Our favorite secret trail in Ashland, Oregon, while not being at all that secret, has received an upgrade. One of the most enjoyable sections of trail now features actual jumps. Ashland is known for fun and fast lines, but the trails are lacking in providing actual air time. (Which is why the also secret Wagner Creek system in Talent is favored by the freeriding locals) The new jumps aren’t super difficult by any means, (especially since they are less than four feet in height), but a 20″ foot gap jump still constitutes a rating of double black by most standards. While we would have been stoked if they were a bit bigger, the smaller height also ensures (hopefully at least) no intermediate level riders will completely destroy themselves and draw unnecessary attention to the fact we’re having tons of fun in the woods on a trail that hasn’t been officially recognized by the powers that be. (though, hopefully it will be, similar to Timewarp) As most of the trail is sustainable, it definitely is a possibility. Before that happens, a considerable amount of rerouting on the last section would need to happen. (which consists of a number of splinter lines that wind straight down into rutsville- population: you)
Izaak VH, dropping in from Four Corners. Photo: JVH
I’ve been listening to the buzz on Facebook about some new stuff that has been showing up, and unlike a lot of the horrible outlaw stuff that was going on a few years ago, the new breed of “wood elves” have been building features that are solid. Stuff that not only enhances the trail and the mountain bike experience, but may actually become part of a legitimate trail system. As opposed to the old school stuff the old hacks were building- things like fall line trails straight down a 40+ percent grade, sketchy wood structures with no clear landing zone, lame kickers to flat landings- all types of rouge building that is sure to hurt access for mountain biking.
But that isn’t what this post is about. It’s about how much fun the stuff we rode was to ride.
Fun stuff. One of the new jumps.
The run from the Mt. Ashland Ski area or Timewarp to Four Corners, and down into Lithia park has been gaining quite a reputation as being a fun filled ride. And it is- how can one complain about a descent of 14miles or so in length that takes almost an hour, filled with fun swoopy turns and jibs along the way? The only problem with this descent is that it has quite a few stretches of, how do you say, “meh,” to connect a lot of the good stuff. In fact, while many ride DH bikes down from the ski area, for most of the trails, anything of 6″ of travel is bit over kill. In our opinion, a slopestyle bike is the steed of choice for the most trails here- it is just the most fun.
The second/ third set (depending on where you start counting) from the side
On this trip, I elected to bring my Trek Remedy, built up with a solid set of parts for a decidedly more mini-DH/ play bike/ heavy duty all mountain build. It was definitely the way to go. The new stuff is good, but Ashland trails are less about burly rock gardens, and more about pinning it down relatively smooth tread. My brother Izaak lives in the area, so trips to Ashland double as brother bonding time with a plus: we both ride at a similar level and prefer the exact same riding experience. (going fast and jumping stuff) And since we’ve been riding together since we both figured out how to balance a bike, that means training the lead down the hill, and monkey see, monkey do.
Still dialing the tabletop with 29" bars on the Remedy, but the Weir face is locked! Shutter by IVH
One of my personal dream trails is remarkably like Dirt Merchant in Whistler. But longer, with more jumps, wall rides, rollers, bermed turns, ect. I wouldn’t say this hits it yet, but for about 20 seconds we were pinning it, booting it, setting up for the next hit, and doing it again, and again. All with big grins affixed to faces. (see picture)
After the first few hits you come to this step up. You might throw in a pedal before this, or add a bit of "pop."
Followed of course by a step down
Same step down - pulled back view
This landing for a new step down took a lot of dirt to make happen. I’m stoked on this section because of the cheater line to the right, which is very Inga friendly, and good for our buddies still building up their confidence and dirt jump skills.
More step down action.
Last step down in the line- The landing has a short transition. Don't say I didn't warn you...
The last few jumps are step downs, but watch out for the last one- it is easy to over jump. This hit has been around for a while, but they did improve the lip and landing, although the landing is still easy to over shoot. Staying low and/ or break checking is recommended- my first run through left me with a bit of an ache in my ankles after I blasted it to flat.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice shots! That looks like a killer section.
I dunno… just cuz stuff gets built well but still illegally… doesn’t make it a good thing for mountain biking. It does demonstrate a need, it does demonstrate the users know a thing or two about how to build more sustainably, but main fact remains – people are short-cutting the normal process of proposing a trail system and working WITH the land managers (who would know, for example, if an area will get logged soon, or if there’s other activities and trail system planned nearby – could be better route to link up and strengthen the overall system)…
Just saying…. even though stuff is built well and fun for a wider skillset doesn’t make it right to side step the land managers. that’s way disrepectful.
Joe- this is completely true, and I completely expected someone to call that out. However, the fact remains that there 1. Is a need and 2. The local advocates are still trying to figure.. a lot out. Until then, their scene is split up into different cliques- I’m hearing a lot about people constantly bad mouthing each other.
Ashland has the capacity and loads of opportunity, but the volunteers in the current leadership positions in the local advocacy scene lack experience and direction. Honestly, if someone like you with your history/experience (*note- Joe is one of the original Black Rock builders and members of BRMBA) for advocacy and trail building (or myself, IMOHO) lived in the area, I imagine the advocacy front would be a lot more defined with more progression. I’ve considered trying to help more, but I didn’t feel my time and knowledge were valued, especially considering how far I have to travel, so until a time comes when I’m directly approached for my input, I’ve downgraded myself from former local to the position of visitor and objective reporter.
Having seen both sides of the fence, I personally am working to create sanctioned opportunities in my local riding scenes. As for other scenes, I’m on a personal mission to ride everything I can and document what is there, sanctioned and public or not, while it exists. The location of these features is a secret that most don’t know about or have seen still. If this post stimulates a dialog or a coming together of the riding community going forward, I’ll be glad of my contribution. If it causes them to get plowed, well, that in itself would cause change, which in turn would be positive in the long run.
The reality is that in the last few years I’ve seen dozens of fall line trails pop up all over the Ashland Water Shed, that all were big problems. Seeing better construction is a step in the right direction, and now it is up to the local advocacy groups, whether it is the Southern Oregon Freeride Association or the Southern Oregon Mountain Bikers to harness this creativity into positive change.
J, that looks like an Intense, not a Trek. I have been wondering about the Remedy for some time now. What is the verdict?
Nice to see the lines buffed out. We look forward to hitting Ashland soon. Is it under snow these days?
Izaak rides an Intense Slopestyle frame. Izaak assisted in the single shot of me after I lit it- the rest of the photos are by me, and therefore of Izaak riding his Intense. As for the verdict on the Remedy, I’m working on a post, but once I make some additional changes I should have it dialed in nicely.
Ashland is indeed under snow. However, at the moment, you can shuttle to the halfway point at Four Corners.
Jason,
To be fair. I have been working with the USFS for over three years on creating a plan for Ashland. I have submitted proposals to the USFS based on the Black Rock model. Part of the proposal is to make Martys a sanctioned freeride trail and to recommission Time Warp with the hopes of making it a MTB only black diamond trail. It is SOFA that was instrumental in the recomissioning of Time Warp.
Its not from a lack of trying. The USFS is just not ready to move forward. They have sited a lack of funding in order to perform the EIS required. They are underfunded and understaffed. The good news is that in October they were able to secure some stimulus funds for this purpose.
Things have also been complicated do to the Ashland Forest Resiliency Plan and lawsuits against this plan. See link below.
http://www.ashland.or.us/SectionIndex.asp?SectionID=503
There is more going on behind the scenes in Ashland than you may be aware of.
We have teamed up with AWTA and are finally making some head way. SOFA and AWTA have submitted a joint proposal for more recreational trail opportunities including sanctioned “freeride” trails to be included in the Resiliency Plan. We are hoping the plan will move forward this year.
As Joe may know. The ODF is much more open to the “freeride” idea. BRMBA and WTF are very fortunate to have ODF lands available. If we had ODF lands available in S.O. we would likely have something on the ground by now.
This why we are moving forward with Forest Park in Jacksonville. The city is open to the idea of a “freeride” trail network. BLM land surrounds Forest Park. The BLM is open to building new trails but not elevated TTF’s. This is shaping up to be our most promising opportunity of having a “freeride” trail network.
I admit that SOFA is not as tight as it needs to be as a club. This is do to my lack of time to commit to the club itself. And a lack of people stepping up to the task. The scene in S.O. is fractured into cliques. This why I formed the club. To help bring like minds together in the hopes of creating sanctioned trails and to reduce the illegal trail construction.
Not to be confrontational. I asked you Jason several times for your input and help with the club. Including helping to build a website. I felt that you were not interested or indifferent in regards to SOFA.
I would love more help in the cause. I am open to all ideas from you or Joe. I have committed much time into working with local managers.It is not from a lack of trying. It is the governmental red tape and bureaucracy in S.O. that is holding things up.
Mike,
This is great information to have, and I’m glad you posted a situation update- I’m sure other local riders will be glad to know the situation as well. I’ve looked through the various SOFA sites you have created, and this would be excellent content to have posted.
We seem to have a gap in communication. I’m busy pursuing Freelance and Salaried work at the moment, but always want to help create trails in my local scene as time allows. Check your email.
hey guys!
lets remeber one thing here…..
this is way better trailbuilding, by these “wood elves” then ashland has ever seen.
remember lower time warp? i do.
if everyone did what they could, the hippies would still sue……
and then sue again and again……
theyve almost shut mt. A down too……
so while i applaud both the efforts of sustainable trailbuilding and advocacy, and hell, participate to my best ability, there will always be a place for “unsanctioned” trailbuilding….
always.
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