Through the efforts of a funding grant from Clackamas County, the oversight
of the Forest Service, and the commitment of Skibowl’s entire staff, the Bike
Park just got bigger and better.

“We recognize the rapid growth of lift accessed mountain bike parks and know
that developing ours is an essential part of the resort’s future,” said Kirk
Hanna, president of Skibowl. “That’s not just talk. Skibowl has invested
heavily in building the first new trail in several years.”

Hanna also noted the new flow trail from the top peak of Skibowl connects to
the beginning of the Gnar Gnar trail that continues on down to the base area.
Petr Kakes, owner of the Hurricane Bike Shop at the mountain’s base, worked
on the trail throughout the process.

“The trail crew was always up on the mountain early in the morning and got
to see countless spectacular sunrises while cutting, sculpting and hand tooling
the trail,” Kakes said. “They said to me we should call it Sunrise. The name
stuck. Given the multiple viewpoints built along the trailside, Sunrise offers
some of the best views in all of Oregon.”

The trail ascends to the top of the mountain and links with the Gnar Gnar
trail, allowing riders to swoop from top to bottom without every getting on a
road.

Sunrise is an easier/more difficult family friendly trail which descends through
the forest, dropping 900 vertical feet over 1.4 miles of single track.

“The feedback we have received from pros, bike shop owners and beginner
riders is that the track is fun, has great flow and is a great trail to learn on,”

said Scott Connors, who joined in the effort from Trestle Bike Park in Winter
Park, Colorado.

“For us, that is mission accomplished ... for now,” he added. “Next season
Skibowl will offer skills park clinics for new riders, open at least one more
trail, run the upper lift Thursday through Sunday for maximum access to the
Sunrise trail, and work toward tying into our base camp operation in
Rhododendron.”

Connors also noted the goal is to make the bike park a go-to destination to
the thousands of mountain bikers in the Portland metro area, while offering
instruction to those who want to break into the sport.

Skibowl began in 1928 with its infamous Jump Hill and skiers and
snowboarders have been jumping and riding its slopes ever since. It is also
home to one of the nation’s oldest lift accessed mountain bike parks.

And this spring, the spectacular Sunshine will be added.