From first-time riders to 11-year-old pros, a new network of skills zones and flowy trails offers the ultimate playground for skill-building
Out on the very western edge of Centre County, along Route 45 past Spring Mills, Millheim, and Aaronsburg, sits a long-standing curiosity for me (and likely many others): Woodward PA, the nationally recognized action sports camp.
What started as Woodward Camp in the small community of Woodward has grown into a globally recognized action sports brand, with branches across North America that offer world-class facilities and instruction in action sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding, and skiing.
As a late Gen Xer who has played his fair share of “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” and watched the X Games for years, I have always dreamed of having the opportunity to, you know, do radical stuff on a skateboard, snowboard, or BMX bike. But I never really had the opportunity (don’t worry, I found my niche on the hiking trail). And that is what Woodward says it is all about, giving folks the opportunity to participate in and learn these up-and-coming sports.
So, I was kind of excited to learn that Woodward PA was adding a new sport to its offerings with the launch of a brand-new mountain bike program that aims to give riders of all ages and abilities the opportunity to build skills, challenge themselves, and experience the thrill of riding on purpose-built trails. Sounds sweet to me.
The new mountain bike program features purpose-built trails and skills zones designed to meet riders where they are — from those getting on a mountain bike for the first time to experienced riders looking to take their skills to the next level. The program brings Woodward’s proven progression-based coaching philosophy to a sport that continues to grow in popularity among kids and families.
“Mountain biking is a natural fit for Woodward,” says Steve Swope, vice president of innovative environments at Woodward. “Our goal is to create an environment where riders can challenge themselves, learn new skills, and have fun, whether they’re getting on a mountain bike for the first time or looking to progress to the next level.”
According to the team out at Woodward, over the summer, more than 60 mountain bike campers had the opportunity to experience the new program firsthand, taking to Woodward PA’s trails and skills zones to push their limits, develop their riding skills, and, most importantly, have fun.
I got the opportunity to experience that fun firsthand when Woodward Park City marketing director Jay Burke took me for a ride on the new trails. Thankfully, Jay is a good dude and helped me navigate a new bike and led me on trails that were perfect for someone of my mountain biking skill level (middle-aged man, beginner, lol).
Despite my lack of skill, it was a blast to ride on these trails, which provided just the right amount of challenge for me. Undoubtedly, Jay would have rather plowed through some of the more challenging trails that surely would have been fun for someone with his skill level, but I was not quite ready for that.
That is the point of these new trails: they are designed to help folks progress in this up-and-coming sport. And, for real, folks, it is so much fun to roll and ride over boulders and down flowy trails. For the 100th time in my life, I said, “I need to get a mountain bike.”
Later on, we got back to one of Woodward’s many skills park areas, and a young mountain biker came through, effortlessly tackling the course and doing a few tricks along the way. He just happened to be an 11-year-old professional mountain biker, Wes “Sends” Lukin. He is a great kid living the dream who was at the camp to train.
“The trails are pretty sick here, because there is more progression. Getting more people out here is sick,” says Wes, gracious enough to give me a minute of his time. “It is always cool to see more people getting better at it and watch them ride. This is definitely a place to grow and learn. There are so many features, all the way from beginner to expert lines. There are places you can grow in every way.”
Could not have said it better myself. After all, mountain biking is a growing sport, especially in State College. And beyond introducing a new sport at Woodward PA, the program creates new opportunities for riders throughout Central Pennsylvania to experience the same innovative facilities, coaching, and action sports culture that have made Woodward a destination for athletes from around the world.
Woodward PA hosted an event in September, giving local riders and families a chance to experience the new mountain bike program. Open Ride Weekends will continue through mid-October.
You can learn more about Woodward PA and upcoming mountain bike opportunities at woodwardpa.com.
For me, it was sick (see, I am cool like Wes) to ride the trails and see what Woodward PA has to offer. I probably won’t be riding like Wes anytime soon, but it was a great experience to see how Woodward PA, out on the western edge of Centre County, is working to provide a new opportunity for the community. T&G
Vincent Corso loves exploring the outdoors in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
