Kyle J testing the run in for speed and flow
Construction is underway on a new, jump filled line at the Bachelor Bike Park. Intended to be an advanced-level flow trail, the new Redline trail has been in the planning stages for years now. Slated to fully running in the summer 2019 season, the first section could be open as soon as this fall.
View from the chair: Redline on the upper left
Spotting Kyle Jameson’s truck and bike from the chair, we took a break from ripping laps at the park to visit with the build crew and get the 411 and see how the team is progressing with the digging.
Dirt Mechanics: work in progress
I’ll just flat out say it – days at Bachelor are about to get more rad.
Redline has been on the map for sometime now.
The new run will be accessible just off the top of the Pine Marten Lift. Starting off just left of Rockfall, the new alignment weaves down the slope between Rock Fall and Last Chance. (two of our favorite runs at Bachelor – who are we kidding – we love all the black diamond runs there)
Kyle testing a drop on what will be a fast run down the hill
Whereas Rockfall is a slower speed, steep, rugged and technical, Redline is a higher speed run. The machine built flow trail takes inspiration from classic Whistler Bike Park runs A-Line, Crank It Up and Dirt Merchant.
Izaak VH standing at the bottom of the lip of a step up jump in progress
In fact, prior to starting construction, the build crew spent some time in Whistler ripping laps on the popular jump lines for addition inspiration in preparing for the build.
Kyle J coming down for a flow check
Challenges
Redline has been in the planning stages for over 8 years. Like the Skibowl and Timberline resorts, the Bachelor Bike Park lies on land managed by the US Forest Service. Notoriously one of the most difficult land agencies to deal with, like Skibowl and Timberline, getting this project shovel ready has taken years in terms of red tape and delays.
Paul Lissette aka Kiwi and Kyle Jameson discuss the flow of the first major feature on Redline, a step up jump.
Dirt Mechanics, a firm based out of Bend has been contracted for the construction of the line. Dirt Mechanics previously built of many of the best lines at the resort, as well as many of the best new trails in Oregon. (check out our ride report on Spence Mountain in Klamath Falls here)
Scott athlete, pro freestyle mountain biker and builder Kyle Jameson knows his way around the Whistler Bike Park. Formerly a Post Office local in Aptos, he’s now based in Bend, and has been spending a good deal of time building big mountain features for videos and competitions. He’s joined the Dirt Mechanics team to aid in the construction and dial in the flow.
Park Manager Tom Lomax and the build team discuss plans for the following day’s work.
Seeing the new lines and hiking further down to check out the flags and alignment, the stoke meter is through the roof.
Redline is going to be so fast. We can’t wait to see how the team manages rider speed down these grades. (I’m guessing plenty of step-up jumps)
After the crew kicked off for the day we met up with Kyle J to rip a few more laps. With this much talent in Central Oregon, the riding opportunities in Bend are growing exponentially.
Follow Dirt Mechanics, Kyle Jameson and Mt Bachelor on Instagram for the latest sneak peek of the build…
