Bike Park Domination
100% Sky Park Takeover
Words by Sourpatch | Photos by Samson K Hatae
We’re still smiling after a fun day riding Sky Park Bike Park last weekend at the 100% takeover. When our pals at 100% asked if we had any names for the media list we knew we couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Sammy and I had been looking for the right motivation to make the trek to Sky Park and it looked like we had it.
Typically when 100% is involved in a project, they do as their name implies and go all out.
As soon as we rolled into the parking lot we spotted a 100% RV staged out front in the parking lot with a large pit canopy and slick looking van. We said our hellos and as we made our way through the Sky Park gates we walked through a row of red, white and blue race flags. It was quite an experience.
What really caught our eyes though, were the custom signs that had been made for a few of the restaurants and stores in Santa’s Village. But after a couple double-takes, we noticed the small 100% logos and taglines accompanying the unique artwork. The signs and artwork really impressed me. You could probably guess, our favorite was The Hungry Wolf.
The Adventure store ditched Santa hats and stuffed reindeer for fresh 100% gear, helmets, eyewear and posters. The trails were also lined with black and grey 100% race tape and a nice canopy awaited riders at the top of the climb. It was a classy and perfectly executed event.
Sky Park
Both Sammy and I were first-timers to Sky Park. We’d stared at photos, and seen enough videos to entice us…we just had a hard time getting over the fact that we’d have to pay $45 ($39 if bought online) to pedal our bikes at a “bike park.” Those who know me will attest that I hate climbing, so I’m always looking for a chairlift or shuttle, but now I can say that that is a naïve way of thinking, at least when it comes to Sky Park. I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun at a bike park.
Sky Park has trails for everyone, beginners to pros. The climb up takes a short 10 – 15 minutes with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain and most of the trails have some type of wood feature or bridge crossing. The Comet Trail even has a couple skinnies scattered throughout, as well as a fun high-speed step-up. The Jumpline at Sky Park is honestly one of my favorites and a good enough reason alone to keep going back.
The entire vibe that radiates from Sky Park is impressive. The staff are extremely welcoming and the riding vibe is rather laid back. Not once did we see any “Joe Racers” out there running-up on slower traffic as you might see or experience at other bike parks, and that’s something we can all appreciate.
We want to give a huge thanks to 100% for inviting us out to catch a couple laps with the crew and Sky Park Bike Park for delivering an awesome set of trails to ride. Already counting down the days for the next trip out.
100%’s Sasha Taylor in full photobomb mode.
100%’s Spencer Rathkamp poppin’ one up for the camera on the Grave Digger Devinci.
@Nicholas_Quevedo leading @Ethan_A163 over the Comet drop, hauling the mail toward the step up.
Hike, Descend, Repeat. Gotta do what you gotta do for the camera.