Seattlest: Stevens Pass Considering Downhill Mountain Bike Park

Courtney

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 18:13:00 -0800

@8: I linked the Whistler photo to a larger version on Flickr. That's my friend Deb coming down the end of In Deep right before you can turn off to Fatcrobat. Sigh. My last weekend up there was a couple weeks ago, and we had mint perfect conditions. Now, it's snowing!

guest

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 17:20:28 -0800

Bigger Whistler picture, please! If Stevens antes up and does this, I just might move back to Washington and buy another DH bike. I spent the majority of my last 3 Seattle Summers' weekends as a bike bum at Whistler, completely addicted to those flowy, droppy lines. It was Hot Dog, but in Summer, on bikes! These images fill me with indescribable, wistful yearning. Oh Canada, indeed.

cattv

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 07:09:01 -0800

mmm tasty skinnies!

Dan

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:58:00 -0800

Oh, also, no, it's not significantly different than skiing's built environment, which also kinda freaks me out. I do appreciate that they're both occurring in the same spot though, and not increasing pressure all over the mountain.

Dan

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:53:27 -0800

ha, amusement parks I'm fine with. Those bridges and ladders scare the hell out of me. Kids! Zipping all over the damn place through the air and whatnot!

Courtney

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:39:04 -0800

Dan, was that whiffing sound I just heard the whole downhill skiing example making its way right over your head? :-) Seriously though, once upon a time you "only needed skis and snow," but no-one is mystified by the ski resorts that have lifts which allow you to access a huge variety of trails in a small region, some of which are just plain old ski runs, and some of which have jumps, half-pipes, rails, and more. Is the difference that significant? Plus, all trails are "built" but some moreso than others. Whistler (as will Stevens Pass) offers tons of more traditional bike trails as well. And you still only need a bike, that hasn't changed (though the bikes technology has, but the same goes again for skis, too). Also. It is ridiculously fun. The bridges and ladders add a roller-coaster ride aspect, and who doesn't like amusement parks? Grumpy old men, that's who.

Dan

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:02:13 -0800

I'm a total outsider to this world of Mountain Biking, but didn't you once just need 1) a mountain and 2) a bike? Don't we already have those things in abundance in WA? Do these built trails remind anyone else of Brave New World where no new sports are allowed unless they involve more complex equipment than all existing sports?

guest

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:29:36 -0800

Agreed!

guest

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:28:45 -0800

Finally! Hopefully the passive aggressive WA pussies will finally get their head out their asses and realize they need to have a destination resort too.