Helmets required for riding in the park.
Special reminder: Helmets required for riding in the park
Last Saturday, the “2012 Winter Americas Bike Park Bicycle Competition” kicked off at the Americas Fashion Sports Park in southern Chengdu. The super-cool riding skills and thrilling tracks had everyone present cheering for more！
A middle-aged cycling enthusiast turned his dream into reality by building this arena for youthful competition. He invested heavily to create this extreme sports venue that aligns with international standards, which was officially completed in October this year. In our exclusive interview, he remained low-key and refused to disclose his name, only saying that he is known in the biking circle as the “King of the Americas.”
The “King of the Americas” confidently told us that there are other large-scale extreme bike parks elsewhere, such as Whistler Park in Canada, but they are all far from urban areas. The Americas Fashion Sports Park covers nearly 500 acres, with the bike park itself occupying about 200 acres, making it arguably the largest urban bike park in the world.
Rider Experience>>>
Yuan Xiaojin:
Diverse terrain types ensure fun for all
Yuan Xiaojin, a member of the Flying Over team. Been biking for 10 years, specializes in outdoor adventure riding.
Being the closest bike venue to downtown Chengdu gives it a big advantage, covering most types of terrains—from XC (cross-country) to DH (downhill)—so everyone can find something suitable here.
The five-jump area allows riders to train their jumping skills and is a favorite spot for many. Newcomers can try their first jumps here, while veterans can refine their aerial techniques. The corner sections are also varied, featuring high-speed continuous berms with large arcs and tricky tight turns, which are great for practicing comprehensive cornering skills. The drop zones have various heights, offering advanced riders a stage to push their limits.
Dream Turned Reality: Building a Bike “Dream Valley” in Chengdu
“There’s a ski resort in Canada’s Whistler Ice Peaks that turns into a mountain bike park in summer.” The “King of the Americas” was deeply impressed by his first visit there, and it became the origin of his dream. So in 2010, he turned his dream into reality—he got approval to build his envisioned bike “Dream Valley.” “There are more and more extreme sports enthusiasts in Chengdu, but the technical level here is still in its infancy,” the “King of the Americas” felt that Chengdu riders needed such a venue.
On October 1st this year, the “King of the Americas’” bike park was officially completed.
Passion for Extreme Sports: From Snowboarding to Mountain Biking
In late 2008, the “King of the Americas” tried his first extreme sport—snowboarding. “Back then, I dreamed about snowboarding even in my sleep.” Speaking of this, the “King of the Americas” became animated: “So far, among amateur snowboarders in Chengdu, I’d say I’m the best.” Later, he got into skateboarding, practicing every day after work, and now he can jump over two stacked obstacles (about 40 cm high). “It may not look hard, but only thirty or forty people in Chengdu can do it.” He sounded quite proud. Last April, the adventurous “King of the Americas” bought a mountain bike at a sports expo. Since then, his “trio of passions” has been going strong.
But thrill often comes with risk. Once, while skiing, the “King of the Americas” landed headfirst and suffered chronic cerebral hemorrhage. Even after that, injuries kept coming. During one DH mountain biking session, he even dislocated his right shoulder. “That time, I wasn’t wearing full-body armor. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been hurt so badly.” After multiple injuries, the “King of the Americas” began to place extra emphasis on safety. He advises all riders, “Be proud to wear a helmet, and foolish not to.”
Striving to Challenge Limits: Tracks Must Be Challenging
“If I feel a track isn’t challenging enough, then there’s no point in building it,” said the “King of the Americas.” The tracks and ramps, being the highlights of the park, have almost all been personally tested by him. “You could say this bike park is built according to my skill level.”
Every venue needs its most challenging feature. “It’s like the ultimate boss in a game that’s the hardest to beat—there has to be a goal for players to aspire to and be challenged by. Each feature should have a high level of difficulty. For example, the ‘Eagle Platform’ with a 3-meter drop—I haven’t dared to try it yet. That platform is a goal, and that’s what makes our park truly eye-catching.”
Dialogue
“King of the Americas”: Built the Park for Dreams, Not Profit
Q: What’s the basis for claiming it’s the world’s largest?
A: Other countries and regions also have large extreme bike parks, such as Whistler Park in Canada, but they’re all far from cities. Within an urban area, we’re the biggest.
Q: How does such a large-scale bike park make money?
A: The extreme park was born from a dream, not for profit. In the long run, breaking even would be good enough. The park charges moderate fees that ordinary citizens can afford.
Q: Most cyclists in Chengdu are used to free road cycling. Can they accept a paid venue like this?
A: It takes a process of changing mindsets. This place isn’t suitable for road bikers or “mountain-road riders” (note: mountain bikers who ride on roads).
Q: What’s next for the bike park?
A: It’s currently closed for further improvements to the track, with increased difficulty in the south zone to make it a national-level course; two artificial hills will be built in the north zone for DH riders. Next year, we’ll also host two major events with prize money setting a new record for similar domestic competitions.
Sound
Qin Wenlin, Director of the Chengdu Sports Bureau:
Hope international events can be held here
"Extreme sports make Chengdu, a fashionable city, even more vibrant and exciting." Qin Wenlin, Director of the Chengdu Sports Bureau, said the bureau strongly supports the development of this extreme sports park. "To that end, we’ve even established the Chengdu Extreme Sports Association. If they want to organize important international events, our sports bureau will definitely provide assistance in terms of funding, project approval, and more."