Howdy all, just back from a day at Northstar this weekend. Was lots of fun as always. There are a few new "North Shore" style stunts down near the bottom of Karpiel/Dogbone (just as you get to the bottom of the upper part of the mountain). Instead of hitting that little rock drop into the bermed section before the lift, you can go left into the trees and onto a new trail that has a few fun ladders in a row (nothing too skinny or tall for most people I saw out there), then an optional wall ride, then a section with three separate optional wood drops. They were also putting the finishing touches on a separate ladder-style thing in the middle of the other stuff.
Other than that it's pretty much the same as last year, with all the usual fun to be had banging through the rocks on Karpiel, Dogbone, Sticks and Stones, etc. There has been a lot of trail maintenance and things are in good shape, even if (as usual) it was very dry, dusty, and loose.
Wanted to get your thoughts on Northstar and what you'd like to see to make it better. Having been up to Whistler twice now, it's hard not to compare the two, and I keep thinking that although Northstar is close (and getting better), they just don't seem to get it quite right...
For example, the new stunts are fun and all, but they are all in one spot, and you need to choose between riding them or the fun little bermed course (and the jump at the end, which is one of the few good jumps in the whole park). Are there plans to sprinkle the woodwork throughout the park? If no, why not? True, there are already a few log rides in the park, but how about some ladders and bridges over some of the really soft parts of the other trails? Like, how about some woodwork that will prevent erosion AND add challenge to existing trails at the same time? Wasn't that the reason that stuff was first developed up North anyway?
And how about some fast flowy trails with lots of jumps and berms like A-line, Dirt Merchant, etc.? Ok, I like to jump, and there is nothing like being able to pump those big transitions top-to-bottom, run after run. Maybe the comparison isn't fair, but the first time I rode that stuff I thought to myself, "This is what big mountain ski resort riding should be." Three Amigos is another one at Northstar that drive me nuts. Ok, I love the idea of three big tables in a row. But why put them right after a short flat (uphill even) section where it's hard to carry any speed if you're on a dh bike? And why make the third one smaller than the other two? If you go fast enough to clear the top of the second one, you pretty much can't help but clear the entire transition and land flat after the third...wtf? Do the builders ride, consult with local riders, or what?
This is not really a rant, but I'm sure to take flack anyway, and perhaps rightly so. I love riding Northstar, and give props to the people there working hard to make it better. I also know that comparing it to Whistler is not fair - different soil, rocks, owners, resources, etc. I know. And yes, I also know it might be more constructive to send this to Northstar instead of posting this here, but I'm trying to get a sense of how other people feel, and if there is a strong consensus of opinion. If there is I will forward it to Northstar. Honestly just trying to figure out if it's just me or what.
Other than that it's pretty much the same as last year, with all the usual fun to be had banging through the rocks on Karpiel, Dogbone, Sticks and Stones, etc. There has been a lot of trail maintenance and things are in good shape, even if (as usual) it was very dry, dusty, and loose.
Wanted to get your thoughts on Northstar and what you'd like to see to make it better. Having been up to Whistler twice now, it's hard not to compare the two, and I keep thinking that although Northstar is close (and getting better), they just don't seem to get it quite right...
For example, the new stunts are fun and all, but they are all in one spot, and you need to choose between riding them or the fun little bermed course (and the jump at the end, which is one of the few good jumps in the whole park). Are there plans to sprinkle the woodwork throughout the park? If no, why not? True, there are already a few log rides in the park, but how about some ladders and bridges over some of the really soft parts of the other trails? Like, how about some woodwork that will prevent erosion AND add challenge to existing trails at the same time? Wasn't that the reason that stuff was first developed up North anyway?
And how about some fast flowy trails with lots of jumps and berms like A-line, Dirt Merchant, etc.? Ok, I like to jump, and there is nothing like being able to pump those big transitions top-to-bottom, run after run. Maybe the comparison isn't fair, but the first time I rode that stuff I thought to myself, "This is what big mountain ski resort riding should be." Three Amigos is another one at Northstar that drive me nuts. Ok, I love the idea of three big tables in a row. But why put them right after a short flat (uphill even) section where it's hard to carry any speed if you're on a dh bike? And why make the third one smaller than the other two? If you go fast enough to clear the top of the second one, you pretty much can't help but clear the entire transition and land flat after the third...wtf? Do the builders ride, consult with local riders, or what?
This is not really a rant, but I'm sure to take flack anyway, and perhaps rightly so. I love riding Northstar, and give props to the people there working hard to make it better. I also know that comparing it to Whistler is not fair - different soil, rocks, owners, resources, etc. I know. And yes, I also know it might be more constructive to send this to Northstar instead of posting this here, but I'm trying to get a sense of how other people feel, and if there is a strong consensus of opinion. If there is I will forward it to Northstar. Honestly just trying to figure out if it's just me or what.
:devil:
hummmm...Whistler in Sept! 
