JSHSKI
New member
My friend Peter and I went to Find our Rides, the one time a year intro course that includes bike, protective gear, lift tix, and instruction. The bikes were GT Ruckus 7" travel Freeride machines. As two > 45 yo Dad's, who ride xc frequently and keep our tires mostly on the ground, we were like space travelers at Highland. Our great Instructor Karen got us familiar with some skills unique to DH and took a run with us to check if we were ready to be cut loose on the mountain. For me, trying to ride with a full face helmet and shin-elbow-shoulder-chest pads was the hardest part. I was like a little kid in a ski suit who can't put his arms at his sides. Once we were on our own, it was a blast. All the runs are fun with banked turns, bridges, and sooo many jumps. (if that is your thing) It isn't my thing as I found out at the top of Hellion. I rolled down this steep entry with ease, but found myself airborne before I knew how I got there. Crashing with all that gear on almost feels like it is happening to someone else. From then on, my goal was to roll up with enough speed to make it to the top, but not enough to launch. Try this 20 times in the course of one run. The day was great, the place is great, fellow riders were friendly, everyone who works there is awesome. Even the food is better than ski mountain fare. I envy all the riders who are comfortable getting air. For them this place is a playground with endless possibilities. I can't wait to go back. Here is the one small rub: Now we are hooked and our choices are to buy freeride/DH bikes, or rent the Ruckus again which is $89/Day. It just makes the value of the $99 find your ride program even more apparent.
