PROJEKT ROAM: Destination Whitefish Bike Retreat

Landscapes is a film series that celebrates and depicts the fruit of the earth's time and toils with the elements that have helped to create and shape the terrain we mountain bike across today. Volume 3 of Landscapes captures the charm and range of Whitefish, MT. Throughout this rugged and tumultuous topography, trails abound. Ripe for exploring, this town is a treasure cache of mountain biking diversity.

It was one of those brilliant and crisp late summer mornings. Bird calls resonated throughout the forest, harmonizing with the hum of bike tires, creating a relaxing background melody. The two of us were exploring the Whitefish Trail system, dodging bears and spying on bushy tailed foxes, when we stumbled upon a small, strategically placed sign and side trail. Whitefish Bike Retreat, the sign read, with an arrow pointing off through the trees in a different direction. Intrigued, we diverted along the smaller path and quickly made our way along more staple, Montana single track.

The end of our route deposited us in front of a huge and inviting converted barn, nestled in the heart of the growing Whitefish Trail system. Lofty pines bordered the drive as we made our way up to the bunk house, the main building of the Whitefish Bike Retreat. Peace and serenity radiated from the surroundings. We couldn't believe we had stumbled upon this incredible haven in the middle of the forest, amidst a trail system full of amazing single track.

Our impromptu side trip could not have been more impeccably timed as well. As we rolled to a stop, gaping in wonder at our surroundings, an adorable Heeler dog bounds up, taunting us playfully with a ridiculously large stick and wagging tail. Just mere moments later we were greeted warmly by the smiling proprietor, Cricket Butler, who just so happened to be heading up to the bunk house and was more than happy to give us a tour of the place. Curious to find out what exactly we had stumbled upon, we gladly accepted.

It was love at first sight. As soon as you step into the foyer, you are greeted with a spacious open floor plan, while exposed wooden beams and supports lend solidity to the structure. Upcycled bike parts of mismatched origins tastefully and creatively adorn the interior of the Bike Retreat, providing functionality in many instances as well. Comfy couches and an assortment of movies are tucked away in one corner for evening relaxation and down time. Everything about the place was so well thought out; tasteful accompanied by a touch of Montana rustic, with a flair for modern. It was quickly proving itself to be an amazing place to stay while you were on a bike-cation.

As we conversed with Cricket she inundated us, in a good way, with a list of all the amenities her Retreat provided. The downstairs portion of the main bunk lodge was equipped with a communal kitchen, separate mens' and womens' full baths with showers, and a very roomy indoor common area. Upstairs boasts private rooms, gender specific bunk rooms, and a half bath along with picturesque views of the evergreens outside.

Complimentary, secured indoor bicycle storage is available and if you need to tune up your bike in preparation for the radically good biking times your about to have, there is a clean, well stocked bike workshop to get your stuff dialed; all open and available for guests. For a full compilation of all the wonderful things the Bike Retreat has to offer, including shuttle services, take a few minutes to peruse their website www.whitefishbikeretreat.com.

Tranquil tent sites, tucked away among fragrant pines, are available for guests looking to go au natural and camp outdoors. A bonus of camping here is the communal indoor and outdoor amenities and services are open to camping guests as well.

After taking a moment to wash off the remnants of a stellar day of riding from your bike in the last of the sun's warming rays, the full weight of the relaxing atmosphere sets in. The outdoor rec area, with its toasty fire pit, beckons. The grill awaits. Yet another perfect touch to wrap up a sensational day.

I wasn't surprised to hear that a common theme among guests, ourselves included, is how taken aback everyone is at how much the Whitefish Bike Retreat truly has to offer. From the aromatic scents of freshly brewed, locally roasted coffee and baked goods greeting you in the mornings, to the shuttle services and a growing trail network right out the front door. It's a complete package, a wonderful place to stay and really feel comfortable and at home.

As amazing as that all is, I think it is the genuine hospitality that wholly envelopes you during the entire stay that really stands out. This friendly and welcoming atmosphere that emanates from the cozy hostel permeates the entire town as well; from the populace you bump into on the abundant trails to the locals that greet you with a smile and wave downtown.

It's easy to discern why Cricket decided to permanently call Whitefish home in early 2012. "...Whitefish has always felt like home to me-from my first visit 20 years ago. I am attracted to the remoteness, severity of weather, the wildlife, and boundless wilderness areas here. There is no other place like Montana and I really wanted my sons to grow up with all this!"

And speaking of Cricket's two young sons, she has to be doing something right, for they are quite adept at helping Mom to run the place; proving themselves to be budding business entrepreneurs as well. If you're fortunate enough to spend some time here, you just might encounter them running the on-sight mini general store that provides basic essentials, including maps, snacks, and quick fix bike gear.

Overall, the Whitefish Bike Retreat was one of my favorite places to be when I spent time in Montana this past summer. I knew we would be returning to the Retreat time and again regardlessly, but when Cricket mentioned she would be offering fat bike rentals for biking in the snow, I knew we would be heading back in the snowy season as well. How awesome is that going to be considering the area has a local ski resort, to get a bike and board fix all in one trip!?!

Projekt Roam was founded by husband and wife, Colt and Jessee Maule in 2010. It has been their mission to travel North America in search of places that celebrate the unparalleled beauty and freedom of not only the bike, but the terrain we ride as well. Plan your own trip to Whitefish, MT and check out more photos, film, and riding locations throughout North America at www.gravityrideguide.com.

If you are interested in being featured on Destinations, we would like to hear from you, please contact us: info@projektroam.com

Words: Jessee Maule

Photos/Film: Colt & Jessee Maule (August 2013)

Riders: Colt & Jessee Maule

For more work by Projekt Roam:

www.facebook.com/projektroam

www.projektroam.com

www.gravityrideguide.com

PROJEKT ROAM: Landscapes Vol. 3

Landscapes is a film series that celebrates and depicts the fruit of the earth's time and toils with the elements that have helped to create and shape the terrain we mountain bike across today. Volume 3 of Landscapes captures the charm and range of Whitefish, MT. Throughout this rugged and tumultuous topography, trails abound. Ripe for exploring, this town is a treasure cache of mountain biking diversity.

Each individual's life story is nothing but a flash of a synapse compared to the timeline of the evolution and shaping of the Earth we traverse our bikes upon. For instance, this passage of time has allowed crustal movements, glaciation, and other occurrences and extremes in nature to shape the Flathead Valley into a diverse environment, ideal for mountain biking. At an elevation of 3,033 feet, Whitefish, Montana is tucked away in the northernmost tip of this valley.

In days of old, Whitefish, MT was a thriving community supported by farming, timber, ranching, and the railroad. In the present day, the town is now considered a gateway destination to Glacier National Park and subsides mainly on tourism.

We'd heard that winter brings primo snow for icy wonderland lovers, but we were itching to see what the mountains had to offer during the glowing, languid days of late summer. With the bonus of being in close proximation of the Canadian border, and yielding an array of outdoor recreational activities, Whitefish, MT delightfully surprised us with some of the most fun mountain biking we had experienced all year. And I say this without even getting a chance to ride the local bike park...

We quickly discovered that one of our favorite spots was the freeride area at Spencer Mountain. The range of trail styles was surprisingly phenomenal. From 'groomed' man-made features to raw, steep, and technical, this downhill haven could have easily entertained us for the entire summer. Spencer Mountain seemed to truly embody the roots of freeride; whereas other trails in the area are shaped with a more structured trail building approach.

In our time spent in Whitefish, we barely scratched the surface of all the affable town had to offer, especially when it came to acquainting ourselves with the scores of trails in the surrounding area. There seem to be crystalline lakes burrowed in every nook and crag of the mountains that so many of the trails wound through.

Single track was bountiful and constantly beckoning. Some of our days were spent piloting our bikes for miles under the staple, vast Montana skies across strategically built trails that help to compile some of the Whitefish Trail, which to date, covers 40 miles of a proposed project to augment a 55 mile recreational trail system. Miles of buff, flowing single track makes this system an enjoyment for all.

There will be no shortage of places to pedal anytime soon, considering that the growth of the mountain biking scene, as well as local businesses, are supported by the Chamber of Commerce and City Council in combined efforts with other numerous affiliates.

The community support and involvement was pleasing to witness firsthand during conversations with locals, listening to plans of trail system growth and expansion, and encountering freshly built trails while passing ones under construction as well. Even with solid community support and obvious signs of recent trail activity, the lack of crowds on the trails was refreshing. It was as if we knew about this unbelievable secret spot that no one else did.

As soon as you left the dirt parking lots and motorized machinations behind, the effects of the surroundings were immediate. The boughs of the stately evergreens ever so subtly interrupted the sun's reaching beams, creating a diaphanous, glowing haze that permeated the entire forest, all the while, the only cacophony to reach your ears were the rhythmic hum of tires contacting dirt beneath you.

To sum it up in an unconventional dictionary, the definition under Whitefish, MT would read somewhere along the lines of "Leaves riders with earsplitting grins on their faces, feelings of euphoria, and the incredible urge to immediately go ride the trails again".

Projekt Roam was founded by husband and wife, Colt and Jessee Maule in 2010. It has been their mission to travel North America in search of places that celebrate the unparalleled beauty and freedom of not only the bike, but the terrain we ride as well. Plan your own trip to Whitefish, MT and check out more photos, film, and riding locations throughout North America at www.gravityrideguide.com.

Thanks to our sponsors for some great product and to all of our new friends who have helped us out along the way, ride on.

Words: Jessee Maule

Photos/Film: Colt & Jessee Maule (Filmed August 2013)

Riders: Colt & Jessee Maule

For more work by Projekt Roam:

www.facebook.com/projektroam

www.projektroam.com

www.gravityrideguide.com

PROJEKT ROAM: Landscapes Vol. 2

If it wasn't for the colorful and diverse landscapes that decorate and geographically define our country, where would we ride? Landscapes is a film series that celebrates and depicts the fruit of the earth's time and toils with the elements that have helped to create and shape the terrain we mountain bike across today. Volume Two of Landscapes showcases several sides of the multi faceted trail systems found in Durango, CO. This elevated, mountainous country provides a plethora of variation and trail options for any mountain bike adventurer to explore.

Situated at 6,512 feet above sea level in the lush Animas River Valley, Durango, Colorado is a town that is as rich in culture, history, and outdoor recreation as the surrounding ore laden San Juan Mountains. The former mining town has it's own quirky, laid back vibe; an eclectic mix of mining town meets mountain town meets the west.

With a long standing reputation as a bicycling mecca, Durango turned out to be an optimum choice for us to spend time exploring on two wheels. Spiraling outwards from the hub of downtown, the countryside is magnanimous.

The ever present contour of rugged mountain peaks that define Colorado's high country seem to be synonymous with the horizon in nearly every direction.

The riding found in the higher elevations can be grueling with arduous ascents, sometimes leaving you thinking that your oxygen just might have been stolen from you like a thief in the night. But it doesn't really matter, because the descents and the surroundings, along with the whole experience, completely overpower those minute grumblings. Especially when you blast down the mountain with an ear-splitting grin while your entire focus and being are trained on the trail as it flashes by before you and still winds downward thousands of feet below you.

We spent some time wandering through the high country in the outlying mountain passes sprawled around Durango, it was as if you're taking a step back into time.

Abandoned ghost towns, ripe with dilapidated wooden buildings, endure the harsh winters and picturesque summers slowly succumbing to the inevitable forces of nature and time.

Old abodes, equipment, mines and mills in various stages of decomposition are often in view, blending in with the natural surrounds, silent and weather-beaten monuments of a time passed.

These artifacts of a different era made for remarkable, exploratory stops during our adventures in the high alpine single track wonderland.

Many of Durango's different riding areas provide trails that make their way through twinkling groves of aspen and meadows stippled with an abundance of flowers that range from every colour under the sun. This scenery is definitely more noticeable when you stop for a ride regroup.

There are numerous trailheads and trails to be found scattered everywhere about the city, it seems. An added bonus is that all of these different, local riding locations are unique unto themselves.

Rocky terrain and scrub brush dominate the landscape with clay coloured earth cushioning the tires' tread in some of the trail riding regions.

One of the things that makes this mountain biking haven stand out was the ability to spend a day on a trail that carried you through stands of pine passing an occasional crystalline lake if that is what you were in the mood for.

Or if you wanted a completely different ride the next day, it wasn't a problem to hit up a trail with manmade features including jumps, drops, and berms.

We happened to be in Durango during the summer months in which monsoon season dictates the weather pattern. Once this tumultuous weather hits, many a trail day can turn into an electrifying adventure.

A ride would start out with perfect, textbook weather. Over a matter of a couple hours, our senses would become bombarded with brilliant flashes of light accompanied by the sounds of roaring thunder.

The thunderheads sometimes brought moisture that turned the dirt into tacky trail heaven, or on other occasions, completely saturated us and the trail completely with torrents of rain. Whatever the ensuing weather brought, we knew we were always in for a thriller, hair-raising time.

Whether it's after spring snow melt, during the warm, sunny months of summer, or in the autumn, Durango is definitely a place with a genuine multitude of trails to ride and enjoy on a mountain bike.

 

Projekt Roam was founded by husband and wife, Colt and Jessee Maule in 2010. It has been their mission to travel North America in search of places that celebrate the unparalleled beauty and freedom of not only the bike, but the terrain we ride as well. Plan your own trip to Durango, CO and check out more photos, film, and riding locations throughout North America at www.gravityrideguide.com.

Thanks to our sponsors for some great product and to all of our new friends who have helped us out along the way, ride on.

Words: Jessee Maule

Photos/Film: Colt & Jessee Maule (Filmed May 2013)

Riders: Colt Maule & Jessee Maule

Chasing Gravity Episode 5

Bike parks...feet dangling, the gentle swaying of the lift as it carries you upward. There
is just something about being sky high, surveying the runs below from a bird's eye view
that gives my heart a little extra flutter. It's almost as if my senses are heightened with
anticipation, just knowing the moment I hop off the lift, it's time to shred.

The month of June found us in New Mexico and Arizona, exploring a couple of bike
parks nestled in the mountains of these southwestern states.

The journey to Angel Fire Mountain Resort gave us a bit of a sense of pseudo-isolation.
Absent was the feeling of the hustle and bustle, the rush that mainstream cities can often
inflict you with. In it's place, the solitary town of Angel Fire welcomed us with relaxed
vibes and a small town feel.

Angel Fire's slopes offer numerous run options. Divergent terrain gives the resort a
unique characteristic, as well as providing any rider with a choice of numerous trails and
varying levels of technicality to challenge themselves with.

Remnants of volcanic activity from eons past are present still to this day in the form of
porous rocks littering many of the trails across the mountain.

A call of an elk resonates periodically through the air. The austere beauty of the
surroundings and contented atmosphere of Sunrise Mountain Resort makes for a prime
riding area to escape the searing heat characteristic of the lower lying Arizona cities in
the summer months.

Dense patches of forest had us dodging and weaving through the pines, opening up from
time to time into high speed, chunky ribbons of singletrack.

In some ways, we found riding at Sunrise similar to taking a step back in time. The trails
are raw, and generally seem to follow a natural course of their own down the mountain.

For the most part, Sunrise Resort lets the naturalness of the mountain challenge the rider,
only helping to complete or enhance the existing terrain with manmade additions when
the need calls for.

Projekt Roam Day Of The Dog

How do you put into words something that is indescribable? I'm sure that many of those that are blessed with the companionship of a dog understand what I am speaking of. The richness dogs bring to our lives; simply put, our dogs are an integral part of the heart and soul of our family.

Who else would always greet you with a furiously wagging tail, big, toothy doggy grin, and be perpetually happy to see you? Our days are continually filled with love, laughter, and merriment because of these two. Therefore we decided to make a film in tribute of the dog.

Haven't you ever wondered what your dog was dreaming about as you observe their paws twitching while they sleep? Well, I’m not entirely sure what they dream about, but I do know that every time I grab my bike and whistle for the dogs, they give me a look that says it all. "It's about damn time I found the means to keep up with them".

Call me biased like any parent, but I for one, feel as if I am the luckiest person in the world to be able to share my heart and home with two of the best dogs on Earth.

So remember to take a moment every once in a while to let your canine companion know how elated you are to have them in your life.

Projekt Roam was founded by husband and wife, Colt and Jessee Maule in 2010. It has been their mission to travel North America in search of places that celebrate the unparalleled beauty and freedom of not only the bike, but the terrain we ride as well. Plan your own trip to Oakridge, OR and check out more photos, film, and riding locations throughout North America at http://www.gravityrideguide.com/

Thanks to our sponsors for some great product and to all of our new friends who have helped us out along the way, ride on.
Words: Jessee Maule Photos/Film: Colt Maule