Mountain Bikers Discover the Blue Hills

Mountain bike enthusiast of all ages and skill levels took to the trails of the Blue Hills Reservation today for Blue Hills Mountain Bike Discovery Day.

Rangers from the DCR along with members of Blue Hills TrailWatch and the New England Mountain Bike Association made the event possible by leading rides and holding a few contests. Discovery Day is in its 15^th year.

Throughout the event, which ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., riders gathered at one of the Houghton's Pond picnic areas. From there, volunteers took riders of different skill levels on rides. The different rides varied in distance, terrain and pace. Beginners, novices, advanced riders and families all had opportunities to ride at Discovery Day.

"It's a good way to get people outside and enjoying the trails," said Lt. Tom Bender, the district ranger for the Blue Hills.

In between led rides, riders were invited to hone their skills on the obstacle course, which included a teeter-totter, a ramp, various obstacles to ride over and a limbo stick.

Eric Rawn, Milton, and Jack Peters, Boston, both 12 years old, were among the riders taking on the obstacle course between riding the trails. They both agreed the teeter-totter was their favorite feature.

Eric attended the event last year and says he enjoys the network of trails at the Blue Hills, while Jack was just happy to be on a bike.

"I don't ride much because I live in the city, but it's really fun when I get to," he said.

Near the end of the day, riders were able to show off their skills in a few competitions including the limbo and track standing, the act of standing still on a bike without touching the ground.

Joe Sloane, the TrailWatch volunteer coordinator, organized the event. TrailWatch is the "eyes and ears" of the Blue Hills Reservations, with a large group of mountain bikers and hikers who comb the trails and promote good etiquette while helping other users.