By Jenn Sheridan ·
Courtesy of Truckee Bike Park
It was a full three months from the time I discovered the Truckee Bike Park to when I found myself staring down one of the flow lines. An intermediate cross-country and downhill rider, I was intrigued, but totally intimidated, by dirt jumps, pump tracks and a new side of bike culture.
I didn’t know how to hit jumps and I didn’t want to get in the way when I crashed in the landing; plus I didn’t even have the proper bike. However, after a little encouragement and a reminder that the best bike for any kind of riding is the bike you have, I found myself standing at the top of one of the easier flow lines. After one ride through, I was completely hooked.
The Truckee Bike Park is the vision of Brooks McMullin and Courtney Knudson. A couple of avid bikers, McMullin and Knudson have spent years watching the latest bike flicks followed by travelling to ride the lines from their favorite movie segments.
Rider Ryan Zusy | Photo Jenn Sheridan ·
“We’ve been to Whistler Bike Park 14 times in the last 10 years,” said McMullin, who caught the dirt-jumping bug in Whistler on his first trip. Now, the couple is working to bring the best of their favorite parks to Truckee.
“We were in Hailey, Idaho, riding the park there and we thought ‘Why don’t we have this at home?’ So when we got home we called the Parks and Rec. department and set up a meeting,” said McMullin.
The first phase, a 20,000-square-foot pump track, was completed in 11 months and was quickly followed by 22,000 square feet of dirt jumps, a drop zone, a dual slalom course and flow lines all geared toward riders of various ability levels. A half-mile cross-country loop is perfect for beginning riders and testing out new gear. They’ve been given the green light for three more phases including additional flow lines and dirt jumps and the addition of a slope-style course. Once the new sections are complete, McMullin plans on taking some time to evaluate the park and make sure they’ve created a progression of features that allow riders to confidently grow from beginner to proficient.
McMullin and Knudson both contribute to the physical labor of building each phase of the park. They’re selective about the builders they work with because they want to make sure courses are built right the first time and that all features are built to a high standard of quality. Riders can help maintain the track by grabbing a broom and sweeping loose dirt from the track as needed.
On an average day at the park, you will likely observe a variety of riders ranging from first-time adults such as myself to little kids who rip the advanced lines, to parents teaching their little ones how to ride the pump track to riders who make sending the large dirt jumps look easy and smooth. At first I was worried about joining the mix, but I soon found that most people were respectful of each other’s space and friendly when it came to giving tips and advice.
Courtesy of Truckee Bike Park ·
The intermediate flow line proved to be much less intimidating than I anticipated. My first time through, I was able to take it slow and roll over the jumps. The next time, I was increasing the speed and trying to catch air over the jumps. Each lap after that was even more fun than the last, and I have yet to crash too hard.
More advanced flow lines showcase larger features with mandatory gaps between the take off and landings of the jumps. The pump track is great for practicing bike handling and cornering while pumping through bumps and berms. A strider track runs along the circumference of the pump track for tykes who are just getting comfortable on two wheels.
McMullin and Knudson are International Mountain Biking Association-certified coaches and provide private and group lessons to adults and children. They also run the Next Level Ridestyle Team for kids ages 8 to 17. The team trains in 3- or 6-week sessions where students learn fundamental skills for riding in the park. Once a year, Knudson hosts The Little Big Festival for women featuring clinics and races for pros and amateurs alike.
“We’re psyched on teaching and like our park builders, we only work with the best coaches,” said McMullin.
All of the work on the Truckee Bike Park is supported by volunteers and funded by donations and sponsorship from businesses and individuals. Donations may be made at bikingforabetterworld.com. Fundraising events are also held periodically including two upcoming movie premieres at the Tahoe Art Haus & Cinema with details to be announced soon.
Admission to the bike park is free, and it’s open every day, conditions permitting. It’s important to avoid riding when the track is muddy as bikes can cause significant damage and ruin the hard work of the volunteers who built it. Riders can check current track conditions by visiting facebook.com/truckeebikepark.
Upcoming events
Aug. 29 | “UnReal” benefit showing
Northstar California | $10
Sept. 19 | Dual Slalom Race Series
Truckee Bike Park
