Stunts wouldn't be so scary if

[fondigley]

there were plenty of these around.

www.raysmtb.com

[scoober]

that is friggin sweet. in my hometown no less.

what a great place to get dialed.

[Cornholio]

"Ray" is apparently a good friend of the doods I ride with. I guess they're trying to figure out the logistics, like, do they use real dirt, are they setting up permanent courses or some sort of modular deal...

It should be kick ass, though.

Anyone else have an indoor park? What's it like?

[scoober]

it looks like everything is elevated so far. if that is the case, they should just forego dirt. no need to replicate the outdoors in, it's pretty obvious you're riding your bike in an old factory. i don't think anyone will get delusions that they are out on the shore.

that does bring the cushioning question to mind. i was thinking rubber play ground chipping.

we need one of these in Seattle, for when all the trails shut down during wet season. although it would just become a major pose-fest. i would imagine that with the biking scene in Cleveland, this place will be much less intimidating and nurture a positive vibe.

[Sublime]

Swing that place looks sweet. Only a 2 hour or so trip from the hometown all trip down there when I improve me skillz.

[Cornholio]

The elevation had me freaked out, too. I think stunts would be a lot MORE scary up there. I guess I'll find out.

The rubber playground chips are a great idea. Personally, I'd be more comfortable with high-jump mats, but that ain't gonna happen. I'll find out more tonight, I think, and let you know.

[Oarhead]

That is a good idea, I have a feeling that they will end up making everything a lot more compact/close to other stuff so that there is not just several trails running in a large space. It may end up looking like a skate park but with stunts instead of 1/2 pipes. I could be completely wrong though.

My favorite touch is the fake trees, very nice

[hev]

This is definately very cool. Keep more info coming as you guys get it. I think there's a lot you could do with something like this. I also like the idea of high jump mats but it sounds like they might be kind of expensice.... a jump into a foam pit would rule. some skate park type ramps might be fun if they have the space. Also they need a wall ride

[wintermittent]

Ray's place is quite an experiment. Cool to see that the word is getting out to the far reaches.

Scoober, you're right about the Cleveland scene... When the place officially opens, I'm sure even more riders will step up with new ideas and volunteer their time. Ray has already gotten a lot of helping hands on this project.

Initially, the park will be set up with fairly specific lines/routes. Nice for beginners and intermediates, but some advanced riders that have pre-rode have expressed their desire to have a more free-flowing area open to interpretation. The only limiting design factor is the low ceiling trusses(~14ft).

The place is huge. I'm sure it will be in a state of continual evolution, but the first season will be crucial to see if the park is meaty enough to keep people paying to come through the doors. Definitely plan to stop by this winter if you're within range.

I'll see if I can lure Cornholio over there and get some photos of him riding teeter totters on a 'cross bike.

[Cornholio]

What *are* they doing about padding? Have you been in there yet?

[wintermittent]

What *are* they doing about padding? Have you been in there yet?

All of the support columns are padded, end-zone-upright-style, so any inertia-induced tragedies should be averted. Gravity-induced tragedies are a different story. BYOSP (Bring Your Own Shin Pads).

Yep, ridden it; haven't visited in a couple of weeks though. I can take you over there, but be aware that process will include a blindfold, an unmarked windowless van, and hundreds of confusing left turns...

...OK, OK, it's like three minutes from the shop. Could probably swing by tonight, post-crossride, if you're interested in submitting a sneak peak Maggot Report.

[fondigley]

I would like to know more about the park, and I am sure others would as well. Anyone know of any other indoor parks?

[Cornholio]

I didn't get a chance to go there last night after all. Had a soccer game after the ride, and then, of course, the Red Sox were beating the Yankees.

All I know is what's here, basically-- Ray got this idea, found a huge warehouse, and started building the thing. Like WM said, the beginner and sport sections are fixed, like in the photo, and I'm not sure what they've decided for the "kick my ass" section. I think they want some flexiblilty, which they won't have much of in the other parts.

Ray claims it's the first indoor mtb park in the country.

[bagtagley]

I've ridden w/ Ray at Snowshoe a few times. He's good people.

I'm assuming this thing is open year round. I'm gonna have to swing by Cleveland and hit it up this winter.

[bagtagley]

Looks like Ray's been hard at work. Nothing insane in there, but definitely some fun looking stuff. Good way to pass the snowless days in these parts.

Hey Cornholio, got some couch room?


http://www.raysmtb.com/

[fondigley]

Great new pictures and the new video really shows off the place a lot more. Can't wait to ride there one day. Looks like a blast, especially the 12 foot inverted berm. The rock gardens should be tight as well, but don't know about building them in a flat location.

Definately check out Rays.

[Cornholio]

I always got couch room.

Unless, I'm sleeping on it. In which case, no, you can't sleep with my girlfriend.

[scoober]

Ray's just got a write-up in Mountain Bike Action.

My brother went while he was home on winter break and said it is just rad there. He also mentioned that they have a fleet of demo freeride bikes to use for free.

[bigtrubs]

wow, with the exception of this weekend, (it has blizzarded on us and it NEVER snows in victoria) I've been able to bike through the winter, outdoors, no less! Now that I'm stuck inside, it'd be so sick to have a setup like that on which to learn tech riding skills. sweet.

[fondigley]

Pretty sweet they have some bikes to demo too. Also, great to hear about an article on the joint. I will have to check it out.