Bell Helmets and the IMBA are offering financial backing and technical assistance to three lucky mountain bike projects in the U.S., which would provide Launch with a world-class “flow trail” – a machine-made and groomed downhill mountain bike trail that would start at the top of Spring Mountain and end at the bottom. This type of trail would be a unique experience and a huge draw for riders of all abilities, from beginners and kids to the most advanced expert riders. Being the only trail of its kind in the region, it would also bring increased tourism to the area, benefiting local businesses including bike shops, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and the newly re-opened Woodside Lodge.
“The Bell Built trail would be a unique cycling experience and a boost to the local economy,” said Mike “Wally” Cutillo, trail guide at Launch Bike Park. “A dedicated group of local volunteers have poured their heart and soul into making Launch Bike Park a success and winning this grant would put us on the map, drawing huge interest from riders far and wide. Launch would be able to offer chairlift-assisted access to a new groomed “flow trail” that would be a unique downhill experience that could be enjoyed by any bicyclist, even kids.”
Launch Bike Park was started in 2010 by a group of 30 local volunteers that have donated over 550 hours of time to build and groom 12 trails on Spring Mountain. This past summer the park attracted hundreds of mountain bike riders from many other states and hosted a series of sanctioned mountain bike races. However, the park is still struggling to be viable because it's terrain is rocky, steep and technically challenging, so it attracts a niche of skilled riders on bikes specifically made for this type of advanced downhill mountain biking. The grant would open the mountain to mountain bikers of almost any ability with any type of mountain bike.
Bell and IMBA will be publicizing the Bell Built campaign on March 5th. People will be able to vote for which trail project they think should receive the grant. Information will be available at BellHelmets.com and LaunchBikePark.com.
About Launch Bike Park
Launch Bike Park is Pennsylvania’
