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Mountain biking in Banner Forest

I've been looking for a perfect ( mountain biking) ride for the past year. Still looking...

I wrote before that not all mountain biking takes place in the mountains.

Singletrack is a term used to describe a trail that is only wide enough for one person or mountain biker at a time. It is frequently smooth and flowing, but it may also exhibit technical rocky sections and may be criss-crossed with tree roots and man-made obstacles. Single track riding can be quite challenging from a technical standpoint.



Located about 15 minutes east of Gig Harbor, Banner Forest Park is very popular among local mountain biking community. Mostly flat(ish) with just a few short and steep climbs and descents, these single tracks are easy enough for anybody who is just getting started in mountain biking ( like me).

I've already got a taste of technical single track riding at Phillip Arnold Park in Renton and on Lake Sawyer trails in Black Diamond. And comparing to those trails, BF's trails are much easier (wider, better maintained). But don't get me wrong ! The trails offer many challenges : jumps, log rides, muddy puddles...







Best feature ? The trailhead is easy to find. From HWY 16 ( driving from Tacoma), exit at Sedgewick Rd., turn right. When you hit Banner rd. take a RIGHT ( !!!) turn and go 1-2 miles until you see the Banner forest sign on your right.

Huge turn off- the trails are shared with equestrians. So, expect lot's of horseshit on the trails ( don't understand, why those people can't pick up after their animals?).

My verdict ? : I liked it, but after about an hour it gets boring. Besides, for me, mountain biking will always be ....mountain. So, this summer , my big dream is to go biking at Whistler ! Should be fun...

5 comments:

Casey Knopik said...

I've thought about heading out there before to try the area. Thanks for the heads up that horses are also allowed on the trails. Oh, and Whistler would be awesome! I'm going to have to make it up there in near future.

ExtraHyperActive said...

The area is pretty good, but I am not sure if it's worth the drive ( and money ) to come all the way from Seattle ( or Eastside ).

I think of Whistler of more like a winter destination, but untill we have our own MTB downhill park in WA, I absolutely have to go there...

Angela Swedberg said...
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ExtraHyperActive said...

Angela,
I'd like to apologize for my arrogant attitude. I am not "part of MT biking community ", I don't advocate, allege or argue about....anything. As a blogger, I am always neutral. My job is to provide first hand, personal, unbiased information on local outdoor activities, places and outfitters. As a "third party " it makes me feel bad that there is tension between equestrian/locals and MT biking community. People like me ( "seasonal riders/hikers/outdoorsmen " ) just want to enjoy what we do and where we do it, trying to get along with anybody who is open-minded and is willing to share the joy of outdoors.

Angela Swedberg said...
This comment has been removed by the author.