Fall Riding at Highland Bike Park

While other mountains are closing up for the year, the trails at Highland are still open and riding at their season's best. One of the main differences is that many other destinations are focusing on the upcoming ski season, while here, the good times are still rolling. Just because the days are getting shorter, it doesn't mean that you have to pack away your bike; here are some of my favorite reasons why fall riding is my favorite, and some tips to extend your riding season.

Our hemisphere spends less time facing the sun every day this time of year. For our trails, the combination of less time in the sun, less direct sunlight, and heavy overnight dew leaves the trails less dusty and more grippy than in the summer. It's almost like there is a magical crew who waters the trails each night, letting us ride hero dirt all day long. Good, tacky dirt can be the difference between just barely surviving a section of dusty corners and feeling like you are cornering like a World Cup racer. This type of dirt is the kind of conditions I imagine riding when I’m daydreaming at work. This alone makes a fall trip to the bike park worth it.

Another reason to come to Highland this fall is to check out the end-of-season sales from the bike shop. Nothing works better to keep the bike stoke alive through the colder temps than a bike upgrade. Whether you are getting your first DH or enduro bike, or getting your Nth, there are good deals for new riders and veterans alike. If you think about it, not buying a bike on sale now may end up costing you more in the long run. Plus, it’s a great excuse to make one last trip to the bike park this season.

Life gets more complicated in the fall. School is back in session, work gets more serious, and extended family wants to come visit. All this means is that for the lucky ones who can find the time to make it to the bike park, we are rewarded with short lines and quiet trails. Watching the community of Highland riders shred is impressive, but it can also be nice to ride during a quieter time of year, too. So whether you call out of work, school, or a football watch party, you will be rewarded with short lines and clear trails here at Highland.

Here is how some riders are braving the cold, staying comfortable, and riding hard when the temps drop this fall.

If you get caught unprepared, a fall ride can turn into a teeth-chattering experience. However, the old saying, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing," is very true for fall riding. When dressed appropriately, fall riding can be just as comfortable as a mid-summer one. While you are at Highland this fall, remember to look in the store for layers on sale. The right clothing can make your riding more enjoyable. Just as I was standing a little chilly in the lift line, I was chatting with a rider who was packing a light jacket in a hip pack to wear in the lift line and on the lift. It was a good reminder that an extra layer for the more idle moments in the day is always handy when the temps drop.

With the sun lower in the sky, the shadows become longer and ultimately make it harder to spot rocks and roots on the trail. In the lift line, I noticed that more people were wearing clear goggles compared to in the summer. Riding is hard enough when you can see all the rocks and roots; there is no reason why you need to make it harder with the improper eyewear. Check out the shop for end-of-year sales on goggles.

Fall riding should ideally be the best riding all year; the good dirt, combined with the quieter trails, and your progression throughout the year leave you feeling confident on the bike. However, remember that the cold can affect how our bikes ride. If the last time your park bike was ridden was in the heat of the summer, you may need to check suspension pressure. Similar to how the colder temps may make your tire pressure light come on in your car, the change in the temperature may mean that you need to top up your suspension back to your normal riding pressures in order to keep your bike feeling how you are used to.

If you are stoked on riding this fall, remember that '26 season passes are on sale now! Buying season passes early is a good way to show Highland extra support by signaling your commitment. It goes a long way to keep both yourself and the Highland staff excited for the season ahead.