Portland’s Indoor Mecca of Bikes: the Lumberyard Bike Park

The first time I recall talking bikes with Will Heiberg of the Lumberyard Bike Park was at the Backyard Blam Pump Track. Like many Portlanders, he had dreams of a place to ride bikes when the weather turned sour. Turns out it was a vision he was unwilling to let go of, and teaming up with his entrepreneurial partner Michael Whitesel, the two created what the rest of us only fantasized about: the first indoor MTB bike park in the northwest.

There have been a few other attempts at an indoor facility in the Portland area in the past, generally bike friendly but usually skateboard centric. Most of them came and went, leaving only memories of good times. It would take a serious amount of commitment to create a sustainable park that would draw the masses in. It’s an easy sell when the raining is coming down, but what about the rest of the year?

Clearly the guys have big plans, as they’ve already expanded with a full bar and pub to compliment the 48,000 square feet of riding that includes beginner and intermediate riding areas that include a jump lines, a half pipe, pump track and XC practice loop with enough skinnies to satisfy any one that wants to build up their balancing skills.

They aren’t done yet either. Future plans include an additional space that will features another 20,000 square feet that will contain a foam pit and resi-ramp that will likely raise the level of riding in Portland to a whole another level.

And now, a visual tour of the Lumberyard:

Start planning your trip: The Lumberyard