Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort has offered a variety of outdoor activities since it first opened its doors in 1959. From skiing, snowboarding and tubing in the winter, to hosting weddings and events in the great outdoors year round, visitors have long enjoyed the amenities that the mountain resort has to offer. And now they’ve added another recreational activity to their repertoire: Mountain Biking.
Until now the resort has operated mostly in the winter, but come June 19th that will change: The resort will hold the grand opening for a brand new Mountain Bike Park. This addition will feature upper and lower trails of varying difficulties, so whether you are an avid mountain biker, or just looking for something new to try, this is definitely a park worth checking out. And don’t forget to bring your favorite pair of Oakley’s along for the adventure. You’ll want to make sure they’re in top shape for the event. Do you need replacement lens: Oakley flak jacket options? LenzFlip has polycarbonate replacement lenses for Flak Jacket and Flak Jacket XLJ in a variety of tints for every time of day.
You’ll Want Your Replacement Lens: Oakley Flak Jacket Options On Hand When You Hit the Trails
In 2006, Powder Ridge fell on tough times and closed its doors. After a few years of closure, the community voted to sell the resort in hopes that new ownership could bring it back to life. Since Powder Ridge’s re-opening in 2013, owner Sean Hayes has put a strong emphasis on community involvement. This means that many of the park’s new features were designed for the people and by the people. This includes the new mountain bike trails.
Back in October 2012, Hayes reached out to local Connecticut mountain bikers, asking for their input in the preliminary design of the park and trails. After taking their input into consideration and clearing the trails, community members were invited back up to walk the trails and provide additional input and feedback.
The amount of community involvement in the restoration of Powder Ridge and the development of its new features is one of the things that makes this resort so great. Designers of the park wanted to create a family friendly park where visitors of all ages and skill levels could go enjoy themselves. For this reason, many different kinds of trails were developed.
There are currently two types of passes available for those visiting the park: The Lift Access Mountain Biking Pass, and the Lower Mountain Biking Pass.
Lift Access Mountain Biking Pass – This pass is a great option for adrenaline seekers, as it offers access to all of the trails at the top of the mountain. These gravity-fed routs are sure to get your heart pumping as you race downward through the trees.
Lower Mountain Biking Pass – This pass provides access to trails on the lower portion of the mountain and the Snake Runs, which are winding cement trails that are guaranteed fun for every rider. This is a great option if you want to enjoy your time, but aren’t sure if you’re ready for serious downhill mountain biking yet.
Mountain Bike Safety Requirements
The park also puts a strong emphasis on safety, as mountain biking is a dangerous sport and injuries are not only common, but expected. For this reason, the staff at the park recommends visitors wear full face helmets, full length gloves, and biking armor. Additionally, it is advised that bikes used in the park be equipped with disc brakes and full suspension. If your bike isn’t up to par, rentals are available at the park.
There are also some age restrictions to ensure safety for all riders. Children under 5 years old are not allowed on any downhill trails, as these are considered too dangerous; and all children 14 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Another safety precaution all outdoor enthusiasts should take is proper sun protection. This goes beyond just grabbing the sunscreen on your way out the door. Sunglasses are a vital part of protecting yourself from the sun’s damaging rays, as well as being able to see the trail and obstacles clearly. If you plan on going up the mountain to ride the trails, make sure you don’t forget your best pair of Oakley’s. You may want to take a look at some replacement lens: Oakley Flak Jacket options from LenzFlip. We offer high quality, polycarbonate lens replacements in a variety of tints to accommodate the changing light during the day.
Following the park’s safety precautions, in addition to bringing along proper sun protection, will help make your trip to the park fun for the whole family, and keep injuries to a minimum.
Powder Ridge Grand Opening Events
The new mountain bike park is on schedule to open for the 2016 season on June 19th, but grand opening events start the night before on the 18th with a sneak-peek of the trails for season pass holders. The sneak-peek event will allow those who have already purchased their season passes to ride the trails before they are open to the general public.
Breakaway Benefit
The following morning will start bright and early at 9:00 a.m. with the Breakaway Benefit, after which the park will open to the general public at 4:00 p.m.
The Breakaway Benefit, hosted by the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program, will feature multiple rides designed to appeal to riders of all ages and interests. Participants will enjoy riding along beautiful scenic routes through the local countryside, as well as down the mountain bike trails at the new Powder Ridge Park.
Registration for the event is $115 for adult riders, and free for riders 18 years old and under. There are fundraising minimums for teams based on the rides they are participating in. Those minimums are as follows:
- Mountain bike rides - $250
- 20 mile road ride - $250
- 65 mile road ride - $450
- 100 mile road ride - $450
Fundraising is encouraged for all participants, but is not required for riders 18 years old and under. If you want to attend the event, but aren’t up to a ride, you can sign up to volunteer at the Breakaway Benefit’s website, http://ctcyclingadvancement.donorpages.com/CCAPBREAKAWAYBENEFIT2016/. All proceeds from the benefit will go to encourage youth cycling in Connecticut’s schools, town programs, and independent organizations.
Dining: Fire At The Ridge With Hell’s Kitchen Runner Up Chef Kevin Cottle
If you plan on going up the mountain for the day’s events be sure to make reservations ahead of time for Fire at the Ridge dining. This restaurant and tavern offers an unforgettable private dining experience featuring breathtaking views of the mountain below. They serves handcrafted dishes prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Cottle, who was a runner up in season six of Hell’s Kitchen. (The popular cooking competition on FOX hosted by Celebrity Master Chef Gordon Ramsay.)
The cuisine at Fire at the Ridge features locally grown products in all of its delectable dishes. From Tuna Nachos and Fish and Chips, to the Ridgeside Burger and the Grilled Steak & Frites, the menu has something for everyone.
While you may not need your sunglasses inside the restaurant, you will definitely want them once you’re done eating and heading back out to the trails. If you plan on being at the resort for an extended amount of time, you should definitely check out some of the lens replacement: Oakley Flak Jacket color options available. Whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or foggy on the trails, you will want to be prepared for every situation.