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Southern California bike park?

blender

Monkey
Oct 19, 2006
642
0
MDR
my crew and i would be there year round, multiple times per month!
with gas prices what they are these days, saving a 5 hour trip to mammoth to ride more stuff locally is a no-brainer.

Lift tickets at mammoth are 35+ bucks, gas just to get there is 100+ bucks, figure in lodging and food for having to stay there to ride multiple days, and you got yourself a figure that most of us can only afford 3-4 times a year. But we still do it without hesitation!

like others said, you can pretty much name your price and people will come.
the location is the money maker here, it's dead smack in between LA and SD!
 

William42

fork ways
Jul 31, 2007
3,908
634
i'm stoked, this will be more savage then when Sam Hill rogained his eyebrows for the first time.

can't wait, i'll drive down from NorCal for a roadtrip and check it out
 

fred.r

Dwangus Bogans
May 9, 2006
842
0
Just look at Fontana's success. Donny puts on a race that gets what... like 300-400 riders out every other weekend @ $35 a person. That's like $21,000 - $28,000 a month, and for less elevation, and not the best trails.
Something like this would draw quite a bit more.
 

CA_Descender

Chimp
Nov 18, 2007
45
0
Simi, CA
it's exactly what i have been explaining to the owner.....

problem for him is he knows nothing about gravity MTB so he is a bit cautious on the whole topic....

it is going to cost a fair bit up front for all that needs to be done and as any business man he wants to be sure it makes sense.....

property is private property....there are some plant and butterfly issues but they are not in the area we will be building and riding.


good stuff everyone.
Just a thought but what if you invite him out to Fontana during a race weekend where he can interact with and get opinions straight from the riders? He would also see what a good portion of the gravity scene is about and meet riders from all over SoCal and then some.

Maybe even have him speak with Donny and just MAYBE they could arrange a race series that would go back and forth between the two venues.
 

DirtDivaDH

Chimp
Oct 16, 2005
49
0
Beautiful Moorpark, CA
Is there talk of a season pass? Husband and I would each take one, as would all others on this thread. Name the price. If you were to come to the next race with a petition asking for names of those willing to purchase season/day passes, you would have clear evidence of the will of the masses. I personally would drive the distance to stop pushing up in order to go down.
A certain club in SB is charging $300 a year with no lifts...
 

BC VAN

Monkey
May 4, 2005
624
0
Is there talk of a season pass? Husband and I would each take one, as would all others on this thread. Name the price. If you were to come to the next race with a petition asking for names of those willing to purchase season/day passes, you would have clear evidence of the will of the masses. I personally would drive the distance to stop pushing up in order to go down.
A certain club in SB is charging $300 a year with no lifts...
yes we have talked about season passes and day rates and membership only....all kinds of different structures.

i think the season pass and day rates are going to be the direction.?

the response from everyone has been unreal....i knew it would be good...but the energy can be felt through the computer....Awesome!

this was what i was hoping for....i have already discussed this thread with the owner and he will be looking at all of this stuff tomorrow morning....he is excited to see what's on here
 

BC VAN

Monkey
May 4, 2005
624
0
You mean I could camp w/ my RV and DH all weekend for a small fee?
I'm in 3-4 weekends a year.
-D:clapping:
Yes.....you can also fish, throw horse shoes, ride horses and the best part.......during the summer listen to live music at the village while drinking brewski's at the bar!
 

***MTB***

Monkey
Dec 19, 2004
278
0
SoCal
I just saw this thread since I'm not on much, but I will help with whatever is needed. I'll definitely buy a season pass (if its available), and will be up there very often if there are lifts. Even if there are just shuttles, I'll go there often, but I think lifts would be better for everyone including the owner in the long run.

I'd definitely recommend you take a survey up in Fontana. I am sure there will be HUGE support of it. :)
 

stiksandstones

Turbo Monkey
May 21, 2002
5,078
25
Orange, Ca
You mean I could camp w/ my RV and DH all weekend for a small fee?
I'm in 3-4 weekends a year.
-D:clapping:
In regards to the RV camping at Vail:

Keep in mind vail lake 'RV resort' is one of the highest priced RV campgrounds in the country, with little amenities for the price. Last I checked they wanted 75$ per night for a weekend spot on chardonnay mesa. This compares to the $15-$25 at state parks I usually RV at-or hell, the $70 I once paid at this fancy pants place in newport beach, with gourmet food delivery.
The place is pretty awesome, but in the RV world they are known for being really overpriced for a dilapidated resort.

In regards to the MTB park plans they have, it might be worth mentioning that the Intense cycles guys have also been working with the owner of the park for a LONG time as well, also a few other local town cyclists. The owner has wanted my wife and I to get involved to put on a legends DH race the weekend of the xterra, but we do not have the time to do something like that.

The owner loves gravity, loves fun, and has a lot of resources at his hand, I hope everyone gets their sh1t together and makes it happen, would be good for so-cal biking...Big Bear DH dying had a huge effect on the industry and this could be big for the industry.

Might be best to get a proper online petition form going to present to the owner, instead of all this forum chatter-get him a legit list of names of interested people, little comment box beside signature and present him list of 500-600-etc people.

Just a thought...
 

kellyn7

Monkey
Apr 12, 2005
125
0
San Diego
With all the buzz of a DH bike park returning to Southern California I think it's maybe time for some of the local companies in the world of DH Biking to speak up. Whether it be the in manufacturing or just the local bike shop they have a vested interest to see this succeed. Not that long ago when Big Bear was still open to DH riding you could pretty much go into any bike shop here in San Diego and find at least 1 or 2 DH bikes on the showroom floor. That's not the case anymore and when your talking anywhere from 2k to 6k for a bike, that's some serious money for a bike shop. I would love to see the riders, bike shops, manufactures, and Vail Lake Village come together and build a viable gravity park that benefits all parties involved.

IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME! (Cheezy I know but its true)
 

stiksandstones

Turbo Monkey
May 21, 2002
5,078
25
Orange, Ca
With all the buzz of a DH bike park returning to Southern California I think it's maybe time for some of the local companies in the world of DH Biking to speak up. Whether it be the in manufacturing or just the local bike shop they have a vested interest to see this succeed. Not that long ago when Big Bear was still open to DH riding you could pretty much go into any bike shop here in San Diego and find at least 1 or 2 DH bikes on the showroom floor. That's not the case anymore and when your talking anywhere from 2k to 6k for a bike, that's some serious money for a bike shop. I would love to see the riders, bike shops, manufactures, and Vail Lake Village come together and build a viable gravity park that benefits all parties involved.

IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME! (Cheezy I know but its true)
Like I said in above post, INTENSE CYCLES (same town as Vail lake) has been working with Vail lake for a long time now and has been instrumental in getting things happening there.
 

bizutch

Delicate CUSTOM flower
Dec 11, 2001
15,928
24
Over your shoulder whispering
Stik has a point about an Official Petition to register the names and give to the owner. Here is the best site that allows such things and it's free:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/

It will allow you to get a legitimate list of individuals and their contact info for future reference to turn over to the owner as more concrete evidence of interest.

Butch
 

kellyn7

Monkey
Apr 12, 2005
125
0
San Diego
Like I said in above post, INTENSE CYCLES (same town as Vail lake) has been working with Vail lake for a long time now and has been instrumental in getting things happening there.
I did read that and they are a great asset to getting this started but there is some many others manufactures and bike shops in Socal that could hopefully help out too. Sponsoring would go a long way!

I'm just tired of so many companies and people standing on the sidelines just waiting for something to happen especially those that could profit the most from this bike park.
 

BC VAN

Monkey
May 4, 2005
624
0
In regards to the RV camping at Vail:

Keep in mind vail lake 'RV resort' is one of the highest priced RV campgrounds in the country, with little amenities for the price. Last I checked they wanted 75$ per night for a weekend spot on chardonnay mesa. This compares to the $15-$25 at state parks I usually RV at-or hell, the $70 I once paid at this fancy pants place in newport beach, with gourmet food delivery.
The place is pretty awesome, but in the RV world they are known for being really overpriced for a dilapidated resort.

In regards to the MTB park plans they have, it might be worth mentioning that the Intense cycles guys have also been working with the owner of the park for a LONG time as well, also a few other local town cyclists. The owner has wanted my wife and I to get involved to put on a legends DH race the weekend of the xterra, but we do not have the time to do something like that.

The owner loves gravity, loves fun, and has a lot of resources at his hand, I hope everyone gets their sh1t together and makes it happen, would be good for so-cal biking...Big Bear DH dying had a huge effect on the industry and this could be big for the industry.

Might be best to get a proper online petition form going to present to the owner, instead of all this forum chatter-get him a legit list of names of interested people, little comment box beside signature and present him list of 500-600-etc people.

Just a thought...

As far as the camping, based on a discussion i just had with Bill...they have made a conscious decision to increase the pricing, to bring in a certain market of campers....not unlike a high end clothing store having certain prices for a certain type of customer, they are very happy with the numbers they generate, and they get a lot of return customers..... does the park need work, of course..... i wouldn't call it dilapidated though.

As far as Intense, I think you might be talking about this connection?
Jason runs successful events out there and has for a long time...he also manages a team for Intense and has talked with Bill (the owner) many times about this park......

It is entirely possible that Intense has been working on it as well but it is the first i have heard about it aside from what you told me about a comment Jeff made to you 2 months ago or i would have mentioned the involvement, i would love for the guys at Intense as well as Turner to be involved, as far as i know i have a good relationship with both owners of both companies and have nothing but good things to say about them...

These are local strong World Wide known brands and can really help jump start this park.

Bill has also discussed it with many local riders and Bike shops as well as some folks in the Mammoth area.

I don't need or want all the credit for this deal....i just want it...our sport needs it.
The Xterra deal actually came from Dave, he likes you and Leigh from the years past at the events on the Island and is planning on doing a Legends DH as you mention...he would really like your guys involvement.
Bill has explained to me that he doesn't need a petition to see the energy here....He is pumped on the response and i will be meeting with him later today to discuss what is next.
 

William42

fork ways
Jul 31, 2007
3,908
634
how long would it take? if it happens, are you hoping for this summer? this spring? fall? etc? I know its early (since its not even a certain go yet) but i'm curious to know what timeline we'd be looking at (or that you and the peeps in power are hoping for
 

stiksandstones

Turbo Monkey
May 21, 2002
5,078
25
Orange, Ca
As far as the camping, based on a discussion i just had with Bill...they have made a conscious decision to increase the pricing, to bring in a certain market of campers....not unlike a high end clothing store having certain prices for a certain type of customer, they are very happy with the numbers they generate, and they get a lot of return customers..... does the park need work, of course..... i wouldn't call it dilapidated though.

As far as Intense, I think you might be talking about this connection?
Jason runs successful events out there and has for a long time...he also manages a team for Intense and has talked with Bill (the owner) many times about this park......

It is entirely possible that Intense has been working on it as well but it is the first i have heard about it aside from what you told me about a comment Jeff made to you 2 months ago or i would have mentioned the involvement, i would love for the guys at Intense as well as Turner to be involved, as far as i know i have a good relationship with both owners of both companies and have nothing but good things to say about them...

These are local strong World Wide known brands and can really help jump start this park.

Bill has also discussed it with many local riders and Bike shops as well as some folks in the Mammoth area.

I don't need or want all the credit for this deal....i just want it...our sport needs it.
The Xterra deal actually came from Dave, he likes you and Leigh from the years past at the events on the Island and is planning on doing a Legends DH as you mention...he would really like your guys involvement.
Bill has explained to me that he doesn't need a petition to see the energy here....He is pumped on the response and i will be meeting with him later today to discuss what is next.
Lame analogy and a weird dig on the business I own. Your analogy would mean I raise prices at my store, HIGHER than other stores are charging to attract a more douchier customer. Would not work and sounds absolutely insane. We have never charged more than MSRP on our goods. If I want a higher end customer, I provide higher customer service and amenities-we tried it and it works, no need to raise our prices, thats called gouging.

Go to rv.net and read countless posts from RVers on how it is not a popular place amongst the RV crowd. Like I said, I do not lump myself in there because I actually like the place, but it is more than triple most other RV parks so we don't go there much.

here is a taste of internet goons in RV land ;) <i>Vail Lake used to be our favorite place to go, but not any more. Too expensive and security either partying with the loud neighbors until 2 in the morning or doing nothing at all. We always go at Thanksgiving and did so this last nov, we stay out in the arroyo seca area so it is very quiet. They charged us $100 for sat night that weekend. Unbelievable. But the location can't be beat for feeling like you are really in the great outdoors camping. </i>

Go ahead and do not do a petition, an organized list of real names couldn't possibly help.
 

BC VAN

Monkey
May 4, 2005
624
0
how long would it take? if it happens, are you hoping for this summer? this spring? fall? etc? I know its early (since its not even a certain go yet) but i'm curious to know what timeline we'd be looking at (or that you and the peeps in power are hoping for
This X Terra event is in May so there would need to be a couple of runs in place for that, but who knows if that will happen?.....

we were hoping to be open the first week of FEB this year....so i think if it gets green lighted things might happen fast....

i don't think the park will be even a fraction of it's potential when it opens but the discussions and thought is get a few runs done...get it opened and then continue to expand.
 

BC VAN

Monkey
May 4, 2005
624
0
Lame analogy and a weird dig on the business I own. Your analogy would mean I raise prices at my store, HIGHER than other stores are charging to attract a more douchier customer. Would not work and sounds absolutely insane. We have never charged more than MSRP on our goods. If I want a higher end customer, I provide higher customer service and amenities-we tried it and it works, no need to raise our prices, thats called gouging.

Go to rv.net and read countless posts from RVers on how it is not a popular place amongst the RV crowd. Like I said, I do not lump myself in there because I actually like the place, but it is more than triple most other RV parks so we don't go there much.

here is a taste of internet goons in RV land ;) <i>Vail Lake used to be our favorite place to go, but not any more. Too expensive and security either partying with the loud neighbors until 2 in the morning or doing nothing at all. We always go at Thanksgiving and did so this last nov, we stay out in the arroyo seca area so it is very quiet. They charged us $100 for sat night that weekend. Unbelievable. But the location can't be beat for feeling like you are really in the great outdoors camping. </i>

Go ahead and do not do a petition, an organized list of real names couldn't possibly help.
stik...

slow down tiger.

not a dig on your business...i'm stoked and proud for you guys with what you guys have created and done, you guys took MTB success and turned it into a lasting future, something a lot of us that were in your position hope for.

my point is....you don't sell stuff at Target prices nor do you sell target level clothes....you guys are a high end product...that is what Vail is striving for, they found with lower prices they had a bad element out there doing a lot of shady stuff....as you know that place is big and people can get back in the nooks and crannies and get wild 909 style. of course the answer would be more security and i think that is being addressed....you can call it gouging...but they have people there during the camping season.

i guess it remains to be seen if those prices will dictate the customer they strive for?

the petition will of course help...my point was it doesn't seem that Bill is going to need that to be swayed.
 

tmx

aka chromegoddess
Mar 16, 2003
1,683
2
Portland
Would be open in winter, right?

If so, please consider that three of us just drove 3,400 miles for three days of riding at Ray's since our local spots here in SLC are buried in snow and will be for the next month or two. It would have been 7 people if the route between SLC and Cleveland weren't such dangerous driving in the winter.

I believe there were about 8 people from the Boulder area who flew into Cleveland this weekend as well.

Two riders from the PacNW made the Ray's trek as well this weekend.

At least half the folks I met at Ray's traveled more than three hours to get there for just a couple days of riding. Most were mtn bikers starving for mid-winter riding.

Having something closer that we Rocky Mountain folks could get to more frequently (and safely) throughout the winter would be fantastic.

EC, massive thanks for your continued efforts and relentless professionalism. You never cease to amaze.
 

Homey

Monkey
Oct 27, 2004
136
0
The O.C.
Stik = :popcorn:

EC = :happydance:

Knowing the results of my last "E-counter" w/ Stik, I hate to get involved but I will anyways...what's the point in bringing negative energy to every good idea? Here EC brings new life into a suposedly old idea, and has great momentum, and you come and act like it's a crappy idea that was tried years ago.

If EC has got the momentum that he claims, and this bike park opens within the next couple months, then I would say that EC gets a lot more credit than you give. I admire EC for all of the things he has done for our sport (Glen Helen, 4X at the Sea Otter, Southridge, Mongoose). I don't see too many excuses from EC either. I see him working on growing this sport in a positive direction and seeing things through. I believe if he gets this park going, it will be a huge win for everyone.
 
woah, why didnt i open this earlier!!!!

wow, this would be so awesome to have... i have seen too many "illegal" trails down here get torn down, and the effect of that happening is just hard to watch... i know many of the builders of these trails and i have been a builder of a few myself and i have seen these guys just leave biking altogether because of the discouragement...

actually, i had a conversation with a few friends and General Lee yesterday while riding about how the closure of Big Bear really affected the biking industry and hype down here... when a SoCal rider has to think of how far they have to drive to get to a halfway decent spot, many just are too discouraged and say screw it to everything...

i dont know how Fontana is for the guys up there, but i know that from the Border to North Orange County, there are not many spots at all and they are all damn far between...

Temecula would be an awesome location, its relatively centralized and easy to get to... and has awesome terrain!...

cant wait to hear more!!!
 

bikedh7

Monkey
May 23, 2006
125
0
big bear city
Stik = :popcorn:

EC = :happydance:

Knowing the results of my last "E-counter" w/ Stik, I hate to get involved but I will anyways...what's the point in bringing negative energy to every good idea? Here EC brings new life into a suposedly old idea, and has great momentum, and you come and act like it's a crappy idea that was tried years ago.

If EC has got the momentum that he claims, and this bike park opens within the next couple months, then I would say that EC gets a lot more credit than you give. I admire EC for all of the things he has done for our sport (Glen Helen, 4X at the Sea Otter, Southridge, Mongoose). I don't see too many excuses from EC either. I see him working on growing this sport in a positive direction and seeing things through. I believe if he gets this park going, it will be a huge win for everyone.
well put, I definitely agree. If EC says it's going to happen, seems it usually happens.
 

stiksandstones

Turbo Monkey
May 21, 2002
5,078
25
Orange, Ca
Stik = :popcorn:

EC = :happydance:

Knowing the results of my last "E-counter" w/ Stik, I hate to get involved but I will anyways...what's the point in bringing negative energy to every good idea? Here EC brings new life into a suposedly old idea, and has great momentum, and you come and act like it's a crappy idea that was tried years ago.

If EC has got the momentum that he claims, and this bike park opens within the next couple months, then I would say that EC gets a lot more credit than you give. I admire EC for all of the things he has done for our sport (Glen Helen, 4X at the Sea Otter, Southridge, Mongoose). I don't see too many excuses from EC either. I see him working on growing this sport in a positive direction and seeing things through. I believe if he gets this park going, it will be a huge win for everyone.
Cute....
I had a long reply in mind, but you just can't reason with tards like you.
My points already stated were simple;
-there are many people involved in this vail lake DH park idea
-The Vail lake RV park is regarded in the RV world as overpriced, but people pay it, so who cares right? (only mentioned because someone said they would love to RV there).
-this Vail lake DH park would be good for the gravity industry and scene=bigtime.
-The owner is super pumped on all things gravity and has a lot of resources at his call.
-might be a good idea to get a organized petition going with list of names, addresses, comments on what you would like.

But ya, negative energy....only when your reaching.
 

BC VAN

Monkey
May 4, 2005
624
0
Stik = :popcorn:

EC = :happydance:

Knowing the results of my last "E-counter" w/ Stik, I hate to get involved but I will anyways...what's the point in bringing negative energy to every good idea? Here EC brings new life into a suposedly old idea, and has great momentum, and you come and act like it's a crappy idea that was tried years ago.

If EC has got the momentum that he claims, and this bike park opens within the next couple months, then I would say that EC gets a lot more credit than you give. I admire EC for all of the things he has done for our sport (Glen Helen, 4X at the Sea Otter, Southridge, Mongoose). I don't see too many excuses from EC either. I see him working on growing this sport in a positive direction and seeing things through. I believe if he gets this park going, it will be a huge win for everyone.

thanks for the positive words....i have already discussed it all with Stik off forum and were all good....so

"nothing to see here folks just move along"
 

BC VAN

Monkey
May 4, 2005
624
0
well put, I definitely agree. If EC says it's going to happen, seems it usually happens.
man i wish that truly was the case...i have said a lot about race promotion that never happened...it was the reason for the disclaimer of "i'm not saying a bike park is open" at the start of the thread....

this was all to show how much interest there is and to give the owner a little push to make it happen. i had a great meeting with him today so this whole deal is helping a lot.

thanks everyone.
 

gemini2k

Turbo Monkey
Jul 31, 2005
3,526
117
San Francisco
At least half the folks I met at Ray's traveled more than three hours to get there for just a couple days of riding. Most were mtn bikers starving for mid-winter riding.
wUrd. I've driven 8 hours to rays 3 times this winter. But hopefully I'll be in Socal this time next year. People are willing to pay.
 

NuckaMan

Chimp
Dec 10, 2007
18
1
Orange County, CA
Wow, I need to come to this site more often.

This is such great news for SoCA residents. With $4/gallon for gas looming in the very near future, trips to Mammoth and beyond for lift assisted runs will become less frequent for many of us, or at least given more then a 2nd thought when planning a trip.

I always said whoever had the resources (land and money) to build a lift/shuttle assist DH park would do extremely well if located in the SoCA area and I always wondered why resort parks like Bear/Mountain High never took over Summit's buisness after the DH closure due to that lawsuit.

I hope this becomes reality!!! It certainly will help the sport.
 

bikedh7

Monkey
May 23, 2006
125
0
big bear city
man i wish that truly was the case...i have said a lot about race promotion that never happened...it was the reason for the disclaimer of "i'm not saying a bike park is open" at the start of the thread....

this was all to show how much interest there is and to give the owner a little push to make it happen. i had a great meeting with him today so this whole deal is helping a lot.

thanks everyone.
haha i understand, well lets just say you have done alot more for the sport then most pros in a short time, my ecd came quick, thats one thing? ha
 

BC VAN

Monkey
May 4, 2005
624
0
haha i understand, well lets just say you have done alot more for the sport then most pros in a short time, my ecd came quick, thats one thing? ha

thanks....the sport has done a lot for me as well.
welcome to the Tribe.