Chestnut Mt. in Galena IL is offering summer weekend lift service for Mt.bikers

[Ballickarkingofthefairies]

I could see my self going out there to build a few times per month, I'm in.

[keithzim]

Have any of you guys been to the fdr trails? I couldnt believe that for how hidden they were that they were kept up so nice. I want to say that they had more elevation change than any ski resort I rode at in Wisconsin. I didnt mean to shoot down the Chestnut Mountain thing, just when I went there last summer there wasnt much stuff to ride. I agree that there or anywhere that has a ski hill has plenty of potential. If they end up building some more trails there please post up.

never been there. where is it at??

[Degrasse]

I talked with Chestnut Mt. and we discussed their position on  lift assisted downhill biking. They are all for bikes on their chair lifts. They will have one lift open on the weekends working double duty for bikes and their alpine slide. Bike lift ticket are $8.00 and if you want to use the alpine slide it $30.00 for the slide. If you go for the slide that same lift ticket will work for the biking as well. As for biking they will have two fast single track trials open and some service roads. They do have more single track but it's over grown and hard to find. If you do venture off be careful there are unmarked cliffs.

The history  is that Chestnut back in the 90’s had a downhill program with some races and events. They made the investment to convert the lifts for bikes and all was good. As time went on the guys that were running the program moved on so the program suffered and interest was lost.

Chestnut would love to accommodate bikers and would be open to adding more trails but they need a show of interests. The more bikers the more interests the more trails and hopefully maybe a feature or a stunt. Chestnut would also be more than happy to accommodate a bike race or event. Please call or Email Chestnut to keep downhill on their mind. (800) 798-0098 info@chestnutmtn.com

Chestnut offered to have whoever is of interest and my self  to come meet and they will show us the property. At that time I would like to propose a trail maintenance program collaborated with all the surrounding bike clubs. I strongly believe in built for the riders by the riders. Having a life assisted downhill play ground a couple of hours from are homes would be a great step forward for mountain biking in the Midwest. The best part about lift assisted mountain biking is going down.

I will let you all know the date to meet Chestnut so we can make this happen.

Thanks
Degrasse,

[Shenzi]

This is very very good news. Whoever wants to promote/organize a race, race series, there, let me know. As a rider,I'd be keen, as a Dainese crew member, I'd be interested to help a bit.

[d-webb]

I'm in for sure, lemme know when things get rolling.

[Huckster McPlush]

Lift assisted fast singletrack sounds like fun to me  and for only $8 for a lift ticket?  Very nice

[powerpantz]

Amazing this sounds like it has some potential.  Is there a date set to visit?

[ultraloveninja]

I'd be cool to see some of the old trails that they used to have there and try to revive them if possible.  I'd be in for some help!

[spoung45]

I raced the Cactus Cup there back in 1997 and the downhill was mostly just on the open grass ski hill. I'm not sure how much land they own, but it didn't look like there was very much area to build downhill singletrack in the woods. If they are willing to let people build some stuff then it could have potential.

The Cactus Cup wow I haven't heard of that for a long time.

[Degrasse]

When a time is set i will let all know. Mike the GM is still on board!!!!

[gotfish8]

 

[d-webb]

Also, another option in the other direction might be Swiss Valley ski area in Michigan.

I haven't really thought about what it's potential is, but my neighbor owns the place.

[Degrasse]

Also, another option in the other direction might be Swiss Valley ski area in Michigan.

I haven't really thought about what it's potential is, but my neighbor owns the place.

How cool is that, is your neighbor interested in a summer bike park?

[d-webb]

How cool is that, is your neighbor interested in a summer bike park?

If it was brought up the right way, I don't think he would be opposed to the idea. I know during the winter they have downhill snow races for bikers, so there's also a good number of people who already go their to ride bikes too.

http://skiswissvalley.com/whats-happening/events/snowball-bike-race-march-1st-2009/

[lml427]

never been there. where is it at??

http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/fdr-park.html