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Sports


Indoor park is a mecca for mountain bikers

by WKSU's VIVIAN GOODMAN


Reporter
Vivian Goodman
 
Looking for a way to stay active in the cold and snow? You might want to give mountain biking a whirl. You don't need a mountain. You don't even need to go outdoors. And the man who makes it possible didn't need a business plan. Let's take a spin through Ray's Mountain Bike Park:
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Most of the rental bikes are Gary Fishers but all the major manufacturers are represented at Ray's.
Bikes can be stored on-site.
Riders have to sign a waiver and helmets are required.
The foam pit is a major attraction.
Riders must be 16 or over unless accompanied by an adult.
Riders under 18 must have a parent sign the waiver.
Riders sharpen their skills at Ray's for challenges they'll face on the trails when the weather breaks.
The original obstacle course was 70,000 square feet, now expanded to 97,000 square feet.
Ray's motto spelled out in a bicycle chain adorns the entrance.
Ray Petro says he has no desire to build an empire of indoor mountain bike parks although he's had offers from prospective partners from all over the world.
Some trails at Ray's are not as narrow as the single-tracks mountain bikers build for themselves outdoors, but  still help hone balancing skills.
Professional mountain biker Shaums March coaches a skills session at Ray's.

Related Links & Resources
Ray's Mountain Bike Park

Professional Mountain Biker Shaums March

Listener Comments:

Wow! Again, WKSU covers mountain biking in Northeast Ohio.... thanks for your continued support!


Posted by: Emmy (Akron) on January 31, 2008 11:16PM
I only go mountain biking once or twice a year, and I've only been to Ray's a couple of times, so far. But, I highly recommend going


Posted by: cyclonecross.blogspot.com (Parma, OH) on January 31, 2008 1:54PM
Great story!!! Ray's is a must visit location for anybody who enjoys riding a bike.


Posted by: Ray's regular (Cleveland) on January 31, 2008 10:46AM
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