A supportive community, along with a burning desire to ride year-round prompted Mike Bisig to make his dream of creating an indoor bike park a reality.
The two-story bike park has been a labor of love for Bisig and more than 100 volunteers who helped transform the 50,000-square-feet of space into a challenging and fun facility for the entire family. From the 14-foot painted trees near the lounge area to the colorful second-floor graffiti, the space is packed with jumps, ramps and rollers for riders of all ages and ability levels.
“It’s all about riding in your comfort zone,” Bisig said. “There is a little learning curve, but you’ll pick it up really quickly.”
The doors are open now, although the official grand opening is slated for July 22. Here’s what you need to know:
BIKE PARK BASICS
From a cross-country loop and pump track to jumps, ramps and skinnies, there are plenty of challenging elements as well as a beginner-friendly section. All trails and features in the bike park are directional, with riders going in a single direction for safety reasons. Ramps enable riders to cruise to and from the second floor with ease.
Parents and other non-riders can relax in the lounge area, complete with free Wi-Fi, televisions and a free “little library.” There is also a full-service bike shop on site for bike sales and repairs.
Matthew Warren of Fairborn came out to test ride a few bikes and, two days later, purchased a dirt jumper from Bisig. Warren will likely be a regular at the bike park.
“It’s well built, and I like how it’s set up,” he said of the park. “There’s nothing else like this around here.”
Riders have come in with BMX, mountain and hybrid bikes.
“You can pretty much ride anything in here,” Bisig said.
No bike, no problem as rentals are available. And riders have all day to ride as they receive a wristband and can come and go as they please from open until close.
“They can ride for a couple of hours, get dinner and come back,” Bisig said.
WORK IN PROGRESS
The bike park is a work in progress as a painted course for young kids is planned and there is additional space in the building for future development. Bisig appreciates suggestions and is working on meeting the needs of the tight-knit cycling community.
“This is kind of like an art project,” he said. “It has changed along the way but, in many ways, it is even better than I imagined.”
The support has, likewise, exceeded expectations.
“The cycling community came out in droves to help,” he said. “It’s been very cool to see the communal aspect of this place, everyone working together. It’s been truly inspirational.”
Talk the Talk – Terms to Feel at Home at Mike’s Bike Park
DIRECTIONAL: All of the trails and features flow in a way that enables riders to go as fast or slow as they want without the fear of a collision.
DECK: The top of a ramp where there is room to stand.
RAMP: An obstacle made of cement, wood, or dirt that’s used to perform tricks on or to change elevation.
ROLLER: Small mounds, ranging from one to three-feet tall, placed very close together.
BMX BIKE: An acronym for Bicycle Motocross, meaning the type of bicycle used in any form of BMX activity.
MOUNTAIN BIKE: A bicycle with a light sturdy frame, broad deep-treaded tires and multiple gears, originally designed for riding on mountainous terrain.
DIRT JUMPER: Designed for doing BMX style jumps and street riding but with 26-inch wheels, steep head angle, low standover and short chainstays.
PUMP TRACK: A continuous loop of berms and “rollers” (smooth mounds) that you ride without pedaling. The name comes from the pumping motion used by the rider’s upper and lower body as they ride around the track.
HELMET: A familiar but, sometimes, neglected device designed to protect a cyclist’s head.
WAIVER: A form — found on the park’s website or in the park — that must be completed to ride at Mike’s Bike Park.
Mike’s Bike Park
WHERE: 1300 E. First St.
HOURS: Monday-Thursday – noon-8 p.m.; Friday – noon-10 p.m.; Saturday – 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday – 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
PRICING: Monday-Thursday – $15; Friday-Sunday – $20; Kids 12 and under – $10; unlimited riding through the end of September – $200
WAIVERS: Available at www.mikesbikepark.com/ or at the front desk.
CONTACT: Call 937-963-2366, email mikesbikepark@gmail.com or visit Mike’s Bike Park on Facebook
About the Author