are open I can't spend as much time on the forums, but as soon as I receive the pics and video it will be up here. Since Sam messed up his shoulder I think you would have won the bunny hopping contest if we did it. I will keep you posted on that too. Sam is a great person and an unbelievable trials rider. Glad you enjoyed the evening.

Thinking about combining it with another local event for next year? Think Dam Duck Race, bike films, tons of great food, live music and the trials show with a couple hundred folks in attendance. That's what I am thinking.

[downhillmike]

Whiteface: Upcoming races and events
Thursday July 2nd at 1:00 pm is our 1st mini dh race for our mini dh series.

Cost will be $10.00 to enter for everyone. The $10.00 covers your 1 day usac permit (if needed), and if you have license it will still cost you 10 bucks to race. We did these last year on Thursdays and they were big fun. Maybe 10 or 15 racers and a fast course on the lower mountain.

We have a mini dh series, mini ds series and a mini x-c series on Thursday afternoons this year. Starting with the dh, followed by a ds and then x-c races for every Thursday in July and August. All events show up excellent on our events calendar:http://www.downhillmike.com/index.php?option=com_events&Itemid=1&task=view_month&day=1&month=7&year=2009&mod_cal_year=2009&mod_cal_month=7

Saturday July 4th is our 1st Ladies Day of the year. Free lift tickets for all women (coupon needed).

See ya at The Face

[downhillmike]

To see the shenanigans from our opening weekend please visit this link:
http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/whiteface-mountain-bike-park-7-1-09-update/

[tjf67]

Whiteface: Upcoming races and events
Thursday July 2nd at 1:00 pm is our 1st mini dh race for our mini dh series.

Cost will be $10.00 to enter for everyone. The $10.00 covers your 1 day usac permit (if needed), and if you have license it will still cost you 10 bucks to race. We did these last year on Thursdays and they were big fun. Maybe 10 or 15 racers and a fast course on the lower mountain.

We have a mini dh series, mini ds series and a mini x-c series on Thursday afternoons this year. Starting with the dh, followed by a ds and then x-c races for every Thursday in July and August. All events show up excellent on our events calendar:http://www.downhillmike.com/index.php?option=com_events&Itemid=1&task=view_month&day=1&month=7&year=2009&mod_cal_year=2009&mod_cal_month=7

Saturday July 4th is our 1st Ladies Day of the year. Free lift tickets for all women (coupon needed).

See ya at The Face

Who are you trying to attract having these races during the week? Most people I know work?

[downhillmike]

We are trying to attract local kids and people on vacation at the mountain. These races are very low key, inexpensive and we usually sell it during the day as we sell lift tickets. For this race some are actually changing previous bike reservations so they can register and race tomorrow.
Our big races are on the weekends.

Link fixed:
http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/whiteface-mountain-bike-park-7-1-09-update/

[downhillmike]

Our 1st mini dh race of the year was awesome. I love these small races. Big fun!

We attracted riders from 4 states and 3 countries. There were only 7 racers, but everyone was from a different state or a different country.

Pre race meeting:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1246617668_pre%20race%20meeting%20for%20mini%20dh% 201.jpg

Course inspection:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1246617271_course%20inspection%20michael%20harris. jpg

Rider Michael Harris:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1246617332_fnish%20line%207-2-09.jpg

Rider K.C. Brousseau:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1246617442_finish%20line%202.jpg

Victor Pedrazza from P.R.:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1246617509_finish%20line%203.jpg

Dirt Devil tearing it up:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1246617552_finish%20line%204.jpg

For complete and official results:
http://www.downhillmike.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=96&Itemid=123

See ya at The races

[rossi]

damn. looks like the rain held off up there. im done in saratoga and it was raining steadily when i woke up so my parents wouldnt drive me up. ill be there for the next one tho, and hopefully sooner.

[downhillmike]

This Thursday July 9th will be our 1st dual slalom race for our Thursday ds series.

The race will start at 2:00 instead of 1:00 pm to allow for more practice & free riding on our dh trails.

If you only want to race the ds no lift pass will be needed as you can walk or ride to the start. Cost will be only 10 bucks and the race is U.S.A.C. sanctioned.



See at the race
Downhill Mike
www.downhillmike.com
Size does matter[/img]

[downhillmike]

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3697/pbpic3697423.jpg

Getting ready for our 1st of 4 ds races this year.

These pictures were taken on 7-8-09.
Start box:
http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3697/pbpic3697410.jpg

And they're off:
http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3697/pbpic3697412.jpg

It's a close race but it looks like Elias is trying to force mechanic Mike off the course:
http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3697/pbpic3697414.jpg


Close up up the 4-pack:
http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3697/pbpic3697420.jpg

Near the bottom of the course:
http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3697/pbpic3697418.jpg

1 more:
http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3697/pbpic3697421.jpg

Colin from Ottawa:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/38/1247095045_colin%20form%20ottawa%201.jpg

[tjf67]

Was over a tthe hill Sunday. Brought my Yetti 575 with me. Not beefy enough for the top of the hill. Did not wear any pads. I have brusies on top of bruises. Will be renting the full monti next time i am over.

Could have been a lot more fun with the proper equipment.

Hey DHM Any packages with a full season pass and full rental equipment for the year?

[Snowballs]

Hey DHM Any packages with a full season pass and full rental equipment for the year?

He musta had a good time! :D

[downhillmike]

Was over a tthe hill Sunday. Brought my Yetti 575 with me. Not beefy enough for the top of the hill. Did not wear any pads. I have brusies on top of bruises. Will be renting the full monti next time i am over.

Could have been a lot more fun with the proper equipment.

Hey DHM Any packages with a full season pass and full rental equipment for the year?

Sunday was awesome. Over 35 riders and many locals!

Our rental bikes and pads are not your average rental equipment. For example the bikes and pads are all new this year, and the bikes sell for $3,000.00 and the pads would sell for $340.00. When you rent ski equipment, my guess is the value of the equipment is much less than $3,400.00.

When I switched from a regular mountain bike to a big bike, my time went from over an hour to a little over 10 minutes per run. No joke! You can't imagine how fun, and how much of a work out it is riding from the top of the mountain on a big bike. Impossible to even imagine! Words can't even describe it.

The best deal is the Gold Discover Package. For $130.00 you get your day pass, all the pads and a killer downhill bike. The full seasons pass is for Whiteface and we are a private business. Our seasons passes are separate.

[downhillmike]

Thursday July 16th is our 1st mini x-c race. Race starts at 12 noon and the cost is $10.00 registration and $10.00 for a trail pass. More information can be found on:http://www.downhillmike.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=95&Itemid=122

[downhillmike]

* 7-23-09 Mini downhill race # 2 @ 2:00 pm
* 7-25-09 Pump Track Challenge # 2 @ 2:00 pm
* 7-30-09 Mini dual slalom race # 2 @ 2:00 pm
* 8-1-09 Ladies Day # 2 (free lift tickets for all women)

For pictures of our mini downhill, mini dual slalom and mini cross
country races please follow this link:http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/whiteface-mountain-bike-park-is-open-7-days-a-week-from-1000-till-400/

[downhillmike]

These pictures were on a Western New York forum board. I thought I would share them with you.
I figure if i keep putting up these pictures we may see some of you at Whiteface this summer. So far only 1 dude from the Whiteface forum board showed up to ride.

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs174.snc1/6533_1147856381274_1373490568_30583510_5586419_n.j pg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6533_1147856861286_1373490568_30583521_6235177_n.j pg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs174.snc1/6533_1147857021290_1373490568_30583525_381761_n.jp g

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs194.snc1/6533_1147856941288_1373490568_30583523_82465_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs174.snc1/6533_1147856541278_1373490568_30583513_3290236_n.j pg

Whiteface in the summer where everyday is like a powder day.

[Snowballs]

sweet. what chairlift is that under? very scenic pics.

+1......i'll make it.

[highpeaksdrifter]

sweet. what chairlift is that under? very scenic pics.

+1......i'll make it.

Freeway Chair aka I lift

[downhillmike]

That trail under the racers chair is called Slickrock. Many riders favorite trail. Smooth, then in and out of some world class single-track. Slickrock Trail also leads you to the stream crossing in the other picture.
I guided that group down at the end of the day on Saturday. They rode the shuttle all day, and joined us for our daily 4:00 pm ride. Big fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a picture from Decline Magazine of pro downhiller Lars Tribus on the same trail in the fall:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/36/1217111336_wf-photo-5%20.jpg

[downhillmike]

The 2nd race in the 3 race Whiteface Mini dh Series was this Thursday July, 23. The course used for this race was the North East Shore. This proved to be a fun and challenging course. 11 racers showed from 2 countries and 2 states. The fastest time of the day went to Lake Placid local Bruce Shilstone Jr.
Bruce Styling it out:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1248390963_mini%20dh%20race%202%207-23-09%20001.jpg


This was this kids 1st race and he's only 13. Greg St. Amand:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1248391515_mini%20dh%20race%202%207-23-09%20005.jpg

Jake from Vermont:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1248392080_mini%20dh%20race%202%207-23-09%20012.jpg

Racers at the finish:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1248392308_mini%20dh%20race%202%207-23-09%20013.jpg

More pictures from the race can be found here:
http://www.downhillmike.com/index.php?option=com_easygallery&act=categories&cid=45&Itemid=84&limit=12&limitstart=12


Official Results

Mini dh race # 2 July 23, 2009

Category 2 15-18

Michael Harris 198 cat 2/15-18 2.00.41 1st

19-29

Bruce Shilstone Jr. 207 cat 2/19-29 1.40.49 1st

Simon Beauliee 197 cat 2/19-29 1.45.02 2nd

Jake Morrill 199 cat 2/19-29 1.47.24 3rd

Sebastien Leclair 195 cat 2/19-29 1.49.84 4th

20-29

Matt Young 214 cat 2/20-29 1.45.20 1st

30-39

Bill Frazer 213 cat 2/30-39 1.50.39 1st

Bob Witt 201 cat 2/30-39 2.13.50 2nd

40-49

Keith McKeever 200 cat 2/40-39 1.57.06 1st

Category 3

10-14

Greg St. Amand 192 cat 3/10-14 2.14.49 1st

15-18

Ben St. Amand cat 3/15-18 1.46.10 1st[/url]

[highpeaksdrifter]

well all right, my boy KM came in first in the old guy division. :D I'll drink to that.

[downhillmike]

Here's a close up of him:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/45/1248391287_mini%20dh%20race%202%207-23-09%20003.jpg

[downhillmike]

http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/46/1249432336_09%20whiteface%20race%20poster%2011x17. jpg

[I:)skiing]

If anyone reading this has not been to WF yet or met Down Hill Mike (operator of White Face mountain biking) please know that he is a consumate professional and knows how to treat his customers. Stop in and say hey....if you are around.


We took my 4yr old son up this weekend. He had a blast on the pump track, till he hit some soft sand on his 4th turn around. THough he believes the bus ride up to the track was the best part...of course. We called it "Mountain Bussing"

We then biked down trail 10....lots of traverses and a bit of woods. 3-4 roots and a few rocks...but very easy trail. THere were 2 steeper turns that we had to walk down before regaining our traverse. As you can see in the photo...we had a great day to boot. 2 hours at the North Pole and then off to Mountain Biking...what could be better!


http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3113/74800209.th.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1untM0)

[highpeaksdrifter]

If anyone reading this has not been to WF yet or met Down Hill Mike (operator of White Face mountain biking) please know that he is a consumate professional and knows how to treat his customers. Stop in and say hey....if you are around.


We took my 4yr old son up this weekend. He had a blast on the pump track, till he hit some soft sand on his 4th turn around. THough he believes the bus ride up to the track was the best part...of course. We called it "Mountain Bussing"

We then biked down trail 10....lots of traverses and a bit of woods. 3-4 roots and a few rocks...but very easy trail. THere were 2 steeper turns that we had to walk down before regaining our traverse. As you can see in the photo...we had a great day to boot. 2 hours at the North Pole and then off to Mountain Biking...what could be better!


http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/3113/74800209.th.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1untM0)

I've seen the pump track, it does look like a blast. Glad to hear you and your family had such a good time.

[downhillmike]

Here's a race report I just made with some pictures, captions, & stupid commentary:
http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/09/01/whiteface-5-k-dh-race-report//

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3953/med/mpbpic3953633.jpg

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3953/med/mpbpic3953641.jpg

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3953/med/mpbpic3953636.jpg

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3937/med/mpbpic3937420.jpg

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3937/med/mpbpic3937422.jpg

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3937/med/mpbpic3937432.jpg

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3937/med/mpbpic3937436.jpg

Winning time by the youngest Men's Pro (16) in the United States. Neko Mulally with time of 7.48.15 and a check for $2,000.00
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/58/1251683493_pro%20men%20winners.jpg

The 1st place went to Pro Women's Dawn Bourque with a time of 9.41.29 and a 1st place check for $500.00:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/58/1251683515_pro%20women%20winners.jpg

[downhillmike]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 1, 2009; Conshohocken, PA, USA: New York’s Whiteface Mountain lived up to its billing as a wild ride this past weekend. The Whiteface 5K featured a lot of rocks and even more roll as 202 competitors in 19 classes attempted to become one of the few to crack the 8 minute barrier down this massive mountain. With the downhill portion of the Gravity East weekend also counted as the final event of USA Cycling’s new Pro Gravity Tour national series, an east vs. the nation was expected but never materialized as the home field advantage saw Gravity East regulars on top of the podium.

The weekend began with the Gravity East e.thirteen Dual Slalom and the Lars Tribus “How (not) to Snap the Start” clinic. The dual slalom track at Whiteface is out of character for the venue as it’s about the only part of the mountain that can be described as smaller than average, making the start even more critical. In his second heat, Tribus (Chumba/Rockshox) anticipated the start – but guessed wrong. Snapping into the still-closed start gate, he went over his handlebars right at the gate. Tribus was able to come back and, having already demonstrated how to take out the front end of one’s bike on the start, showed how to take out the back end in the final for third and fourth against Kyle Sangers (J & J). As the gate dropped, Tribus snapped so hard that he snapped his cog into pieces, costing him the race but putting him in serious contention for the unofficial “Hulk-Out” of the year. In the pro final, Pennsylvania’s Neko Mulally (Specialized Team America) bested Pro GRT competitor Logan James (Pedal the Peak-e.thirteen) from Utah.

On Sunday, things got more serious as both the speed and the consequences for failure increased significantly. Whiteface served as the eighth round of the 11-race Gravity East Series. It’s also the longest downhill course in the East, and one of the longest and fastest in North America. With the inaugural Pro Gravity Tour title also on the line, it was ‘game on’ from the start of the day. The Pro seeding runs saw NY veteran World Legend Jurgen Beneke (unattached) run an 8:18 to take the first seed ahead of Dave Trumpore (Evil Bikes) and Neko Mulally (Specialized Team America).

Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day with sunshine and cool, autumn-like, temperatures. Throughout open practice, it was clear that the track was getting consistently better, and faster. Giant Bicycles had planned to give a bonus to fastest rider through Whiteface’s infamous speed trap. Unfortunately, the speed gun broke down, causing officials to change plans and award the $200 to the best amateur time -- and make just about everybody ask the question, “Why don’t speed guns ever break down when they’re pointed at my car?” Compounding the ignominy was that the bonus was won by a rider who isn’t even close to being old enough to get a speeding ticket. 14 year old Gravity East regular Richard Rude Jr. (Santa Cruz Allride) had people shaking their heads in disbelief when he came down the mountain with a time of 8.17.80, two-tenths quicker than Jurgen Beneke’s pole-winning pro seeding run. When the dust had settled at the end of the day, it was realized that Rude’s time would have placed Richard in 10th in the men's pro field and was quick enough to win his class by over forty-eight seconds.

It was obvious now that the build up to the Pro runs were going to be insane. First in the Hot seat was none other than the consummate Pro Gavin Vaughan (Sinister Snowfire) with a time of 8:19. Vaughn sat in the hot seat awhile before some astounding times sent him back to the pits. First to break the 8 minute mark was Jason Memmelaar (Hayes/Manitou/SunRig) with a 7:58. Memmelaar’s time was quickly smashed by Jurgen Beneke's 7:52. Then Gerrit Beytagh (Morewood Bikes) clocked an amazing time of 7:50. Finally, as all eyes watched the mountain, Neko Mulally came in with a record time of 7:48.15 to win the $2,000 dollar first-place portion of the Men's Pro Purse. Fastest of the visiting ProGRT riders was series leader Chris Heath(Manitou/Hayes) from Colorado who grabbed 6th to clinch the Overall for the Men's ProGRT champion’s Jersey from USA Cycling and the Helmet Trophy from Dylan Dean.

In the Pro Women’s race, the first to sit in the hot-seat was Massachusetts native and well-known northeast pro Karen Eagan (Sam Adams Brewery). Eagan held on to the hot-seat as rider after rider was unable to eclipse her time of 10:05.50. Eagan stayed in the hot seat until top seed Dawn Bourque (Rhino BikeWorks) of New Hampshire blew away the competition with a 9:41.29 to capture the Win and the $500 Women's first prize. Jennifer Wolf (Vixen Racing) was the only Pro GRT series regular to show for the women’s race. Unofficially, Wolf scored enough points to take over the runner-up position in the final ProGRT standings as Darian Harvey had already clinched the season title following her win at Windham Mountain. Final points are still being calculated for the Pro GRT women's series.

Following the official race, 39 riders got “pumped” and went back to the top for the chainless race. Some took the race more seriously than others; Richie Rude showed up at the start with two none-drive side crankarms, eliminating his chainring and bashguard. For the second year in a row, the win was grabbed by none other than Moorewood Bikes own Gerrit Beytagh. Beytagh grabbed the win with a time of 8:03.73, smashing 2nd place finisher Jurgen Beneke’s time of 8:24.72. Rounding out the top three was Heikki Hall with an 8:30.03.

The next Gravity East weekend takes place at Blue Mountain Resort in Danielsville, Pennsylvania on September 26 and 27. The double-header weekend will feature not only the Gravity East Downhill, but also a round of the Gravity East e.thirteen Dual Slalom series on the Neko Mulally-designed slalom course at Blue Mountain. For more information, see http://www.GravityEastSeries.com.

[ComeBackMudPuddles]

don't have anything to add, other than this is post #100 in this thread!!

this thread ROCKS. thanks for all the info/pix/stoke!

[downhillmike]

Thanks! However, this thread would not be capable of "rocking" unless Whiteface "rocks" winter & summer!

Matt Delorme from Decline Magazine sent us a few pictures he took at the 5 K DH race.
A new photo album was just added to our web site that includes Matt's pictures only. Thanks Matt!

Here's one of Logan Bingelli from KHS Bicycles:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/59/1252451255_whiteface%205k-9a-2.jpg

Mike Gross Team Drop:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/59/1252451194_whiteface%205k-5a.jpg

Damon Morin Team Drop:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/59/1252451220_whiteface%205k-7a.jpg

Peter Mcnulty Team Drop:
http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/easygallery/resized/59/1252451207_whiteface%205k-6a.jpg

Thanks Team Drop!

More 5 K DH pictures from Matt can be found at: http://www.downhillmike.com/index.php?option=com_easygallery&Itemid=84

More pictures will be added to this album shortly. As other photographers send in their pictures more 5 K DH albums will be added.

Enjoy and see ya at The Face

[downhillmike]

The Whiteface Mountain XC Fall Classic is a challenging, lower mountain layout course with climbing and fast, fun downhill sections. Laps will be approximately four miles in length and will take about 30 to 40 minutes per lap. The start/finish area will be at the main base lodge with some good views for spectators and pit support. Whiteface Mountain is a family-friendly venue with concessions and facilities available. Gondola rides are available for spectacular views of the Adirondacks.

http://is.pinkbike.com/photo/3987/pbpic3987240.jpg

[downhillmike]

Here's a new video from the Lake Placid Visitors Bureau called
"I Triple Dog Dare Ya!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rl9y8pl1Wj4

[downhillmike]

To see 2 new short videos and treasure hunt info please visit this link:
http://downhillmike1.wordpress.com/2009/10/05/columbus-day-treasure-hunt-closing-day/

[/img]http://www.downhillmike.com/images/stories/columbus%20day%20home%20page.gif

Columbus Day Weekend 2009
Don't put your mountain bike away just yet; there is still 1 more fantastic Adirondack weekend left! Be sure to hit the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park for your last runs of the season! We want to conclude our awesome summer with a bang, so join us for a fun-filled Columbus Day Weekend October 9th - 12th, 10:00 am till 4:00 pm. Yep that's correct we are open for a super long 4 day weekend.

*Third Annual Treasure Hunt on Saturday and Sunday, with each lift ticket rider receiving a sheet containing clues leading to many awesome prizes hidden throughout the mountain.

[downhillmike]

I would like to thank all that have followed this post. I thought I was done till next spring and all of the sudden big things are happening in the town of Wilmington for mountain bikes.

Check this out:
Kyle Ebbett has been in Wilmington, N.Y. all week building and overseeing the towns new dirt jump and skills park. Kyle has been designing some of the best mtn bike/skills parks around the world!

These are right behind the Little Supermarket and are free to the public. The ditrt jumps should be ready by this Friday October 16th.

[downhillmike]

I would like to thank all that have followed this post. I thought I was done till next spring and all of the sudden huge things continue to happen in the town of Wilmington for mountain bikes.

Check this out:
Kyle Ebbett has been in Wilmington, N.Y. all week building and overseeing the towns new dirt jump and skills park. Kyle has been designing some of the best mtn bike/skills parks around the world!

These are right behind the Little Supermarket and are free to the public. The dirt jumps should be ready by this Friday October 16th.
http://www.declinemagazine.com/Nucleus/media/4/20091014-1014091658_sized.jpg

Between Whiteface's Downhill, all the new x-c single-track, and now the dirt jumps/skills park, Wilmington should see more mountain bikes than road bikes next year. Historical!

See ya in Wilmington!

More info on the dirt jumps can be found on www.downhillmike.com

[Snowballs]

Oh what that 212th degree can yield.

The way this is going, the area is well on it's way to being a huge Bike Mecca. Way cool!

It's good to see Wilmington getting in on some action. Those jumps do look first class. You can see that they were made by some one with talent.

Maybe somebody will start a bicycle shuttle service from downtown Wily to the Whiteface Castle and then cyclists would coast downhill all the way back. that would be a very scenic and fun ride.

When I was a kid, we did this in the Smoky Mtns from Klingman's dome/Newfoundland gap all the way back down to Gatlinburg. 15 miles with nary a pedal. It was a kid's dream ride. Just cruisin' along.

Do you ride these jumps DHM? that run on the left looks particularly gnarly.

[downhillmike]

I have never ridden dirt jumps before. However, if I can learn at 47 years old, we expect to see many of you out there too.

If you look all the way to the right they have progression table tops. I will start on the smallest one of those and wait till I am 100% comfortable hitting that 1st.
By the end of the summer the gap jump may be doable? Scary now as I do cannot even visualize myself attempting it. By the time I am able it will be that much more enjoyable. Gravity biking can be about getting over your fears.

I will need a dj bike but those are relatively inexpensive. A beefy hardtail with 4 inches of travel should do it.

Want to learn with me next year?

[Snowballs]

my mind says hell yes! my body says don't even try it.

jk, i jump my Quad and my skis a good bit so i'ld try the wee ones.

[downhillmike]

Short video of Kyle hitting the large table:
http://picasaweb.google.com/vtonice/DirtJumps?authkey=Gv1sRgCOeoisb1-dnCIA&feat=content_notification#5392624208709564210

[downhillmike]

Wilmington Bike Festival 2010
We are putting together a HUGE festival for our opening weekend at the Whiteface Mountain Bike Park.
June 19th & 20th.
This will be built around the Whiteface Uphill Road Race.
Think downhill, cross country, dirt jumping, trials, slopestlye and road riding.
If you have a bike you should fit into one of these categories.
Now think live music, beer and food.

See ya in Wilmington on June 19th![/u]

[Snowballs]

Good news. Thanks Mike!

[downhillmike]

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs524.snc3/29830_1335101730831_1029691277_30829441_3310261_n. jpg

[downhillmike]

The Wilmington Bike Festival is shaping up rather nicely. We would like to thank the Wilmington Regional Visitors Burea for helping us make this years opening so BIG!

Opening weekend there will be the uphill road race up the toll road, a super d race and a pump track challenge at the mountain, as well as demo bikes from Giant Bicycles. Free guided tours of the Flume trails by the guy that built the new trails.

After Whiteface closes the fun moves to the dirt jump park behind the Little Supermarket. Famous dirt jumper Kyle Ebbet will be inviting his friendss and emceeing the Jump Jam. Open to all but also a GREAT spectator sport. Also live music and free bike films. All of the events at the dirt jump park are free and open to all!


If you ride a bike you'll want to be in Wilmington June 18th thru June 20th.

See ya in Wilmington!

[NPN]

Okay, now it really must mean ski season is over, Mike's back.

[I:)skiing]

Mike, new thread required.

Mid June sounds great...too bad we will be sweating in Fla.... Otherwise we would have been there.