Well this could be interesting.... http://www.gtabikepark.com/

RippleChip · 08-10-2009

http://www.gtabikepark.com/

No real details other than it opens up for November.

Anyone know anything about it?

singlesprocket · 08-10-2009

90'000sq feet is a hell of a big place... hope they got a good deal on the rent.

garage monster · 08-10-2009

They made an announcement about it at Mountainview yesterday too.

No more long boring drives to Cleveland for me(although I'll miss the Saturday morning runs to the Farmer's Market)!

mtbmeister · 08-10-2009

Maybe to through some stunts, which we know you're keen on, but not so much for endurance training.

Quote:

Originally Posted by singlesprocket

90'000sq feet is a hell of a big place... hope they got a good deal on the rent.

Enduramil · 08-10-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbmeister

Maybe to through some stunts, which we know you're keen on, but not so much for endurance training.

No but it's still a good place to work on those other skills that Enduro types tend to neglect.

Dgage · 08-10-2009

Looks good..even a cross-country track!

gmstrek8 · 08-10-2009

Will save me the trip to Cleveland this year. I have wanted to go for the past 2 yrs and never made it but TO is far enough for me so that will be perfect. What would be really perfect would be if it was open 24 hrs for us shift workers that have nothing to do in the middle of the night. Can't wait to hear the rest of the details.

Lutzy · 08-10-2009

Looks good....

HubbaMan · 08-10-2009

Wow, I hope they can pull it off ok. Rumored to be in Markham according to the site, given the cost of rent, I'm sure it's going to be out there a bit.

I hope they have some sort of flow to the place, Ray's is a great template. Winter riding AND this would be hella fun

NewbieTed · 08-10-2009

If it's in Markham that would be a plus since it won't be far from home. very interested to see what they're going to build.

dropmachine.com · 08-10-2009

If its in Markham, its not exactly GTA, its added-on GTA

singlesprocket · 08-11-2009

not just me lol, but a large portion of the riding community considering the number of bike parks popping up. oh, they do have spin bikes...

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbmeister

Maybe to through some stunts, which we know you're keen on, but not so much for endurance training.

tdotrider · 08-11-2009

this is wicked awesome news...seasons pass here i come...

Nerdgirl · 08-13-2009

I've heard a little bit of the planning and it sounds AMAZING. If anyone can do it, and do it right, it's these guys. I LOVED Ray's. This has the potential to be even better. (And, you know, MUCH closer.)

What's killing me is that they keep adding little teasers to their website a couple of times a day. I'm going back constantly! Damn them!

CaptSlow · 08-13-2009

This sounds amazing, hope it comes through and lasts...

nogearshere · 08-14-2009

explosions rocked the park yesterday...

...quite possibly and exclusive tour coming next week.

ddakin · 08-16-2009

I still feel a tremendous loyalty to Rays because he was the first and original and I consider him to be a friend. But this could do VERY well in TO. I'll definitely throw my support behind it.

But at the same time, I'll still make the trip to Rays a few times each winter too

Good luck to the guys doing this. They deserve all of our support.

Nerdgirl · 09-14-2009

I've been following progress on the website religiously. I loved Ray's, so if this can be anywhere near as good, I'll be so there every weekend.

Anyway, they're asking for input about the most important feature in a bike park. I'm divided! I think the skills lines were the most useful for me at Ray's. But I loved the pump track (a new discovery for me!). And the cross country loop was great for a good warmup... I don't really care about the jumps (though they were awesome to watch), but the foam pit was pretty cool. Thoughts?

GiantMartin · 09-15-2009

Well what they need is too build alot of what will draw the crowds or the place won't survive. I thin a good pump track with dirst jumps, a good XC track with some tech stuff is the way too go. Me thinks Rays is a good start.

tdotrider · 09-15-2009

At Ray's I loved the skills lines (if we're talking about the same thing, where you drop in and have ~10 lines to choose, some being skinnies/teeters/rockgarden/etc). I was REALLY impressed with the flow @ Ray's, I was expecting somewhat of a chaotic scene with riders weaving around eachother in all directions but the way it was set up was perfect. I think the key to this type of park is being truly friendly to beginners and experts alike, a separate room for beginner's at Ray's went a long way in providing a place for beginners to get into it without feeling intimidated and also a great warm-up zone...I'm super stoked about this place!

scarsellone · 09-15-2009

I was looking into a indoor park a few years ago. One big issue I was concerned about was the fact that a lot of people don't really want to pay entry fees! I was at Albion last week & there was nobody at the entrance & you r supposed to be a good person & pay via an envelope. Well the park ranger came around & asked to see my pass.No prob, showed him & went over to some other people in the parking lot & here we go. He had no money on him & his buddy was coming & will pay. Come on would you go out with no money on you!
People have been sneaking into all these great trails around Ontario. Will they pay to ride indoor?
One other point i bring up is that a lot of people cried that the King trails is too short! You think 90k sq feet will wet your apatite?
I think for the bmx crowd this will be great, but for XC? I will definetly try it out.

tdotrider · 09-15-2009

People will pay for an indoor park, no question. The difference between an indoor park and the outdoor trails is that indoor bike parks have little if any direct competition. Where else can you ride your bike in the dead of winter? These places aren't intended to be full-out XC trails - they can't be for obvious reasons - but they're still wicked fun and a great way to sharpen your technical skills. I was out at Ray's for one weekend last year and improved my balance and slow-speed handling tremendously.

I was also looking into starting/partnering to build an indoor park after my Ray's trip but when I worked out the numbers it just didn't make financial sense for me. Kudos to the guys building this park, takes a helluva lot of hard work and time!

garage monster · 09-15-2009

In the summer, it can be pretty hard to justify paying to ride. In fact, I'll avoid it if at all possible and the only time I do is for races.

However, in the winter, not only do I pay to ride, I subject myself to a ridiculously boring drive to Cleveland AND pony up the dough for a hotel and meals.

With a local park, I won't have the compunction to ride for 12 hours only to pass out in front of the fire place just to restore my sense of "value".

It'll be super-easy to pop-in for a couple of hours, do a loop or two, hit the pump track and some skinnies and STILL have all afternoon to squeeze in a good 20 km of skiing.

Way better than going to the gym if you ask me.

chansen · 09-15-2009

This place will be 10 minutes from me. The only annoying thing is that I bought a trainer a few months ago, thinking I would use it this winter. No way. Not with this place so close.

Anyone want a Kurt Kenetic, new in box?

want to ride · 09-15-2009

Last winter we went down to Ray's twice.
It was surprisingly exhausting and fun!!!
That place is really flows I hope they come up something really similar layout !
Hopefully we'll see a lot of Demo days there...
Finally we would have the chance to test the bikes on trail like conditions....

DJer Flamezfan · 09-19-2009

this look like its going to be sick cant wait to see what kindof stuff they're gonna have

northside · 09-20-2009

Did car-less riders (teens, locals or eco-riders) factor into the business plan for the Park? Land values largely determined the siting of the park, but what are the chances of making the trek from various points in the GTA by transit/GO?

gmstrek8 · 09-20-2009

I hope the hrs are different to Ray's for us older and shift workers. Always nice to have something to do during the day and not have to wait until the evening. I can understand opening at 5 pm for the school kids and the day workers but how about the people with screwed up schedules.

Nerdgirl · 09-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by northside

Did car-less riders (teens, locals or eco-riders) factor into the business plan for the Park? Land values largely determined the siting of the park, but what are the chances of making the trek from various points in the GTA by transit/GO?

It's actually right next to a GO station.

tdotrider · 09-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmstrek8

I hope the hrs are different to Ray's for us older and shift workers. Always nice to have something to do during the day and not have to wait until the evening. I can understand opening at 5 pm for the school kids and the day workers but how about the people with screwed up schedules.

As much as it's going to be a playground for riders, it'll also have to be a sustainable business. Having staff on-hand from 9am-5pm to handle the few riders that show up in that timeframe just doesn't make good business sense...that's probably why Ray's doesn't do it. It'd be nice if they had day-time hours once a week, maybe do a 10-10 thing on Fridays or something...

gmstrek8 · 09-21-2009

you would think with the number of shift workers now a days there would be more people out during the day. I understand they need to open when they will make money. I was hoping there would be enough people that are free in the day time that would warrant it to be open during the day. Like you said even if there is at least one day a week they opened early then that would be better then nothing. Shift work sure gets in the way of having some fun in life. But without it you can't have a life either. Oh boy i need to win a lottery.

tdotrider · 10-09-2009

Looks like Ray's MTB is stepping it up a notch with longer hours, lower prices and free rentals...

- New Lower Price; $10 for all day (tax included)
- Free Rental Bikes
- Hours of operation: Thurs/Fri 4pm-11pm; Sat/Sun 12pm-11pm

Just got their 'gearing up for the new season' emails...perhaps feeling the heat that Joyride 150's bringing?

garage monster · 10-09-2009

That's odd. I thought they opened earlier than that on the weekend. I'd go first thing after grabbing breakfast and supplies at the West Side Market... drool...

ddakin · 10-09-2009

Ray's is going to be unbelieveable this years. And the Joyride150 looks to be fantastic as well. Those of us in Southern Ontario will certainly be spoied this 'off-season'.

tdotrider · 10-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by garage monster

That's odd. I thought they opened earlier than that on the weekend.

Yeah I could've sworn they were open at 10am on weekends last year...still not too shabby! Might make a trip to Ray's early in December, looking forward to some fresh stuff there - have to find that West Side Market - last time all we found in Cleveland was sketchiness...

garage monster · 10-09-2009

Crop is a fantastic place for dinner. Easily the best in the Warehouse district downtown. We sit at the bar kitchen-side; the head chef is hilarious!

Nerdgirl · 10-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdotrider

Looks like Ray's MTB is stepping it up a notch with longer hours, lower prices and free rentals...

- New Lower Price; $10 for all day (tax included)
- Free Rental Bikes
- Hours of operation: Thurs/Fri 4pm-11pm; Sat/Sun 12pm-11pm

Just got their 'gearing up for the new season' emails...perhaps feeling the heat that Joyride 150's bringing?

Smackers. Their website hasn't changed yet. It still says $10 for rentals; $22 for a weekend day and
M-F: Noon - 10:00PM, SAT-SUN: 9:00AM - 10:00PM. Weird, 'cause everything else seems to be updated. It does look pretty sweet!

(And JoyrideOne50 looks STELLAR. Love the name too.)

chansen · 10-09-2009

I happened to drive by on my way from a site visit to ensure Markville Mall's parking structure doesn't fall down. The building isn't exactly much to look at from the outside, but it is quite large. Looking forward to what they do with it.

I considered peeking inside, but I figured sombody might shoot me, so I drove away.

tdotrider · 10-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by chansen

The building isn't exactly much to look at from the outside

Have you seen Ray's?! Looks like a decent storm can knock the place down...if I remember correctly it was once used as a parachute factory during WWII...anybody know what the building housing JoyrideOne50 used to be? SUPER stoked for it to open up!

chansen · 10-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdotrider

Have you seen Ray's?! Looks like a decent storm can knock the place down...if I remember correctly it was once used as a parachute factory during WWII...anybody know what the building housing JoyrideOne50 used to be? SUPER stoked for it to open up!

Structurally, I have no idea. I never went inside. If they want me to come and analyze any new or existing structural elements, maybe we can work something out

The building used to be occupied by "Liloy International Group" - importers.

The entire building is 140,000 sq.ft. Joyride150 isn't occupying the entire space. But with 46,000 sq.ft. having a clear height of 24 ft., they have some head room to work with.

My only dilemma is that a new indoor ski training centre opened at 401 and Dufferin. I demoed it 2 days ago. That was a blast as well. Pricey at $45/30 minutes, but even 5 minutes had my legs burning. I need those muscles back before the snow flies.

tdotrider · 10-09-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by chansen

My only dilemma is that a new indoor ski training centre opened at 401 and Dufferin. I demoed it 2 days ago. That was a blast as well. Pricey at $45/30 minutes, but even 5 minutes had my legs burning. I need those muscles back before the snow flies.

Do you know they're using as snow-turf? I just saw something about Snowflex (artificial snow turf) on the Discovery channel yesterday, the stuff looks pretty good. They were showcasing it at a grand opening of a year-round ski slope in the States (I think mid-west)...amazing the kind of stuff people come up with

nogearshere · 10-12-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdotrider

Looks like Ray's MTB is stepping it up a notch with longer hours, lower prices and free rentals...

- New Lower Price; $10 for all day (tax included)
- Free Rental Bikes
- Hours of operation: Thurs/Fri 4pm-11pm; Sat/Sun 12pm-11pm

Just got their 'gearing up for the new season' emails...perhaps feeling the heat that Joyride 150's bringing?

i'm not sure where you got that...attractive as it is.
this came today...
Rays.jpg
seems much more fiscally responsible.

tdotrider · 10-12-2009

that's strange...I got the same email today, but last week this is what was sent over:

Maybe that's only for the dirt room?

chansen · 10-12-2009

No, you don't use your skis or slide down a rolling ramp. This is all lateral. Here's a vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9LZbBoBHRI

My progression was a lot like the guy in the video. Slow turns to start, then you figure out how to angulate more, which means the machine goes faster. You can ski short radius or long - the machine reacts to your input. It's bloody amazing.

nogearshere · 10-12-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdotrider

Maybe that's only for the dirt room?

i went back in my trash...same thing...not sure why it didn't phase me.
must be the dirt room.

Nerdgirl · 10-13-2009

Oooh! Lookit Joyride!

Nerdgirl · 2 Weeks Ago

In the words of the kidz these days, SICK!

tdotrider · 2 Weeks Ago

Any idea if they're still on track to open this month?! From the clip it looks like there's plenty of work remaining...

On another note, I'm curious to know how many of you guys/gals own a DJ bike? I'm thinking I might throw wider handlebars and a singlespeed kit + tensioner on my wife's spesh hardrock and use that at the park until I decide whether my interest in dirt jumping warrants the purchase of a new ride...

Nerdgirl · 2 Weeks Ago

The website now says "We're opening in 0 months", and from the pics, it looks like a lot of the time-consuming structural work is done.

Mr. Monster has a DJ bike, which I'm going to be stealing quite a lot. Tried the 29er thing at Ray's and it was great for the XC stuff and getting comfy on the technical lines, but kinda sucked for the pump track. If they offer a DJ instruction clinic, I'm so there, but I'm a bit of a wuss on my own.

I'm pretty sure they'll have rentals too.

singlesprocket · 2 Weeks Ago

looking nice

gawd thats a lot of work, at least it's indoors and you are not getting rained on. glad i got my cromag stylis on the way... hope there will be a backbacon beer lounge or at least a tiki bar for us older folks...

garage monster · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerdgirl

Mr. Monster has a DJ bike, which I'm going to be stealing quite a lot.

Yep, picked up one of these a couple of years ago when they were clearing out the completes. I have it built as a single with park tires and it rides like dream. It really was the ticket at Rays and I'm pretty sure the same will be true at Joyride.

BTW, that corkscrew at the end of the video looks wicked. I can hardly wait to ride it!

HubbaMan · 2 Weeks Ago

No DJ bike here but I do have an old Kona Stuff HT that was super fun at Rays. I've got a set of small block 8s on it now just waiting for the place to open.

If I ride indoors enough (if it is affordable) I could be swayed to pick up a DJ friendly frame - if the costs are prohibitive to regular riding there, I'll simply use it in between my winter trail rides - the Freddies Revenz tires are in and waiting

Nerdgirl · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by HubbaMan

If I ride indoors enough (if it is affordable)

Well, they haveposted probable prices. Looks like $25 for a weekend day; $20 for a weekday (comparable to Ray's). For season passes (not priced out yet), I make my choices on whether I save money or not based on how often I'll go. For example, XC skiing at Hardwood is great, but far from our place, so we'll go at most once a weekend, which makes the season pass not worthwhile, but the 6-packs a nice savings. Given the daily price, I'm not sure what a reasonable season pass price would be for me. Ray's is US$400 for the winter months. That's about 15 weekend visits. If pricing were similar, it probably would be worth it. I wonder if they could charge more? Or have it be more, but year-round, since it looks like they plan on staying open in the summer.

HubbaMan · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerdgirl

Ray's is US$400 for the winter months. That's about 15 weekend visits. If pricing were similar, it probably would be worth it. I wonder if they could charge more? Or have it be more, but year-round, since it looks like they plan on staying open in the summer.

Wow, didn't know the Ray's season pass pricing, I guess if you're local it would be a good deal.
I think for me I'll have to see how many hours of fun the place (GTABP) is good for. When I've been to Rays, I keep going for 5-6 hrs each day then I'm pretty much empty, if this place has enough content to keep that sort of time span, it might be a good deal for a season's pass if they offer one.

One thing I was hoping for was cheaper weeknight pricing, I'd love to head over there after my kids are in bed for 1-2 hrs once or twice a week. At $20/weekday, there's no way it's worth my while going over for such a small window of time.

Nerdgirl · 2 Weeks Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by HubbaMan

I'd love to head over there after my kids are in bed for 1-2 hrs once or twice a week. At $20/weekday, there's no way it's worth my while going over for such a small window of time.

Sounds like a season's pass would be perfect for you! I WISH it were close enough that I could pop by after work.

Nerdgirl · 1 Week Ago

Very cool - the Globe just featured Joyride on the front of today's Life section!
Joyride article

tdotrider · 1 Week Ago

wow that's great PR for these guys, just a little

that the opening's been pushed into December...come January I'm out of town for the rest of the winter...

You've got to love when a non-rider writes an article about a bike park - "For riders looking to build endurance, a 750-metre-long cross-country loop..." really, 750 whole metres?!?!

I think an early-December trip to Ray's is in the works...

HSCoach2 · 1 Week Ago

I'd like to see Breakfast television there opening day or just before or after

tdotrider · 1 Week Ago

In the article I think Ray makes a good point - this type of business is barely financially feasible. After visiting Ray's last year I started thinking "why not build something like this in Toronto...not too far from the airport..maybe a warehouse in Brampton...". Then I crunched the numbers...admission fees and memberships would BARELY pay the bills, I think the only way to really make money is via sponsors, sponsored events, coaching/clinics etc. Being open during the summer doesn't make too much sense to me but it all depends on what goes on there.

That being said, it seems like these guys are living out their dream and that, truly, is priceless. I hope that it's feasible for them so that the park stays open and we can all enjoy it.

nogearshere · 1 Week Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by HSCoach2

I'd like to see Breakfast television there opening day or just before or after

maybe BT wouldn't go for boorish sensationalism in their coverage.

and if ray sounds upset...

great job globe.

Nerdgirl · 1 Week Ago

I just saw this on pinkbike (I know - I just can't stay away - they seem to post pics fastest):

Quote:

Originally Posted by raysmtb1

Hey guys..it's Ray. I am not pissed, I just read the article. Everything is pretty accurate with the story, except the part about me clamming up. I found out about the new park on Pinkbike when they posted it in the news last month or so ago.

What I tried to convey to the author of the story was that I thought I had solid friendship with the owners and was a little disappointed that I didn't get an email or call before it hit the streets. I would have been happy to help them.

I really don't want this to get out of hand, I wish everyone well, especially the riders, that they will have a fun place to call their own. We only get a handful of riders from your area, its not going to make a bit of difference in my operating budget. I actually think that when the locals in Toronto see how much fun they can have indoors, they may be more willing to venture my way to try another venue.

Please don't feel that we are mad or anti-canadian, we are not and always look forward to seeing you. I have many fond memories of the Dan Dakin bus trips and have made lots of friends up your way.

Your best bet is to support your new park anyway you can. Rays has been the hardest project I have ever taken on and has consumed my life. Its been far from an easy ride .......

Best wishes, hope to see this season, ray

Much as there were a pile of Ontario plates in the lot when we went to Ray's, I think Joyride will actually increase interest in Ray's. I'll probably still want to head down once this winter (no less than usual).

Too bad the Globe made it sound like a big thing.

nogearshere · 1 Week Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdotrider

In the article I think Ray makes a good point - this type of business is barely financially feasible.

ray makes a great point about CLEVELAND. the MAJORITY of his traffic is based on tourism.

Joyride150 will have OVER 15 million people to draw on within a 1-2 hr drive.
Ray's would have to throw the net over 5hrs for the same.

EDIT: just read Nerdy's post...that has restored some faith in 'ray' as an entity...the he/said of the who/what will never be resolved but his message is in good faith "support your new park any way you can". nice.
once again, nice job gob n mail...what's next? mark summers to spawn scott bentley's illegitimate plywood love child?

singlesprocket · 1 Week Ago

shoddy reporting on the globes part... next thing you know they will have a page 2...

nogearshere · 1 Week Ago

whaddayouknow. everyonehelps!

garage monster · 1 Week Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogearshere

whaddayouknow. everyonehelps!

It's been pretty impressive so far to see the amount of support Joyride's been getting from the local riding communities. There's a lot of hidden talent out there. All the "in kind" help they've seen is staggering. If anyone can make this work, it's Mark and Scott.

Nerdgirl · 1 Week Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogearshere

what's next? mark summers to spawn scott bentley's illegitimate plywood love child?

I would so read that story!
Though it sounds... splintery. Ouch!

HubbaMan · 1 Week Ago

The place is sounding awesome so far but I have to wonder:

This is Ontario and I can't help but feel it will only take one kid to be seriously injured before they run into insurance problems. Am I the only one wondeirng how long this will last?
Blue had to rip out all their structures, or not get coverage, regardless of waivers. Why would this place be any different if faced with a serious injury?

tdotrider · 1 Week Ago

Quote:

Originally Posted by HubbaMan

The place is sounding awesome so far but I have to wonder:

This is Ontario and I can't help but feel it will only take one kid to be seriously injured before they run into insurance problems. Am I the only one wondeirng how long this will last?
Blue had to rip out all their structures, or not get coverage, regardless of waivers. Why would this place be any different if faced with a serious injury?

I figure that insurance for Joyride150 would be very similar to that of an indoor skatepark...of which there are a few in the GTA...and they have their fair share of injuries...

ddakin · 1 Week Ago

Wow...Ray threw me a bone on Pinkbike. He's a good dude.

I'm happy to see it's not so much of an us vs. them attitude. I really don't think they're going to compete against each other that much. Personally I just think it's great that there are more riding options coming for everyone!

With that said. I'm headed to Ray's Saturday for a day of fun. Anyone interested in tagging along?

Dan

Mysty · 1 Week Ago

I read the article while I was sending it off to our print plants across Canada yesterday - so it could be in the hot little hands of some cycling folk ... sometimes I like my job...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nerdgirl

Very cool - the Globe just featured Joyride on the front of today's Life section!
Joyride article

singlesprocket · 1 Week Ago

Stosh (Canada) · 1 Week Ago

Open Summer?

Well, if we have another wet summer like last one, they may be able to cover a few bills with people who stay away from the puddles in Copeland and other places.

Seriously, how many parents drive the under 16 crowd all the way up here to HH for a couple of hours of riding at a buck a litre?

Stosh