WAUSAU – A recent trail system designed specifically for downhill and flowing mountain biking has opened at Sylvan Hill Park on Wausau’s north side.
The mountain bike park includes a pump track (an oval, undulating trail loop that allows mountain bikers to exploit the off-road “pump” with minimal pedaling), a tiny skills area, created to aid riders improve their skills, and a larger loop system that essentially circles the 70-acre park.
Spanning approximately three miles of trails, the loop system includes four descent options designed for mountain bikers of varying skill levels. Easier options include berms and curves and offer a more “smooth” experience. Higher level trails add jumps and tabletops tailored to skilled riders.
The Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coalition, a mountain biking advocacy group in the Wausau area, led the development of the project in partnership with the City of Wausau. In an effort to expand the riding experience in the region to become a tourist destination for mountain bikers, CWOCC began efforts to bring mountain biking to Sylvan Park in 2014.
Final costs for the project have not yet been determined, but the park will cost approximately $206,000. CWOCC’s fundraising efforts raised about $170,000, said Matt Block, the group’s vice president, and local foundations and businesses got involved. The city of Wausau has donated about $40,000 to the foundation, said Bill Duncanson, director of the Wausau and Marathon County Parks Department.
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Most mountain biking in Wisconsin is classified as “cross-country”. Think of trails that cut through forests, fields and other areas without requiring recurrent maintenance, such as those in Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area at Rib Mountain. Sylvan offers more managed and maintained riding options, with trail-designed features to provide riders with a variety of challenges and experiences.
“There really is nothing like it in the state of Wisconsin as far as the quality of workmanship,” said Jahn Martin, president of CWOCC. “This is a significant step for us. This is the first completely new trail (system) we have opened.”
CWOCC chose Solid contracting of routes from Copper Harbor, Michigan, to build the park. Rock Solid helped develop the renowned trail system around Copper Harbor that attracts riders from throughout the Midwest and beyond and is the riding hub of the International Mountain Biking Association.
One of the main goals of the CWOCC is to designate the Wausau area as an IMBA riding center. The designation is a marketing boon and helps attract passengers to the region. To earn this designation, a region must offer a variety of driving experiences. The Sylvan Trails have brought Wausau a significant step closer.
But just as importantly, Martin said, the Sylvan Hills trails will aid attract recent riders to the mountain biking community and provide another quality-of-life element to the city. “We would like (Sylvan) to be in the same conversation as a whitewater kayaking course downtown or at ArtsBlock,” Martin said. “It’s just one more reason why Wausau is a great place.”
Riding Sylvan Hill Mountain Bike Park
► Riders should exploit the recent trailhead parking lot at 3298 Coates Lane, Wausau. The plot is located on the top of a hill, next to the pump track.
► Some routes require advanced horse riding and jumping skills. There are signs explaining difficulty levels and “filtering” features at the beginning of more tough routes. If the rider can get over these filter jumps, she will feel comfortable riding the rest of the trail.
► Sylvan Hill is a multi-use park that also has hiking trails. Drivers are asked to be courteous and always yield to pedestrians.
► Currently, no fees are charged for using the trails. Bill Duncanson, director of the parks department, said a fee would likely be required in the future.
