Construction will temporarily close Bull Gap Trail from late June through early August
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
It’s not necessary to be a skier and snowboarder to enjoy the Mt. Ashland Ski Area.
That’s because the Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association (RVMBA) is teaming up with local trail builder Earthworx, LLC, to add a brand-new jump line — dubbed the A-Line — for mountain bikers.
The upgraded design is intended to “elevate the existing Bull Gap Trail, that starts at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area parking lot, from the worst to the best mile,” according to a press release. “This new learner-friendly trail promises a bike-only downhill trail with a progressive jump line and a parallel multi-use trail for uphill riding, hiking, and running. The improved trail will begin a few hundred feet below the first switchback, just outside the ski area boundary.”
The RVMBA, which is working with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest to ensure the build goes smoothly and safely, will close the Bull Gap Trail from Sunday, June 22 through early August. Signage will be up in the parking lot to remind mountain bikers about the construction in progress. Time Warp will be the only route to Ashland for bikers during that closure.
“We thank you all for your patience while the crew works their magic!” RVMBA said in the news release.
“After years of hard work, planning, and fundraising, we want to congratulate RVMBA for making this dream trail a reality for both locals and visitors of the Rogue Valley,” a Mt. Ashland Ski Area Facebook post reads. “We will share RVMBA’s official opening announcement as soon as A-Line is ready to ride so stay tuned!”
To learn more, follow @rvmbaorg on social media or visit their website for project updates and more at Mt. Ashland Ski Area.
A trail upgrade isn’t the only thing mountain enthusiasts have to look forward to this summer.
Runners also have opportunities this summer on Saturdays when they can join with the Mt. Ashland Endurance team for group runs that cover miles to and around the mountain. A team member leads either a run or bike ride, with the outings lasting from 9 a.m. to about noon. The mountain provides access to hundreds of miles of trails for running, biking, and hiking.
Set for Sunday, June 29, is the Mt. Ashland Pride Ride to celebrate Pride Month. The area’s inaugural Summer Pride Ride will include a group run/ride, followed by giveaways of Mt. Ashland Pride swag in the parking lot, with music and non-alcoholic beverages. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Visitors can also play 18 holes of disc golf. The course is free and open daily.
In addition, the Karen & Sid DeBoer Lodge is offering a series of events, including “Sip and Paints” on the bar deck and “nostalgic Drive-in Movie Nights.”
For more information on the several Mt. Ashland offerings visit www.mtashland.com/event-directory/.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.
