Mt. Bachelor plans another month of fall rides

Mt. Bachelor officials said Tuesday they will keep two chairlifts and the mid-mountain lodge open for downhill bikers and sightseers through September and into October.

Labor Day marked the end of Mt. Bachelor’s traditional summer operating season.

“It was a very successful summer for the resort, with mountain biking visits growing 53 percent from the previous summer,” the resort said in a news release. “New trails recently opened and momentum remains strong headed into the fall season.”

“We built it, and they came,” said Drew Jackson, Mt. Bachelor’s marketing and communications manager, referring to the increase in both the number of bike trails and visitors.

“The bike park is only two years old, but it has quickly established itself as a destination for downhill biking enthusiasts in the Northwest,” Jackson said.

If the weather allows, the resort will remain open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 11. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to offering downhill mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides and lunch at Pine Marten Lodge, the resort’s Gravity Sports retail shop will feature new 2015-2016 winter gear and large discounts on last year’s remaining inventory.

“September is an ideal time to experience Mt. Bachelor’s bike park, as the trails are firm and the crowds are minimal,” the resort said.

To encourage aspiring riders to visit this month, the resort is offering discounted beginner clinics on Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 20, from noon until 2 p.m.

The clinics are targeted towards new bikers who want to gain confidence in a downhill environment. Participants get two hours of instruction and a full day Sunshine lift ticket for $24.

A package that includes the clinic, Sunshine lift ticket and a Norco Range rental bike is available for $69. Space is limited and pre-registration is encouraged, online at www.mtbachelor.com.

After fall operations conclude, Mt. Bachelor will focus on preparing for its 58 th winter skiing and snowboarding season, tentatively planned to begin on November 25. Season passes are on sale at the resort’s website, with a purchase deadline of Sept. 30 for the lowest available prices.