Mountain Biking

Mountain bike trail provides new thrills for riders – WDBJ7

Franklin County, Va. (WDBJ7) – Franklin County Parks and Recreation is offering something unique to thrill-seekers in the area.

A new, fast-paced mountain biking trail is helping riders get some air in Waid Park.

“Fifteen jumps, back to back hits that are spread out over a quarter mile” Outdoor Recreation Manager Matt Ross said.

It takes just a few minutes to get from the parking lot to the Old Buzzard trailhead. Riders then fly past the old barn that houses the trail’s namesake.

“This jump line is new,” Ross said. “It’s definitely unique to this region of Virginia.”

The trail is the first of its kind in the county, making it more convenient for bikers.

“It is super exciting because it is right in our backyard,” Mountain Biker James Jetmar said. “Normally we would have to travel to Roanoke or even further, and to see this now spreading into Franklin County, it’s exciting.”

The trail allows riders to session, which means they can practice it over and over again.

It also gives athletes like Garett Jetmar the opportunity to take his motocross skills to the next level.

“It really gives me a good chance to cross train whenever I can’t ride,” Garett Jetmar said. “Just this morning we were like well, we will go out and mountain bike this morning and then go back home and get everything else we need to get done.”

The Parks and Rec department is hosting a grand opening for the trail Saturday. The fun will kick-off around 10 a.m. and will include activities like a high-jump competition on the course.