[Hulkamaniac]

Here's what we built this weekend at Snowshoe. Excuse the mess, as we just finished building stuff and wanted to get a test rider on things as quickly as possible.........and to bring you pics as soon as possible. Everything is now cleaned up and looking awesome.

Here's a starter, one side is 12" wide and the far side is 16" wide:

 

[Hulkamaniac]

this side is 16" wide:

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Here's the new 16' long teeter in action

 

[Matt D]

Looking good! It's great you guys have the go-ahead to do this kind of trail building!

 

[Hulkamaniac]

even better action shot of the teeter

 

[profro]

That teeter makes my tummy feel all warm.

 

[Hulkamaniac]

just finished this 84' long bridge yesterday afternoon

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Finally, here's a few of the builders working on the 84' bridge.....it's roughly 20-24" wide (little wider in the turns). A few of the key builders are missing from this shot.

 

[Matt D]

One question, do you plan on putting any chicken wire or anything over the wood for grip? The rain and mud will make that stuff slick as snot. Just curious.

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Matt,
There a few things we are contemplating, but we haven't made a firm decision yet. The wood is rough cut lumber, so it has a good bit of texture/grip to it, but we are debating on what we may end up putting on top of it all for better grip.

 

[jncarpenter]

......not to be critical ( as I am sure you all worked hard & are proud of your work), but it sure seems as if you're just building stunts to build stunts. I mean, the terrain there in those shots looks completely rideable. I guess if that is what you're shooting for than fine. I personally think those structures look completely out of place & unnatural......but, to each his own. Just my $0.02

 

[profro]

Originally posted by jncarpenter
......not to be critical ( as I am sure you all worked hard & are proud of your work), but it sure seems as if you're just building stunts to build stunts. I mean, the terrain there in those shots looks completely rideable. I guess if that is what you're shooting for than fine. I personally think those structures look completely out of place & unnatural......but, to each his own. Just my $0.02

Exactly what I was thinking. The teeter is a stunt and I see its purpose, but the boardwalk makes less sense with that terrain under it. And at that width its kind of like riding on the road.

Please don't get me wrong. I agee, the work looks top notch and I am SURE the effort was tremendous. Just trying to understand the need??????

 

[JerseyDave]

goes over a swampy/hemlocky area, while the teeter seems to serve no purpose to me, other then just being there.

 

[ÆX]

Originally posted by jncarpenter
......not to be critical ( as I am sure you all worked hard & are proud of your work), but it sure seems as if you're just building stunts to build stunts. I mean, the terrain there in those shots looks completely rideable. I guess if that is what you're shooting for than fine. I personally think those structures look completely out of place & unnatural......but, to each his own. Just my $0.02

yeah, the reason this all started was to get ovet too much deadfall. if you need the planks then fine. if not ride the dirt. that is what we do with dh bikes! rant not done yet.

all this time put into worthless crap riding. we are not marbels looking for a track to roll down. gheeeesh. give me a trail 15' wide so i can choose! i am not an animal!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Actually, what you can't see in those pics is the fact that everything we have built, except the teeter, was built to get you over an unrideable section of the trail (ie, mud pits, majorly washed out sections of creeks, etc). There are so many natural springs in the area that create swamps, mud bogs, etc. If we were to let you ride through that stuff on a marked trail, not only would you end up making the trail ridiculously wide and muddy, but everyone would complain even more.

Trust me, I am all for keeping the trail natural, but when you're presented with the sections of trails that are not rideable (for both mtb and environmental reasons) you've got to do something. As for them looking unnatural, well the reason is two fold: 1) we don't have deadfall on the mountain that is sturdy enough to build with (no hardwood deadfall like the west coast), as the abundance of spruce trees don't lend themselves to lasting structures and 2) we want these structures to last for quite a few years, so they are overbuilt with quality lumber and quality construction.

Finally, if 12" isn't skinny enough for you, then I am sorry. However, if you look at places like Whistler they have very few, if any, sections skinnier than that. Wait till you get a chance to ride this stuff before you pass judgement based on a picture.

 

[profro]

Sounds like prefectly good reasons. Build on.

 

[Matt D]

Originally posted by JerseyDave
goes over a swampy/hemlocky area, while the teeter seems to serve no purpose to me, other then just being there.

The teeter's purpose is to be a fun thing to ride.

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

Originally posted by jncarpenter
......not to be critical ( as I am sure you all worked hard & are proud of your work), but it sure seems as if you're just building stunts to build stunts. I mean, the terrain there in those shots looks completely rideable. I guess if that is what you're shooting for than fine. I personally think those structures look completely out of place & unnatural......but, to each his own. Just my $0.02

I really dont understand this type of attitude, the stuff being built looks simply amazing. I have been waiting for man made stuff like this to come to the east coast forever. Of course you could ride the ground below is with most of the stunts that are built around the world. But it is simply more fun IMO to challenge yourself above ground on a teeter totter. So props to you hulk, i will be at snowshoe buying freeride park tickets all summer supporting the scene. Keep up the good work bro!

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Exactly, the teeter was built to add some fun to a section of a trail that really didn't have much to offer. These features are not built on the same trail, rather they are spread out over several trails in the same general area. We are leaving a ton of natural stuff that resemble a dh course (rocks, roots, jumps, berms, etc) and building things to work around areas that aren't rideable. These pics only show a very minor part of the building that is going on up here, a lot of what you don't see is the jumps, drops and berms we are making out of what mother nature has given us..............deadfall, rocks/boulders, natural bermed areas, natural jumps.

 

[Matt D]

Any word on the DH course for this year? Is it the same 12" rut as last year?

 

[Lexx D]

They shouldn't have to defend themselves! I ride natural stuff all the time and build stuff to make it more fun. That's why I ride my bike it's fun. All the people saying "what's the point" is a little strange to me.
I understand bridges were first built to go over deadfall and stuff but come on. Not everything on the shore is built out of need, it's for fun! If people don't like it don't ride it. I'm going to snowshoe this summer because they're building. This "I don't get it" thing is really confusing me.

 

[Lexx D]

Originally posted by jncarpenter
......not to be critical ( as I am sure you all worked hard & are proud of your work), but it sure seems as if you're just building stunts to build stunts. I mean, the terrain there in those shots looks completely rideable. I guess if that is what you're shooting for than fine. I personally think those structures look completely out of place & unnatural......but, to each his own. Just my $0.02

Look at clown shoes at whistler. It's not there for "need" it's for fun!

 

[bizutch]

...just like a bunch of ungrateful riders to complain about something they're not building...

Everytime any of us get permission to build stuff at a ski resort, we are absolutely thrilled.

Then everybody picks it apart....don't take it personally Hulk.

Boy, you should read the "less off camber" stuff about Wolf Laurel....those are funniest ones.

If my daughter wasn't so young, I'd be all about coming up there to ride that stuff for a weekend.

Give Tim "the Toolman" Taylor my regards!

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Entirely new dh course is being cut starting this week. It would take me to long to describe everything right now. Might have pics sooner or later.

 

[MTB_Rob_NC]

Hulkamaniac

Just a few things. First OFF great work, not just the trails but in general. I have already contacted your MTB manager and have been playing phone tag with your group sales people. We ( www.clubmud.com ) Happen to do "group" trips as often as possible, since we are in a Terrain Challenged area and if it doesn't happen this summer, it will certainly happen next.

Originally posted by Hulkamaniac
Matt,
There a few things we are contemplating, but we haven't made a firm decision yet. The wood is rough cut lumber, so it has a good bit of texture/grip to it, but we are debating on what we may end up putting on top of it all for better grip.

We build bridges (and now some stunts) using PT lumber down here in Florida. We also happen to get VERY heavy rains and lots of mud. We have been very successful using roofing shingles for traction. They are easy to install and by design resistant to the elements. They are cheap to buy in bulk and you can often find contractors to donate their left overs.

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

I think it needs to be pointed out that all over the east coast people like myself are building man made stuff and getting sh1t from land owners so we are unable to due it. I think that is a fact that the bridges and mademade stunts have become a major faction of freeriding. The new snowshoe stuff is going to give people a place to ride and preserve our images with land owners because less will be built. Personally i see nothing wrong with building a stunt on a section of trail that is ridable without it...

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

hahahah ooops ***due**** i guess i am thinking about finals

 

[profro]

I like elevated stunts (teeter) and boardwalk kind of stuff. The skinny stuff is quite a challenge. But to build elevated stuff that is really wide (>20") and that is straight with no elevation change....I just don't see the point. Its just like riding on a sidewalk. But to build a short section to get over deadfall or a creek or a swampy area, then I understand. But I am seeing a tread developing. It sems that if you build nothing more than a bridge a couple feet off the ground, people flip out an think its freeriding. No its a bridge, we have plenty on our local XC trails. I have seen some bridge work that looks like a real tight roller coaster. That would be a neat idea to break up a section of straight bridge. But 84' seems a little long without other stunts through in. But I haven't seen the terrain, so its probably there to get you over a 84' section of swamp. I plan on being there for the opening in May and I can't wait to check it out.

 

[Captain Crunch]

Guys, that's some of the finest, tightest construction I have ever seen in the realm of shore style obstacles. Your crew looks like Union labor to me, great job, really. Ignore the crybabies and naysayers, use your judgement as to where and what to build.

Many stunts could be skinnier, but then we wouldn't be encouraging beginners to learn the basics necessary to ride the really challenging obstacles they will certainly find later on in thier riding adventures, would we? The real skinny stuff is out there, on underground trails, etc.. where they ought to be. Ski areas that allow riders to build are wonderful things, and they are places where riders of all levels and abilities should be able to go and have a good time.

In twenty years, hopefully none of us will remember a time when we couldn't ride our style of trail on most of the resort properties in North America!

Keep building, but don't forget to take your time to ride along the way, too! Kudos to you guys!

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Profro, the 84' bridge was heavily dictated by the lay of the land. There really wasn't an option for any elevation changes, so we made some turns in it. Truthfully until you ride/stand/walk on this stuff, it's hard to say that 20 to 24" is wide.

Like Captain Crunch said, we are a ski resort that hosts a wide range of mtb talent. We can't start out by building ultra skinny and technical features that scare beginners and some of the better intermediate riders away from the start. Also, we can't go out and build completely nutty stunts just yet, that comes with time needed to prove to everyone involved that this park is a big plus for the resort. You'll see a lot of things pop up this summer, as the park will be ever evolving and new stunts will pop up regularly that are both technical and skinny.

 

[Jeremy R]

Originally posted by Hulkamaniac
Entirely new dh course is being cut starting this week. It would take me to long to describe everything right now. Might have pics sooner or later.

You guys have a giant set of balls if you are building an entirely new DH course. Especially considering the one now is one of the world's best. Rock on and good luck.
And see if you can make one that will stay dry in June.

 

[profro]

The opening of the park is bringing me and my money.

 

[Tweek]

Hulka, the stuff looks fantastic. I am looking forward even more to our trip to Snowshoe this Mem. Day. :dancing: Can't wait to hit it!

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Jeremy R, we kinda had to make a new course. As much as we all love the old course, it's just torn to bits from mud races. Given some time off, I think it should restore itself to a rather nice state for all to enjoy again. Once the NCS has come through, we plan to cut several more dh trails over there.

 

[Leethal]

More trails would/will be awesome at Snowshoe. The course there is awesome but it would be cool to have many more options down the mountain.

 

[Matt D]

Originally posted by Hulkamaniac
Jeremy R, we kinda had to make a new course. As much as we all love the old course, it's just torn to bits from mud races. Given some time off, I think it should restore itself to a rather nice state for all to enjoy again. Once the NCS has come through, we plan to cut several more dh trails over there.

Cool! I'm glad to hear you're cutting a new course. Using the old course again would be aweful. That is my favorite course ever, but the past 2-3 times I've been on it it's gone from bad to terrible in terms of erosion and too much riding/not enough maintaining.

Even though this isn't IMBA's usual territory, you may want to consult them on how to bring that trail back to life. Just leaving it alone for a year isn't going to do it. Those rivers that run through the trenches will not go away, in fact they'll get worse with more rain. I can get you in touch with a guy in Harrisonburg who has been with IMBA for years, and does trail consulting throughout the US. He may be able to come out and give you a guideline for what needs to be done.

 

[Hulkamaniac]

Yeah, it's definitely going to be a major plus to have more trails here as a whole. I am definitely excited to have the freeride park trails, as they just lend themselves to a ton of fun when you mix the natural terrain and the stuff we are making.

I am, however, most excited that we get to cut some new dh trails in the Western Territory. There is just so much potential for insane courses on that side of the mountain and we don't have to do a thing to it........just cut it and ride!

 

[DHanamal]

I am so gonna buy a season pass this year. Keep those photos comin'! I would love to see some 4X track photos too.

 

[Hulkamaniac]

I'll definitely get some mtn x pics up when they get to start on it. We have so much snow laying on the ski trails right now that they can't start yet......it's melting pretty quick, but there's just so much left over from winter. Hopefully it will only be another week or so before they can start.

 

[biggins]

damn man that stuff looks like fun. i dont care if you can ride the dirt beneath it. how long would the drive be from asheville to get there?