Construction is under way for a new Bike Park at Donner Ski Ranch slated for a soft opening in late September. Once a destination for mountain bikers during the 1990s, Donner Ski Ranch used to host popular bike races and events. Local biker Jim Severt approached Donner Ski Ranch last spring about reviving the bike trails and plans were set to begin construction this summer.
Work has started on reopening existing trails, as well as adding a new downhill trail. The future park will include a variety of cross-country and downhill riding as well as jump trails and man-made features. Severt is also working with Donner Land Trust to create a connector trail between the bike park and the Donner Rim Trail. He says that he envisions a network of trails that caters to bikers of all abilities allowing families to progress side-by side. Severt has more than 15 years of trail building experience including work on the former bike park at Squaw Valley and The Biggest Little Bike Park in Reno.
Currently, trails are being hand-built by Severt and fellow trail-builder Clif McMillan. Public volunteers are invited to contribute labor and input on future trail plans. Trail building takes place Monday through Saturday. Help is especially appreciated from Sept. 11 to Oct. 3. Interested volunteers may contact Severt at tbpdsr@gmail.com. | facebook.com/old40bikepark
