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to the resort, where the trails are on the property and which issues with their bike, in the back of their mind they may be
trails they might use during their lesson or that are appropri- asking themselves, What else might present an issue that I’ll
ate for their skill level. have to deal with?
When it comes to the equipment you offer there are sev-
eral factors to consider, including the makeup of your cus- STRATEGY 4: THE TRAILS
tomer base, their ages, all the estimated ability levels you will Arguably the most important aspect of any bike park is the
need to accommodate, and the mix of trails in the park. For trails and the experience they provide guest—from the first-
example, do you have kids’ bikes, and if so, what sizes? Do timer to the seasoned rider. The trails will determine how
you have guidelines for how young or small of a child you much fun they have, the kind of memories they take away,
can accommodate? If your park has a learning zone or skill and whether they come back and try the sport again at your
development area at the base, you might consider having bal- area (or anywhere, for that matter). While other factors such
ance or run bikes available to rent. For a general rental bike as your personnel and equipment can play a role too, the
included with a first-time package, consider whether it is trails themselves are where the fun happens.
suitable for all of the trails at your area—wider, “groomed,” To provide the best possible experience, pay particu-
machine-built (freeride) trails as well as more traditional sin- lar attention to the types of trails your area offers and the
gle track-style (technical) trails with roots and rocks. Are the level of maintenance it devotes to them. Consider creating
bikes comfortable to ride on both types of trail? small zones, typically called skill development areas, where
Also, pay particular attention to maintenance and repair new riders and classes can learn and practice their skills out
programs to keep the bikes in good working order, if not of the way of more experienced riders. Use a mix of fea-
top-notch shape. The quality of the equipment is import- tures that they will encounter, such as small berms, wooden
ant and a direct reflection on the area. If a new rider has bridges, rock gardens, and small dirt rollers. A zone like this
problems with a bike shifting or breaking down out on the in the base area can provide a less intimidating learning envi-
trail, this could be a deterrent to trying the sport again or ronment than one at the top of the lift. This also gives bike
even coming back to your area. After all, if guests experience coaches a chance to build their students’ confidence before

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