Racers navigate a rocky switchback on the Highbridge Park trails
Jae Choi www.jhchoi.com
New York City may seem like one of the least likely places to find good mountain biking trails, but after years of work between the New York City Mountain Bike Association (NYCMTB) and the New York City Parks department legal off road trails are becoming viable option in the Big Apple. Located in Inwood, Manhattan, the Highbridge Park trail system includes three miles of cross-country trails ranging from rocky and technical to fast and swoopy. Additionally, there’s a freeride trail and dirt jump park that were a collaboration between IMBA, Jeff Lenosky and Kyle Ebbett—two pro riders whom already helped put east coast riding on the MTB map.
The NYCMTB crew celebrated the grand opening of the Highbridge Park trail system May 19-20 in grand style by putting on their very first All-City Cross-Country race. Sunday's race course began in the shadow of the elevated #1 train subway station before climbing and descending 2.25 miles over historic grounds that once were occupied by a turn of the century roller coaster and a Revolutionary War fort.
Independent Fabrication’s Harlan Price won the men’s pro event besting a field that included former U23 US National Cyclocross champ Troy Wells (Tokyo Joes/X-Fusion), top regional pros Christian Favata (Verge/Overlook Mtn Bikes) and Ed Ceccolini (Campmor). He established a 2-minute lead in the first lap, and bumped the margin up to four minutes by the end of the 8th and final lap. On the women's side, pro Jane Peason (Maverick) took home the victory over Connecticut pro Mary Lynn Wikar.
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Volunteers had to spend several days getting the course in shape for the big event. Glass, trash, urban refuse and even a few junkies needed to be removed before start time, but enough remained that Maxxis decided to donate tubes to any riders who flatted. Regardless, the response to the trails and race was very positive despite the off-road hazards. Gary Fisher/Subaru regional pro Michael Patrick, said the course was "Just like the old days—mostly technical, required both skill and strength to do well, true mountain biking in NYC."
For more information on the NYCMTB All-City Cross-Country race, visit www.nycmtb.com
New Yorkers no longer have to travel upstate or to New Jersey to feed their rocky fix.
Jae Choi www.jhchoi.com
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