Take a spin
Can’t wait for the new trail to open? You don’t have to.
The MetroParks offer free Try Mountain Biking programs at MoMBA.
When: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 4 and Sept. 1
Where: MoMBA, 4485 Union School House Road
What: Bikes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Riders 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Helmets are mandatory and provided.
Take a class
What: Essentials of Mountain Biking
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 12
Where: MoMBA, 4485 Union School House Road
Ages: 14 and older
More info: www.metroparks.org
With its challenging natural terrain — complete with a rock-bottom creek, narrow trails and plenty of hills — the MetroParks Mountain Bike Area (MoMBA) is a great place for a wild ride.
But for those who aren’t quite ready to take a ride on the wild side, a beginner-friendly trail is being added to the Huffman MetroPark’s mountain biking facility.
“MoMBA is a great facility, but it’s not as accessible to first-time or younger riders as it is to more experienced riders,” said Randy Ryberg, Five Rivers MetroParks outdoor education coordinator. “We’re adding a new trail with some skill-building elements that will be ideal for beginners.”
MoMBA was the area’s first fully sustainable trail system designed to International Mountain Biking Association standards, specifically for mountain bike use. With more than eight miles of trails, the facility is popular with recreational riders and also hosts a variety of events for the MetroParks as well as the Miami Valley Mountain Bike Association. The new addition will likely increase the number of riders who can experience mountain biking.
According to the Outdoor Foundation’s most recent Outdoor Participation report, mountain biking — combined with road biking and BMX — ranked second among favorite outdoor activities by frequency of participation with 64 average outings per cyclist and 2.7 billion total outings.
“More and more kids are getting into mountain biking,” Ryberg said. “This new trail will make it a great experience for the whole family.”
The project will be paid for primarily with funds from an Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trail Project grant – the first of its kind to be granted for a mountain biking-specific facility. In addition to a new one-mile beginner trail, restrooms will be added and upgrades will be made to the parking lot.
Another exciting feature will be the skill building elements – essentially man-made structures designed to mimic what riders will encounter on the trails.
“It will be a lower-risk environment for riders to practice or perfect a skill,” Ryberg said. “It would also be a great place for us to hold a skills clinic.”
Ryberg wouldn’t be a bit surprised if some rookie riders get hooked on the sport like he did on his very first ride.
“I’m a outdoors-type person and, essentially, this is the same thing as hiking but on a bike, so it’s great for an adrenaline junkie like me,” Ryberg said. “And it’s also a great full-body workout.”
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