Stories posted under Pinkbike Community blogs are not edited, vetted, or approved by the Pinkbike editorial team. These are stories from Pinkbike users.
If a blog post is offensive or violates the Terms of Services, please report the blog to Community moderators.
What’s happening at Blue Mountain in 2011
What’s happening at Blue Mountain in 2011
By: Mike “MJT” Towers
The snow is still hanging around but the temperature is starting to climb, so it’s time to start thinking about getting the bikes out. I know I have been thinking of the summer, hanging out with friends and what is going to be happening at Blue Mountain this year.
This upcoming summer we’re going to see the trail building continued, as Blue Mountain is going to be starting a 3-year build project. The first phase of the project is going to start with expanding the cross-country offering at Blue and an emphasis on beginner downhill terrain. The second phase of the build is going to be more downhill hill focused with some updating to the existing downhill trails. Phase three will also be a downhill focus build with some new trails and features added onto the hill.
Blue Mountain will not only be focusing on building new trails, but will be using many of the new trails during the busy event schedule for 2011. Over the course of the summer Blue will host some of the largest road, cross-country and downhill events that Ontario has to offer.
The Canada Day weekend will kick off the competitive schedule with the Ontario Cup Downhill and Super D on July 2 – 3. This event will feature some of Ontario’s best downhillers competing head-to-head in order to collect those precious O-Cup points that go to the overall ranking at the end of the year.
Following it, on July 5 the first Tuesday Night Cross-Country Race Series will be held and will continue to run from until August 30. Don’t let the word “race” stop you from coming out. The Tuesday Night Series has something for everyone. New for this year cross-country riders will be able to choose their distance from 5km to 15km and will be timed for one complete lap.
Competitors will be able to use the Tuesday Night Series to get some training time in for the 2011 East Coast Open, featuring DH, Dual Slalom and Cross Country events. The East Coast Open is a three day event set for August 12 - 14. It will feature some of Eastern Canada’s top mountain bike racers out to compete for cash and prizing.
To finish off the Mountain Bike Schedule, Blue will be hosting the Ontario Provincial Mountain Bike Downhill and Super D events on Sept 3 - 4. This event is the last of the Ontario Cup Series, which will see athletes crowned as Ontario Overall Champions and Provincial Champions.
Last but not least, on the road bike racing side of things is the biggest event of them all: the Centurion on Sept 16 – 18. When Blue hosted the event for the first time in 2010, the Centurion brought 1500 road riders out to test themselves on a 25, 50 or 100 mile course. This year there is even more pain and suffering in the forecast as Centurion will be adding a hill climb event up to the top of Blue Mountain.
Keep in mind that if competing is not your thing, there is plenty more to do at Blue on two wheels. How about a ride with one of the best mountain bikers of all time, Wade Simmons? Wade has come to Blue Mountain the past two seasons to ride and give some helpful tips to anyone that wants to sign up. This year Wade will be coming the weekend of July 9 - 10. I have had the pleasure of riding with Wade the last two years and let me tell you, an old dog can learn new tricks.
For those just getting into it or looking for tips, Blue Mountain also offers a variety of Guided Experiences and lessons for downhill or cross-country mountain biking. All ages and abilities are encouraged to come out and participate. Our Bike Pros are both friendly and knowledgeable, so they will get you comfortable on a bike and on our trails in no time.
With everything happening at Blue Mountain over the summer, you definitely don’t want to miss out. If you have not already, you should pick up your Mountain Bike Season Pass at the Early Bird Rate of $209 +HST, until April 30 by buying online, in person at Guest Services or over the phone at 877.445.0231. On May 1 the rates go up to the regular price of $269 +HST. Some conditions apply. Bookmark http://www.bluemountain.ca/mtbike on your browser for full Season Pass details and to keep informed throughout the season.
See you on the trails,
Mike “MJT” Towers
By: Mike “MJT” Towers
The snow is still hanging around but the temperature is starting to climb, so it’s time to start thinking about getting the bikes out. I know I have been thinking of the summer, hanging out with friends and what is going to be happening at Blue Mountain this year.
This upcoming summer we’re going to see the trail building continued, as Blue Mountain is going to be starting a 3-year build project. The first phase of the project is going to start with expanding the cross-country offering at Blue and an emphasis on beginner downhill terrain. The second phase of the build is going to be more downhill hill focused with some updating to the existing downhill trails. Phase three will also be a downhill focus build with some new trails and features added onto the hill.
Blue Mountain will not only be focusing on building new trails, but will be using many of the new trails during the busy event schedule for 2011. Over the course of the summer Blue will host some of the largest road, cross-country and downhill events that Ontario has to offer.
The Canada Day weekend will kick off the competitive schedule with the Ontario Cup Downhill and Super D on July 2 – 3. This event will feature some of Ontario’s best downhillers competing head-to-head in order to collect those precious O-Cup points that go to the overall ranking at the end of the year.
Following it, on July 5 the first Tuesday Night Cross-Country Race Series will be held and will continue to run from until August 30. Don’t let the word “race” stop you from coming out. The Tuesday Night Series has something for everyone. New for this year cross-country riders will be able to choose their distance from 5km to 15km and will be timed for one complete lap.
Competitors will be able to use the Tuesday Night Series to get some training time in for the 2011 East Coast Open, featuring DH, Dual Slalom and Cross Country events. The East Coast Open is a three day event set for August 12 - 14. It will feature some of Eastern Canada’s top mountain bike racers out to compete for cash and prizing.
To finish off the Mountain Bike Schedule, Blue will be hosting the Ontario Provincial Mountain Bike Downhill and Super D events on Sept 3 - 4. This event is the last of the Ontario Cup Series, which will see athletes crowned as Ontario Overall Champions and Provincial Champions.
Last but not least, on the road bike racing side of things is the biggest event of them all: the Centurion on Sept 16 – 18. When Blue hosted the event for the first time in 2010, the Centurion brought 1500 road riders out to test themselves on a 25, 50 or 100 mile course. This year there is even more pain and suffering in the forecast as Centurion will be adding a hill climb event up to the top of Blue Mountain.
Keep in mind that if competing is not your thing, there is plenty more to do at Blue on two wheels. How about a ride with one of the best mountain bikers of all time, Wade Simmons? Wade has come to Blue Mountain the past two seasons to ride and give some helpful tips to anyone that wants to sign up. This year Wade will be coming the weekend of July 9 - 10. I have had the pleasure of riding with Wade the last two years and let me tell you, an old dog can learn new tricks.
For those just getting into it or looking for tips, Blue Mountain also offers a variety of Guided Experiences and lessons for downhill or cross-country mountain biking. All ages and abilities are encouraged to come out and participate. Our Bike Pros are both friendly and knowledgeable, so they will get you comfortable on a bike and on our trails in no time.
With everything happening at Blue Mountain over the summer, you definitely don’t want to miss out. If you have not already, you should pick up your Mountain Bike Season Pass at the Early Bird Rate of $209 +HST, until April 30 by buying online, in person at Guest Services or over the phone at 877.445.0231. On May 1 the rates go up to the regular price of $269 +HST. Some conditions apply. Bookmark http://www.bluemountain.ca/mtbike on your browser for full Season Pass details and to keep informed throughout the season.
See you on the trails,
Mike “MJT” Towers
Author Info:
Member since May 26, 2010
Must Read This Week
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
42203 views
42203 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
0 Comments
Login or Sign Up