Mountain Biking - My first IMBA Epic ride of 2008

If you live within a few hours of Cleveland Ohio, 3 1/2 for me, then don't miss the chance to ride at
Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park. Last Sunday 7 of us from the River Valley Mountain Bike Association
car pooled to Ray's, most of us for the first time, and enjoyed an entire day of riding.

I was a bit skeptical that any indoor riding could be fun or exciting. Dude! was I mistaken. This place
rocks and will wear you out. I heard about Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park last year but never really
looked into it until a few weeks ago. It was brought up at our last RVMBA meeting and mentioned that
a few were planning a trip there again. Shortly after that meeting I read about it as an IMBA Epic and
with the weather being like it was here in WV, my son and I decided to tag along. What the heck, it
would be worth the gas and the $20 fee to find out what all the hype was about. Those members who
had been there stated it was awesome and they couldn't wait to get back there.

This past Sunday our group outing was quite an adventure and what a great day it was. It was nothing
like I had imagined. We all had a great time, even with a few sore ribs I obtained crashing on the pump
track. Like the other members who had been there before, I can't wait to go back.

So if you don't mind a few hours drive for a days worth of riding and awesome place to hone those skills,
head to Ray's. We started with the XC Course that loops around and above all the other sections. Push
hard for a couple laps and you'll be gasping for air. So much fun I didn't want to stop for and pics on it.
Super fast in a couple spots but not really technical to most. Then we stopped at the beginners section.
Don't let the word beginners fool you. See the first couple pics of one spot in the beginners section.

After riding there for a while we headed over to the Sport Section and it was amazing. There are so
many options to ride and all unaffected by the weather. This place is not really heated however was
not "cold". I went prepared and had to strip a couple layers off. I believe there was some heat in the
beginners section but the entire place was comfortable, many wearing just shorts and "T's".

Check out there website for further details, directions, photo tours, release forms, etc.
Here are just a few shots of out group. Truely an Epic ride. http://www.raysmtb.com

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/djphotos1/Rays/100_5961w.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/djphotos1/Rays/100_5941w.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/djphotos1/Rays/100_5791w.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/djphotos1/Rays/100_5760w.jpg

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/djphotos1/Rays/100_5751w.jpg


ODN

Help me out with this "IMBA Epic" thing. How is riding indoors epic? I totally understand that Ray's is a cool place to hang out and play for a day,but epic? IMBA did an "epic" route at DuPont St Forest that a couple of miles from my house and the route they laid out is not too hot (IMHO). I wonder who decides these things?.
Nice pics by the way.

Help me out with this "IMBA Epic" thing. How is riding indoors epic? I totally understand that Ray's is a cool place to hang out and play for a day,but epic?

mtnbiker66, I'm not sure who figures those things out for IMBA either. I wouldn't have even known it
was listed except there was a write up on it in an email newletter RVMBA club members get from IMBA.
As for the term Epic, I guess that is all in how you look at it. I've seen that question hashed out
numerous times in other forums and it always comes down to individual opinions.

Epic could describe a marathon, yet it could describe Classic, Impressive, Grand, Blockbuster, etc. I
was very skeptical, as mentioned, how riding indoors was going to be anything but boring. However,
IMBA's rating aside, I would still consider it an Epic ride due to the fact for me it was Classic, Impressive
and if ridden, through all the obsticles, without stopping, one after the other, linking them together with
the "XC Course?" it's pretty close to a Marathon for this old man. :D Then again, that's just how I look
at it. Of course there were 7 of us, 2 who had been there before, and everyone had an awesome ride,
got totally worn out, couldn't quit talking about it all the way home and are already planning one more
trip before they close in April.

Thanks for the comment on the pictures. It was actually tough to find a good setting for the camera
in there due to the mixed lighting.

ODN

Perhaps "Ray" donates enough money to get the Epic label?

How is riding indoors epic?

Epic is different to everybody.

Nice. Looks like a good time. Would definitely help my skills.

But you may have to change your name to indoornut.

Epic is different to everybody.

I guess, but when I think of something thats epic I think of great views ,lots of miles, awsome trails. Thats what makes up an epic ride or weekend. The last TGMBG gathering was "epic".

I guess, but when I think of something thats epic I think of great views ,lots of miles, awsome trails. Thats what makes up an epic ride or weekend. The last TGMBG gathering was "epic".

Did you guys get T-shirts made?

Where was the gathering?

Did you guys get T-shirts made?

Where was the gathering?

Uhhhhh yeah, they were orange and had a 01 on them.

Uhhhhh yeah, they were orange and had a 01 on them.

lol! Oh wait, people frown on the use of "lol" here.

I guess, but when I think of something thats epic I think of great views ,lots of miles, awsome trails. Thats what makes up an epic ride or weekend. The last TGMBG gathering was "epic".

I have to agree. Ray's looks like a fun practice course for when it's too cold or wet to do real trails. There are no mountains in the photos...