Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association hosts barbecue and ribbon cutting for ‘most significant trail to date’
By Sydney Seymour
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, Rogue Valley Mountain Bike Association will host an opening party, barbecue and ribbon cutting for “their most significant trail to date,” according to President Ryan Hawk. The association — funded by donors and fueled by volunteers — creates, maintains and supports hundreds of mountain bike trails from Grants Pass to Ashland.
“We’ve never created a trail of this scale — with this density and variety of features,” Hawk said in a phone interview, mentioning the more than 50 jumps in the 1-mile trail.
RVMBA transformed part of the overgrown and hazardous Bull Gap logging road into what’s now the Mt. A-Line, a “destination-worthy” trail just outside the ski boundary and down from Mt. Ashland Ski Area Lodge. The name nods to Whistler’s A-Line jump trail with a local Mt. A touch.
The $160,000 road-to-trail conversion was financed largely by a recreational trails grant from Oregon State Parks, in addition to support from local businesses and private donations.
Saturday’s party at the bottom of the trail will have hot dogs, beverages and snacks.
“This is a time to get together and celebrate this new community asset,” Hawk said, “and to show a little love back to our mountain biking community.”
With support from the Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District, RVMBA built the trail on public U.S. Forest Service lands. The seven-year project was originally designed to deter the public from shoveling “rogue” trails in the watershed and to help to protect the environment.
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Those interested in attending can find the party at the bottom of the trail via the Bull Gap intersection and the Mt. A-Line Trail, or by taking the 10 a.m. Ashland Mountain Adventures $50 round-trip shuttle, which includes three rides to the top of the trail. Or $10 per lap. View map of location embedded in this article. Free food for RVMBA members, $5 for non-members.
Trail features for all users
The trail features a progressive jump line for both intermediate and advanced riders with a “ride around” available for beginners. RVMBA also incorporated an uphill multiuse trail for hikers, runners, horse riders and bikers.
With local adaptive riders in mind, trails are wider for those using three-wheeled assistive bikes.
While jumps start at 5 feet, advanced riders can jump over a 45-foot gap, which Hawk described as jumping over the length of a school bus or semi-trailer. At the midpoint of the trail, about a half-mile in, there’s a large protected area for watching riders.
Hawk said those who have already ridden and tested the trail are eager to work up to the features. He’s heard “nonstop excitement” and seen “jawdropping” reactions.
He continued, “Users can’t believe we have something like this right here that anybody can ride. It’s a new experience for the Rogue Valley to ride something like this.”
In the coming months, RVMBA will fine-tune the trail, depending on user input, by adding signage and ensuring features are wide enough.
Email Ashland.news Snowden intern Sydney Seymour at [email protected].
Sept. 18: This story has been updated to reflect that Ashland Mountain Adventures shuttle rides are $50 round-trip and include three rides to the top of the trail. Or $10 per lap.
Related story: Mt. Ashland mountain bikers have a new jump line trail (Aug. 20, 2025)
