Make this a summer of speed & adventure, go mountain biking
If this is going to be your summer of fun or summer of adventure and exploring or trying new and exciting things, then maybe it is time for you to give mountain biking a go. This activity is for novice and experienced riders alike with trails to fit any skill level.
There are two parks within Butler County that provide miles of mountain biking trails each unique and challenging in their own ways.
Alameda Park in Butler Township provides 31 different trails that can be trekked via mountain bike, ranging from extremely difficult to beginner level.
Lance Welliver, director of Butler County Parks and Recreation, said the 14 miles of trail at Alameda Park “get a tremendous amount of use,” which is consistent throughout the entire year.
“We get a lot who do come to ride the beginner levels, some come from Pittsburgh and some come for the harder trails,” Welliver said. “They are really here all year round.”
According to Trailforks, which is a trail database, map and management system, that tracks trail conditions, rates trails and allows users to provide feedback, there are several trails in Alameda Park that rate very difficult including Turn Down For What, a fast ride that is downhill only with sharp curves. This trail is recommended only for experienced riders who can handle the steep drop and can maintain control of their bike at all times.
Another trail at Alameda geared toward experienced riders is County Club which is another downhill only ride. The trail starts immediately downhill and takes the rider on their way through a fast paced high energy ride.
In addition to the extreme trails there are several trails within Alameda Park that are also geared toward novice riders. The Alien Armpit Trail is equal parts climb and descent that has wide turns and flat surfaces to balance out the various elevation shifts. This trail provides a great place to get your feet wet into mountain biking.
Another trail to get your mountain biking career started is Welcome Mat, which includes two bridges, a few banked turns and very minimal descents and climbs. This trail is specifically geared for a first time mountain bike trail ride.
There are numerous other trails throughout the Alameda Trail system that can provide a combination of heart pounding turns and smooth flats. As you become more comfortable on your bike, your skill level increases so can the trails difficulty that you choose.
Welliver said bikers of the trails should remember to be weary of walkers, who also populate the routes throughout the park. Maps of the trails are available on parks and recreation’s website, and Welliver said there are some available in the office at Alameda Park.
Another challenge for mountain biking enthusiast are trails at Moraine State Park. The North Shore has 30 different trails ranging from advanced to intermediate that traverse over 70 miles with 8 miles dedicated solely to mountain biking.
The trails at Moraine are a bit different from Alameda Park because of the heavy rock base that are the foundation of all the routes.
One of the most difficult trails is the Lower Rock Garden which includes substantial climbs and descents with rocks formations on multiple levels of the ride. This trail is for the experienced riders who are able to maintain control of their bikes at all times.
Another trail rated for experienced riders is the Eastern Power Line Trail, an almost 30 minute heart pounding ride that includes steep climbs and descents and can test even the most skilled and experienced rider.
Moraine State Park’s trails for the intermediate riders include the Top of the Ridge Trail that contains minimal feet of climbs and descents. This shorter trail is a good one to start your riding experience on the rocky bases within Moraine’s trail systems.
The Ridge Top Trail is a fairly straight forward trail with a small climb followed by a greater descent that is a longer yet less taxing ride compared to other trails.
When looking to start or continue a seasonal activity it is important to keep a few things in mind, most importantly safety. A few things to keep in mind before you start any mountain bike ride:
* Always wear a helmet. Simply put this can safe your life.
* Stay in control. Mountain biking is demands your focus and control of yourself and your bike at all times.
* Ride within your skill level: Always start small and work your way up, going to difficult too soon could at the very least sour you on mountain biking and at the worst cause grave injuries. Be smart, it’s a process, enjoy growing in what could become a passion.
* Get to know the trail: Before you start any ride, do your research, learn the trail, examine some maps, get a feel for the terrain, and be prepared.
* You will crash. Rest assured that even the most experienced of riders still crash, so will you.
If you want to get into nature and have a heart pounding, leg pulsing, sweat dripping kind of experience, then look no further than mountain biking. The thrill of conquering even the most basic trails will send you on your way to many more biking adventures.
Let this be the summer you try something new and exhilarating, explore mountain biking at Alameda and Moraine State parks.
Eagle staff writer Eddie Trizzino contributed to this report.
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