Everyone loves Ray’s MTB

15 03 2012

One of my best riding experiences this past year was riding Ray’s MTB bike park in Cleveland, Ohio.

To put it simply, Ray’s MTB rocks!  So much to ride and a welcome relief to dealing with the colder riding months.

So what’s the story behind Ray’s?

A couple days ago I stumbled upon this video interview with Ray Petro (the Ray in Ray’s MTB) where he explains some of the back story of how Ray’s came to be. What I found most interesting is learning how the expansion to Milwaukee almost put Ray in the position of having to close the legendary bike park’s doors for good.

Great interview. Check it out.

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Ray’s MTB rocks!

17 11 2011

I feel like I’m a little late to the party but I finally made it out to Cleveland, Ohio last weekend to ride the world-famous Ray’s MTB bike park.

I have to tell you it lived up to the hype.

The park truly has something for everyone: jumps, skatepark-style stuff, cross-country…you name it.

Scott Steinbrick, a Ray’s local, was cool enough to meet up with me on Saturday for a session at the park. After a quick tour of what the park all had to offer, it was time for some riding.

Hitting the Red Bull turn...one of the first things you see when you enter Ray's

I think I ended up riding for close to 4 hours and there’s still plenty of stuff I wish I could have spent more time on. There is so much to see and ride.  On top of that, the staff was awesome…very helpful and while seemingly always busy, never reluctant to answer a question or provide assistance.

Exiting the Red Bull turn at warp speed

I want to give a shout out to Scott for showing me around and locals Joe, Brad and Jeff* for being so cool to chat and ride with (and being so spot on with suggestions for places to check out on Saturday night!)

A wall in one of the lounge areas is covered with magazine spreads featuring Ray's

Ray’s MTB is  a bike park you definitely want to check out. (I’m already trying to figure out a time when I can go back!) And while I didn’t have the foresight to pack a video camera, the good folks at Vital MTB  recently posted a video of the Ray’s season opener that provides a real good feel for what’s like to ride at Ray’s. Check it out.

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*I hope I got everyone’s names right…





Try out a Model-C at Joyride 150

7 09 2010

It looks like Ray’s MTB isn’t the only bike park where you can rent/try out the Sunday Model-C.

Sunday just announced that Joyride 150 (just outside of Toronto, Ontario) has added a Model-C to their rental fleet.

This is great news, not only because it’s sure to get more riders hooked on 24″ BMX, but  it also gives me even more of reason to visit Joyride 150. Even if I don’t have my bike with me, I can stop in for a session on a 24″!

For more on Joyride 150, check out this video of Drew Bezanson tearing up the place.





Liquid Facebook page worth checking out

25 05 2010

If you’re thinking about buying one of the Liquid Feedback frames, you might want to check out the Liquid Bikes Facebook page. It’s filled with pics from owners showing off their new builds.

There’s also some cool rider photos…like this one of Sean Parrish at Ray’s MTB.

Love this pic (Jeremy/Sean: hope you guys are OK with me borrowing it).

And while we’re on the topic of Liquid Bikes…Jeremy sent in this pic recently of his bike and  helmet with a couple of cruiser revolution stickers freshly added to it.  Looks great.





Try out the Model-C at Ray’s MTB

10 04 2010

As if you need any more incentive to head to Ray’s MTB…now Sunday Bikes has a Model-C DEMO bike for you to try while you’re there.

A great idea on Sunday’s part and one I hope they extend to Joyride 150 as well.

In other Sunday news, their second shipment of Sunday completes has come in. If you missed your chance to pick up the Model-C complete last time, better get to your local shop pronto.

Vince Smith can-can on Model-C DEMO bike at Ray’s MTB (Korey Kryder pic from the Sunday site).





Toronto bike park rivals Ray’s MTB

9 12 2009

It looks like riders in the Toronto area will no longer have to dread the upcoming winter season. That’s because Joyride 150 is set to open up any day now.

Inspired by the awesome Ray’s MTB bike park , Joyride 150 is promising to be 90,000 square feet of pure biking fun. It features pump tracks, rollers, a cross-country trail, a skatepark, a foam pit and a resi ramp.

Located in Markham, Ontario; a suburb of Toronto, it’s only 30 minutes from Cruiser Revolution HQ. I’m looking forward to riding the shit out of this place.

Check out the video and prepare to be stoked.

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