The all-new Redline jump trail at the Mt. Bachelor Bike Park is rad. It’s far better than we expected, considering how loose, rocky, and sandy the soil at Bachelor can be.
A black diamond, advanced-level jump trail, the Redline trail is reminiscent of the World Class Black Diamond Whistler Trails A-Line and Dirt Merchant. Filled with step-up to step-down jumps with more than a few step-down drops, it’s the riding experience we’ve been waiting for. Riders have been waiting for the last year with anticipation, hoping the team of Kyle J and Dirt Mechanics would come through.. and they did, meeting and surpassing expectations.
The finished result was worth the wait – it finally elevates the Mt. Bachelor experience to being the destination-worthy bike park we hoped it could/would be.
The trail starts fairly mellow, with a small wood skills filter to keep inexperienced riders out before they’re ready, quickly getting into a groove, with the first drop that leads into the berm to step up jump we documented the build of last year.
The trail flows great – no pedaling is needed, with the first step up jump launching you up into a nice fadeaway landing. If there is one downside, it’s that depending on the time of day, you’re riding right into the sun; as I usually wear clear lenses on my goggles, I was in for an eyeful of blinding light.
Aside from the drops, (they are mostly rollable and there are go-arounds if you slow down to look for them) most of the trail can be ridden at half speed while you sus out the lines, flow, and get the feel of the trail.
The trail is well-signed, with flags signaling jumps and signage on most of the drops. Even so, the first time you launch the drop over a garden of rocks is quite a rush.
The trail masterfully drops a ton of elevation quickly, before zipping back up into a step-up jump, forcing the riders to stay off the brakes, to maintain momentum. A number of sections work far better once you remember the tempo of where and when to slow down, or pump harder.
It should be noted, that this is an advanced, high-level trail — the features are all sizeable, and with large jumps come large consequences if things go south. Bike park staff mentioned that the trail has been keeping the bike patrol and first responders busy, with a good number of injuries from riders riding above their heads. Stay safe; pre-ride, re-ride, ride smart, and wear your armor and protection.
Bachelor’s fall season runs through October 6th assuming conditions allow.. click here to check the operating schedule and plan your next trip.