Post by Mgoose on Apr 25, 2013 0:08:06 GMT -5
In mountain biking it’s all about the trail and in Helena , Montana the trails are much closer than other mountain biking destinations across the country. The Helena National Forest and South Hills Trail System literally comes into Helena ’s city limits with a majority of Helena ’s residents within blocks of a trailhead. The South Hills Trail System is an extensive mountain biking trail system known for its single track and long descents. Specialty bike shops provide advice on trails, equipment and rentals to ensure riders get the most out of the area. Soon biking enthusiasts will have another reason to love Helena, the Vigilante Bike Park.
The Vigilante Bike Park will be located in the middle of Helena giving bikers access to a variety of terrain features in a safe riding environment. Construction of the park begins this summer on two acres of reclaimed land and will integrate pieces of old Helena buildings from the Urban Renewal Project into park features to provide truly a unique riding experience. Designs and features were chosen by the community to provide an area both pros and beginners can enjoy including pump tracks, dirt jumps for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders as well as a skills trail and dual slalom course.
While the park is being built there are plenty of other reasons for bikers to visit Helena . Besides the more than 500 miles of world class mountain biking trails, there is a professionally managed trails program, and high quality maps and guidebook to get riders on the perfect ride. Helena has several events planned throughout the summer and fall:
May 12 - Unravel the Scratch Gravel
June 15 - Helena Dirt Divas
July 21 - State Criterion
August 24 - York 38 Special
September 8 - W.E.R.K.S Mountain Bike Race
October 6 - Last Chance Cyclocross
Helena , Montana is proud of its biking culture and looks forward to providing opportunities for all to enjoy. Designated bike routes are located throughout town, while two active bike clubs, a youth cycling organization, and several sponsored racing teams all call the community home. Maps of trails can be found at helenamontanamaps.org/trails/
In May a new website, www.bikehelena.com will launch bringing all things Helena biking into one place. The website will feature cycling blogs, area trail maps, Helena biking events and a quarterly newsletter. An interactive trip planner will also allow visitors to create itineraries and book hotels directly from the site. Look for these and more exciting changes as Helena continues to be the destination for mountain bikers.
The Vigilante Bike Park will be located in the middle of Helena giving bikers access to a variety of terrain features in a safe riding environment. Construction of the park begins this summer on two acres of reclaimed land and will integrate pieces of old Helena buildings from the Urban Renewal Project into park features to provide truly a unique riding experience. Designs and features were chosen by the community to provide an area both pros and beginners can enjoy including pump tracks, dirt jumps for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders as well as a skills trail and dual slalom course.
While the park is being built there are plenty of other reasons for bikers to visit Helena . Besides the more than 500 miles of world class mountain biking trails, there is a professionally managed trails program, and high quality maps and guidebook to get riders on the perfect ride. Helena has several events planned throughout the summer and fall:
May 12 - Unravel the Scratch Gravel
June 15 - Helena Dirt Divas
July 21 - State Criterion
August 24 - York 38 Special
September 8 - W.E.R.K.S Mountain Bike Race
October 6 - Last Chance Cyclocross
Helena , Montana is proud of its biking culture and looks forward to providing opportunities for all to enjoy. Designated bike routes are located throughout town, while two active bike clubs, a youth cycling organization, and several sponsored racing teams all call the community home. Maps of trails can be found at helenamontanamaps.org/trails/
In May a new website, www.bikehelena.com will launch bringing all things Helena biking into one place. The website will feature cycling blogs, area trail maps, Helena biking events and a quarterly newsletter. An interactive trip planner will also allow visitors to create itineraries and book hotels directly from the site. Look for these and more exciting changes as Helena continues to be the destination for mountain bikers.