Bikes, Waterslides and Golf

It’s official – summer 2010 is here (as if temperatures in the 90’s weren't an obvious tell). Here are just a few updates to keep you in the loop…

Mountain Creek Waterpark is now open 7 days a week. That means you could jump off a cliff 7 days in a row. That sounds weird. Let me clarify - we literally have a ride called “Cliff Jump." And that’s precisely what you do. You jump off the cliff into a pool.

Diablo Freeride Park is also set to open 7 days a week starting July 3rd. If you’ve never been riding before, Diablo will set you up with rentals and all the necessary equipment. You just might want to pack a lunch, maybe a little bravery, whatever works for you.

You can also swing through Tree City Mini Golf. It’s now open and has 18 holes of fury. Bathing suits and your A-Game accepted. Check out Cobblestone Village’s Facebook page for events and other activities throughout the summer.

Enjoy your July 4th barbeques. Hope to see you soon!

-Halley

Mikey Ryan Putter's Cup a Success!

This past Saturday, Tree City Mini-Golf hosted the 1st Annual Mikey Ryan Putters Cup. Mikey is a local of Vernon who was seriously injured in a snowboarding accident back in 2006. Nearly $5,000 was raised for Mikey’s rehabilitation and treatment costs.

Tree City Mini-Golf plans to host a few more charitable events throughout the summer. The next one is scheduled for June 26, 2010 – proceeds benefit the Viking’s Club, Vernon’s Athletic Association.

So if you’re into Italian ice, mini-golf, live music, exciting additions to said Italian ice if you’re 21+, jalapeño infused burgers… pencil in a trip to Cobblestone Village.

Just a warning: Timmy Grins will most likely beat you in mini-golf. Don’t take it too hard. He’s just that good.

-Halley

US Open: Winners, Photos & Videos

I hear the Jersey shore was significantly under crowded this past holiday weekend. Well, that’s probably an exaggeration, but Diablo did see over 500 spectators on Saturday and Sunday to witness the finals of the US Open of Mountain Biking.

RideDiablo.com has the complete list of results, and for some sick photography and video coverage, hit up the links below.

-Halley

Photo: Halley O'Brien, Mountain Creek

RideMonkey.com

Race Report: US Open Finals Report (PHOTOS)

PinkBike.com:
US Open Giant Slalom Video Coverage (VIDEOS)
US Open of MTB - Sunday (VIDEO & PHOTOS)
US Open of MTB - Saturday (PHOTOS)

US Open 2010 is Underway

The past two days have been really fun - racers have been practicing on the US Open course to get ready for today and tomorrow's finals. There are a few more early practice sessions today followed by the Downhill Qualifiers and the Giant Slalom Finals. Check the schedule here.

Alright. I’m headed back out to watch some more people hit that booter. For those of you that have never been here in the summer, the jump is located at the bottom of the Sugar Slope. Bring your popcorn. It’s going to be exciting.

-Halley

US Open: Getting Ready

The US Open’s course is taking shape at Diablo Freeride Park. A few of us took a “scenic cab ride” to the top and checked out some of the course.

It’s going to get real exciting around here as the racers and vendors pour in. Diablo is expecting 600 of the world’s best downhill mountain bikers to attend. This is the big time, kids.

If you’re interested in seeing these talented lunatics whip around corners, trees and rocks while launching themselves off of manmade 40-foot booters, this is the weekend to show up.

Click to view the US Open’s Schedule.

-Halley

Vernon Earthfest 10

This past Sunday we celebrated Earth Day here at Mountain Creek with Vernon Earthfest 10.  Despite some early morning rains after a little convincing Mother Nature came around.  The rains stopped just in time for the event start as over 3,000 environmentally conscious individuals and families came out to enjoy the day. 

It was a sight to see as the South lodge was converted for the day into a fabulous mix of carnival, science fair, petting zoo and concert.  On the Main Floor over 70 vendors set up shop promoting and selling their environmentally friendly wares.  In the basement and the tents out back almost every manner of beast and creepy crawly were brought in for the guests to interact with, from wolves and turtles to bats and alligators.  Yes, I said Alligators!  Upstairs there was live music, a native american drumming circle and for the truly brave...we even had Karaoke.

Earthfest is an annual highlight for us and we wanted to thank everyone who came out and made this 10th anniversary such a tremendous success. 

As a community of outdoor enthusiasts we all need to do our part to protect our environment and its natural resources. For more information on what you can do to help protect the environment every day visit: The Official Earth Day Website

Farewell, Vernon

It has been a killer season, kids. At risk of sounding extremely cliche and corny, it seems like only yesterday the guns were blaring for the very first time. Ah, November - how you keep us on the edge of our seat year after year.

And then there's March - the most bittersweet month of them all. Warm weather, sunny skies, softer snow and then BOOM! It hits you. The end is near. Mother Nature giveth... and she taketh away (like a wench, but I digress.) So with that, we say adios to Vernon. See you in 2010-2011, old friend.

Welp! It's been super fun getting to know you while keeping you in the know. Enjoy the last Rapid Play video of the season... and Rick Astley's brief cameo. (Don't get too excited... it's a very photoshopped version of Mr. Astley.)

Farewell.
-Halley

USASA Champs, Hometown Heroes

Congratulations go out to our hometown heroes Alexa Cerra, JT Bingler, Stephen Cerra and Sean Neary for throwing down at the Mid-Atlantic USASA Regional Championships.

Sean Neary and Alexa Cerra took home 1st place for the 10-11 year old division in slopestyle. JT Bingler secured 3rd place in the Youth 14-15 year old division. Stephen Cerra qualified for boardercross and is also an alternate in the slopestyle division. While they’re not old enough to see a rated R movie un-chaperoned, they’ll be traveling out to Copper Mountain on April 3rd to compete in the 21st Annual National Championships. Wish them luck! -Halley

JT Bingler

(photo: 823 Photography)

Sean Neary

Alexa Cerra

 Stephen Cerra