Feel the Rush

STORY BY Katie Buchan

PHOTOS BY Heidi Lewis

Wind rushing, dirt and rocks flying, sturdy hands gripping the handlebars, with adrenaline coursing through your veins—downhill mountain biking is in a class of adventure all its own. A leisurely scenic chairlift ride on the Polar Bear Express keeps you looking up and outward at the breathtaking views of the Laurel Highlands, but direct your gaze to the trails below and you may catch a glimpse of a downhill rider in action at the Seven Springs Bike Park. A rider leaning tightly through berms, sailing across consecutive jumps, and navigating across wooden features like the Secret Stache Drop or the Moto Ramp.

Brandon Coulter, Seven Springs Bike Park manager and instructor, offers valuable knowledge for those intrigued by this exciting, adrenaline-fueled outdoor sport.

“The downhill park is a lift-access gravity-driven trail system designed for bicycles,” Coulter says. “Lift-access riding is very similar to skiing and snowboarding in the sense that with a little practice comes a great experience in the outdoors. Like any new activity, a little learning and prep go a long way.”

Downhill mountain biking is, as the name implies, fueled by gravity. Using full-suspension mountain bikes built for steep, rocky descents, riders race down the mountainside, then take in the view as they ride the lift back to the top.

The 22 downhill bike trails at Seven Springs are rated like ski trails, with green circles, blue squares, and black diamonds guiding riders to the appropriate trails for their ability. The park sprawls across the Front Face and the North Face of the mountain with widely varying levels of challenge offering something for everyone, from diehard riders to beginner mountain bikers looking for a new adventure.

“When learning or warming up, it’s always best to start easy and work your way up. Downhill parks offer a variety of trail surfaces, be it packed dirt, wooden ladder bridges, rock formations, or freestyle features,” Coulter says. “Machine-made trails are wide; smooth dirt paths that are fast and flowy. Technical or natural trails have more technical rock and root obstacles to tackle. Most easy trails are completely rollable, meaning your tires never have to leave the ground and you can ride them at any speed. Eventually you can progress to harder trails with more skill requirements including jumps with gaps that must be aired to the landing.”

Seven Springs makes it easy to start learning and to continue building your skills with lesson packages for every skill level, from introductory lessons thatcover proper equipment, basic positioning and controls, and how to interpret the trails to advanced lessons covering perfecting your riding style, cornering speed, and race awareness. Spending some time with a professional mountain bike instructor is the best way to ensure a fun and memorable experience out on the trails.

“Lessons are always an excellent idea when taking on any new activity. They reduce learning time in a safer and more controlled manner,” Coulter says. “Regardless of ability level, having a coach by your side is always helpful. Coaches are there when you are seeking tips and tricks or if you just want to know what trails to ride to maximize your day of riding. Lessons are not solely riding skills either; they can help dramatically when learning what type of bike, clothing, and protective gear you need.”

No need to supply your own gear if you don’t have it. Seven Springs maintains a full fleet of downhill, enduro, and cross-country mountain bikes built specifically for the various trails, as well as protective gear to ensure a safe learning experience.

From flowing and funbeginner trails like Rock and Roll to steep and technical expert descents like the Camp Three Race Trail, everyone who ventures into Seven Springs Bike Park will find a line to love. Just ask Coulter, whose lifelong passion for the sport comes through with every word.

“I began mountain biking with a serious passion around age 15 and, beyond all things, the community and shared experiences have been my favorite aspects. Be it in a parking lot, bike shop, lift line, or trailhead, you will create friendships and experiences that last a lifetime,” he says. “Biking is a freedom beyond most other sports one would grow up with. You don’t need a team, a field or a schedule. All you need is a bike and a direction to go.”