Martin Cole An extraordinary addition to the world of freeride mountain biking has emerged in the heart of the Ozark Mountains—The Wizard at Howler Bike Park. Tucked away near Branson, Missouri, this hidden gem has rapidly gained recognition among passionate riders seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences. In this article, we’ll delve into the captivating story of Howler Bike Park, explore the allure of The Wizard trail, and unveil the exciting future that awaits riders in this thriving freeride destination.
An Unforgettable Ride Awaits: Discover The Wizard at Howler Bike Park
When you think of America’s most iconic freeride lines, certain names immediately come to mind: Banana Peel at Trestle, Southeast Style at Kanuga, or Fort Hill at Thunder Mountain. Now, it’s time to add The Wizard at Howler Bike Park to this prestigious list. Nestled within the scenic Ozark Mountains, just north of bustling Branson, Missouri, Howler Bike Park offers an exhilarating experience like no other. Although Branson welcomes around 10 million visitors annually, only a few have discovered its potential as a mountain biking destination. However, fueled by the exponential growth of progressive trail building in nearby northwest Arkansas, Howler Bike Park has garnered a dedicated following of season-pass holders and day trippers eager to explore its freeride features and technical terrain.
Key Takeaways
- Howler Bike Park, located near Branson, Missouri, is gaining recognition as a top freeride destination.
- The park boasts a dedicated following of season-pass holders and day trippers drawn to its large freeride features and steep technical terrain.
- The Wizard, Howler’s newest trail, was built in 2023 by McGill Trail Fabrication and Seth Gebel (Backyard Trail Builds on YouTube).
- The trail offers massive hand-built features, pushing the limits of the local riding talent.
- Howler Bike Park aims to facilitate rider progression and creativity by providing opportunities for feedback and close interaction with the builders and trail designers.
- The park has experienced rapid growth since its inception in 2022 and shows no signs of slowing down.
Unveiling The Wizard: A Trail of Marvels
The Wizard, Howler Bike Park’s newest trail, is a thrilling adventure from top to bottom. Constructed in 2023 through a collaboration between McGill Trail Fabrication and Seth Gebel, better known as Backyard Trail Builds on YouTube, The Wizard pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in freeride mountain biking. Surprisingly, the trail reveals massive hand-built features tucked within the dense cedar forest that dominates the southern Midwest. While mountain biking in states like Missouri and Arkansas has gained popularity, few areas have consciously chosen to explore the limits of their local riding talent. The Wizard at Howler Bike Park stands as a testament to their ambition.
With anticipation and a hint of nervousness, I joined Justice Berry to experience the thrill of The Wizard. As we careened off the sandstone bluffs, excitement coursed through our veins. The trail’s colossal features came alive beneath us, inspiring us to unleash our skills and showcase our best moves. Approaching a breathtaking cedar structure, bathed in sunlight filtering through the forest canopy, we cracked our most audacious whips, our helmets concealing our beaming smiles.
As we progressed along The Wizard, the trail’s allure compelled us to engage in friendly competition, racing and launching ourselves over gaps whenever the opportunity arose. Surprisingly, the focus shifted from speed to the sheer joy of riding hard with a close friend. The Wizard captivated our attention, reminding us why we fell in love with freeride mountain biking in the first place.
Pushing Boundaries and Nurturing Progression
Upon concluding our day on The Wizard, I discovered that Howler Bike Park undertook the ambitious task of constructing this trail for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, rider feedback played a crucial role. Howler Bike Park values the input of its passionate community, eager to witness collective progress. The beauty of emerging mountain biking destinations lies in the limitless potential for creativity and the opportunity to closely engage with trail builders and designers, shaping one’s own progression. Howler Bike Park recognized the absence of substantial jumps in the area and took it upon themselves to build a trail that would push their top riders to new heights.
Looking ahead, the future of this area’s riders appears bright and exciting. Since its establishment in 2022, Howler Bike Park has undergone tremendous transformation and growth, expanding its offerings twofold without any intention of slowing down. Freeride thrives in Missouri, and riders from all around are invited to join in the excitement. So, are you prepared to run some laps with us this summer on The Wizard?
Conclusion
Howler Bike Park, nestled in the Ozark Mountains near Branson, Missouri, has emerged as a destination that every freeride enthusiast should experience. With The Wizard trail, built in collaboration with McGill Trail Fabrication and Seth Gebel (Backyard Trail Builds), Howler Bike Park showcases its commitment to pushing the limits of freeride mountain biking. From the massive hand-built features to the captivating natural surroundings, The Wizard offers a one-of-a-kind experience that keeps riders coming back for more.
As Howler Bike Park continues to evolve and expand, it remains a beacon of creativity and progression in the mountain biking community. The park’s dedication to rider feedback and fostering a close relationship between riders and trail builders sets it apart from other destinations. Freeride enthusiasts from across the country are drawn to Howler Bike Park, eager to witness its magic firsthand.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through The Wizard at Howler Bike Park. Embrace the freeride spirit, challenge yourself, and let the magic of this hidden gem in the Ozark Mountains ignite your passion for mountain biking.
