There are some new trails for Mountain Biking here in Aspen/Snowmass. Some of the most exciting are on Snowmass Mountain. They can be accessed from the gondola, and after that it is kind of like eating dessert before dinner–you get the whoops and the jumps of the downhill without having to pedal the uphill. The best and the most extreme of the new downhill rides is Valhalla. This trail was built by Gravity Logic, the same people who designed the bike parks in Whistler and the growing bike park in Winter Park. These guys know how to use the terrain to create a downhill ride that is sure to put a grin on your face. Valhalla is quickly becoming known as the wrist and clavicle ride, as it is producing some business for the local ER. Please be careful on this ride–you don’t want to have to see the local ER doc with a broken wrist or clavicle!
Being careful is not what makes for great photography. Sport photography has the same give and take as portrait photography. The athletes work their bodies and minds to perform at a level that makes for great photography. This type of photography takes the same practice and skill as any other. Both people involved in the making of a great photograph have to practice and perfect their skills. There is give and take on both sides. Here are some photos that I took trying to show off the great trails that have been built and the athletes that ride them:
Nick Becker
Charlie Lasser
Kiffor Berg
Nick Becker
Nick Becker
Snowmass Patrol
Snowmass Patrol
Johnryan Flynn
Kiffor Berg
Nick Becker
Johnryan Flynn
I would like to thank Charlie Lasser, Johnryan Flynn, Kiffor Berg, and Nick Becker. They allowed me to ride with them, and I was able to capture some good shots of them on the way. I should also thank Snowmass Mountain Ski/Bike Patrol. These guys and gals know the mountain and sure know how to help when you’re in a pinch.
This weekend Snowmass is hosting Blast the Mass, a downhill mountain bike race. I will try to be out there to capture the action. Please check back soon to see if you made the edit, and who knows, you might just end up on the cover of Mountain Biking Magazine!
