The Expanding China Peak
11 May 2014
Q&A: China Peak Bike Park!!
Who are you and what do you do at China Peak Bike Park?
Bud Laraway, in charge of trail building and maintenance at the China Peak Mountain Bike Park. During the winter months I am the Ski and Board School Supervisor.
How long ago was China Peak Bike Park developed? Who or what was the driving force?
Under previous ownership in 1996, the bike park opened for one year under the name Sierra Summit. It was re-opened under the current ownership in 2010 due to interest from our winter pass holders, local cabin owners and the Fresno biking community.
How many visitors do you get in a weekend/season at the bike park? What has been your biggest day on record?
We average around 180-250 per weekend with our biggest day exceeding 200.
What is the most popular trail at your bike park?
The most popular trail is the Gnarly Trail.
Will there be any new trails added this year or will you be re-developing any existing trails?
We have two new trails planned for this summer season plus an addition to an existing trail. We also have plans to build a skills course in the base area for new riders and possibly a flow trail for disabled riders to experience biking through our Adaptive Center.
Describe the predominant “style” of riding at your park? (Natural vs. Manmade, DH/Tech/Steep vs. Flow/Features) Typically, what kind of terrain do you have? (Rocky, Dry-dusty, Tacky, Roots)…
Most trails are natural technical single track and fairly rocky with typical dry loose dirt.
What is the mountain bike scene/culture like at your bike park?
We see a wide variety of riders from downhillers to cross-country. Most people come up for the day from the Central Valley communities of Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Madera, and even Bakersfield.
Tell me a little bit about China Peak’s town or city. Where do out-of-towners like to stay while visiting China Peak? Are there any restaurants or bars that mtb-ers like to hang?
China Peak is located 65 miles northeast of Fresno, the largest nearby city. To get to China Peak you will pass Shaver Lake at 5000 feet, a popular summer destination for camping and lake activities including fishing, boating and hiking. China Peak is located at 7000 feet in the town of Lakeshore next to Huntington Lake. The Inn at China Peak is a popular spot to stay, just across the footbridge from the lifts. There is an on-site dining room, JW's Original Bar and a Stay and Ride package available that includes mountain bike tickets during your stay. The inn also hosts Live Fridays, live music on the Inn patio on Friday nights under the stars. For reservation information call 559.233.1200 or visit www.skichinapeak.com.
Tell us about any big events that are in store this summer at the bike park?
Enduro Race is June 21-22, 2014
PRO GRT date is still tentative.
We will also host a cross-country race in conjunction with our Endurance Festival on August 9th.
Do you have an opening day yet?
Opening weekend is June 27-28.
What does the future hold for China Peak Bike Park?
We will continue to build more trails, grow the park, and add more events to showcase the mountain. We'd also like to provide guided rides and increase our rental fleet to introduce more people to mountain biking and continue to grow the sport.
For a quick video glimpse into the park, visit our website at http://www.skichinapeak.com/biking.aspx. We also offer scenic chair rides and disc golf for those that aren't quite ready to jump on a bike just yet.
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