When Dave Smutok first told me about the idea to host a ‘Spring Training’ style event at Highland Mountain Bike Park, my first reaction was ‘YES! Why hasn’t anyone thought of this yet?!’. The idea grew from the concept of Major League Baseball’s annual spring training, where teams prepare for the upcoming season and shake off some of the cobwebs by holding practices, scrimmaging with other teams, running drills, etc. It also allows teams and the major media outlets to scout some of the up-and-coming talent in the sport.
Dave’s vision for the HMBP spring training event was no different. An open invitation was sent out to all Pro-ranked FMB athletes for a weekend of riding all Highland has to offer. Freeride Mountainbike Tour veterans Kyle Strait, Tyler McCaul, and Nick Simcik made the journey out in preparation for the upcoming events, along with Highland’s favorites Aaron Chase, Clint McMahon, and Mike Kent. The big joy for me the weekend was witnessing the young guns Brett Rheeder, Carson Storch, and the Quebec trio of Brayden Barret-Hay, Dustin Gilding, and Nick Clark SHRED Highland to pieces non-stop all weekend. I guarantee you’ll see their names more and more! (by now you’ve heard Brett Rheeder placed 2nd at Jump Ship!)Â Â