Summer 2013 - Panorama Bike Park Update 1
Panorama Bike Park - Project Resurrection
![Test ride.]()
The smell of 2 stroke, saw dust, and fresh dirt hang heavy in the air. Picks, rakes, MacLeods and shovels assault the earth, reshaping and reclaiming the ribbons of trails cutting along the forest floor. For the past 3 weeks the trail crew has been working harder than a pack of rented mules.
Let it Ride getting tricked out!
![Let it Ride gets overhauled by Simon Owen and Rich.]()
It may not be of Biblical proportions, but a resurrection is underway. The energy is palpable. The Panorama Bike Park The Trail Crew has tripled in size from 2 determined but under-gunned tough guys to 6. Long time builders Simon Kessler and Owen Peters have been joined and inspired by the skilled and fanatical crew of Stephan Malette, Richard Calvert, and Mason Pridham. There is nothing like fresh eyes to elevate potential.
A full time manager is in place with a full time focus on growing the quality of the park. “We are focusing on improving the experience for all levels of riders”, says bike manager, Jason Simpson. “I have never worked with more committed and inspired group of trail builders. These guys are unstoppable.”
![Rich assaults the earth with his weapon of choice.]()
Rich assaults the earth with his weapon of choice.
In keeping with a global rider focus, a new skills park has been constructed at the base of the mountain to insure that beginners are ready to tackle the trails. In addition, 25 loads of earth have been dumped next door to the skills park that Simon and JP are shaping into a sweet new pump track – a first at Pano. The track will be an awesome place for 2 wheel fun for the entire family.
New Skills Park
![Stephan works on the Dragon s Back]()
Stephan works on the “Dragon’s Back” in the new skills park.
Much of the initial trail work has been concentrated on the green runs to make sure they can be ridden with fun and confidence. Let it Ride and Rocking Horse are seeing major reclamation and improvement. The trails are being widened, berms are being completely rebuilt, and drainage much improved.
![Before and after shot of one of the berms on Let it Ride.]()
BEFORE – Nasty! AFTER – Sweet!
Panorama will be hosting the Canadian National Downhill Championships on the weekend of July 13. The course will remain on the popular Insanity trail which will receive some minor reroutes and quality pimping in anticipation of the best in the business. This will be an incredible weekend of racing complete with a Bike Expo area.
Panorama knows what it doesn’t know and is consulting with true visionaries to help shape its future. Gravity Logic, the masterminds behind the Whistler Bike Park, is scheduled for a visit in July to bring their expertise to bear on the shaping of a 5 year plan.
Even the logo has been revised.
![New 2014 Panorama Bike Park Logo]()
The park opens on June 28. The crew will continue on creating the best possible experience for biggest cross-section of riders. Whether you have never tried gravity fed riding or you are seasoned pro this is the year to come and check us out.
![Test riding the jumps.]()
The crew doing a little product testing on a newly formed hit on Mercy Me.
www.panoramaresort.com
All images and video courtesy of Mason Pridham.
The smell of 2 stroke, saw dust, and fresh dirt hang heavy in the air. Picks, rakes, MacLeods and shovels assault the earth, reshaping and reclaiming the ribbons of trails cutting along the forest floor. For the past 3 weeks the trail crew has been working harder than a pack of rented mules.
Let it Ride getting tricked out!
It may not be of Biblical proportions, but a resurrection is underway. The energy is palpable. The Panorama Bike Park The Trail Crew has tripled in size from 2 determined but under-gunned tough guys to 6. Long time builders Simon Kessler and Owen Peters have been joined and inspired by the skilled and fanatical crew of Stephan Malette, Richard Calvert, and Mason Pridham. There is nothing like fresh eyes to elevate potential.
A full time manager is in place with a full time focus on growing the quality of the park. “We are focusing on improving the experience for all levels of riders”, says bike manager, Jason Simpson. “I have never worked with more committed and inspired group of trail builders. These guys are unstoppable.”
In keeping with a global rider focus, a new skills park has been constructed at the base of the mountain to insure that beginners are ready to tackle the trails. In addition, 25 loads of earth have been dumped next door to the skills park that Simon and JP are shaping into a sweet new pump track – a first at Pano. The track will be an awesome place for 2 wheel fun for the entire family.
New Skills Park
Much of the initial trail work has been concentrated on the green runs to make sure they can be ridden with fun and confidence. Let it Ride and Rocking Horse are seeing major reclamation and improvement. The trails are being widened, berms are being completely rebuilt, and drainage much improved.
Panorama will be hosting the Canadian National Downhill Championships on the weekend of July 13. The course will remain on the popular Insanity trail which will receive some minor reroutes and quality pimping in anticipation of the best in the business. This will be an incredible weekend of racing complete with a Bike Expo area.
Panorama knows what it doesn’t know and is consulting with true visionaries to help shape its future. Gravity Logic, the masterminds behind the Whistler Bike Park, is scheduled for a visit in July to bring their expertise to bear on the shaping of a 5 year plan.
Even the logo has been revised.
The park opens on June 28. The crew will continue on creating the best possible experience for biggest cross-section of riders. Whether you have never tried gravity fed riding or you are seasoned pro this is the year to come and check us out.
www.panoramaresort.com
All images and video courtesy of Mason Pridham.
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I am telling you...build somethign worthy and people will ride that place...they have the terrain to really do something wild i think. They just don't/haven't/won't...I will drive right by the turn for something worth riding, when i would rather just rip at Pano as it is soooo much closer.