Take control of your future and hit the trails. Last year we saw an explosion of mountain bikes and bikers. The trails were full as droves of people flocked to the Mountains to distance themselves and breath the fresh air. According to an article in Forbes Magazine, the number of mountain bikers on the trails increased by 100% to 500% compared to 2019. Bike manufacturers were seeing sales more than doubling (some a lot more) in 2020 versus 2019 with reports that they are sold out for 2021 and are now taking orders for 2022. That’s crazy if you think about it because the average cost of a bike these days is just over $3,000. Many enthusiasts spend over $10,000 for their bikes. Heck, I bought a truck not too long ago for $1,000. Most people didn’t even notice that the bike Isle in Walmart, which for several months looked a lot like the toilet paper and bottled water Isles, was a barren wasteland. Bike shops all over the country are enjoying the boom in business. 

So what does the future hold you ask? Bike parks. It’s not a new concept but something that resorts all over the country will be seriously considering — if they haven’t already — in their master plan. I’m not talking about abandoned swimming pools or concrete parks, I’m talking ski resorts vastly expanding their summer operations. I know there are plenty of visionary resorts throughout the country, and even the world, that are already there. Check out Whistler in British Columbia —already there! Look a little closer to home — Angel Fire Resort in New Mexico. I can assure you that they will be expanding. These resorts and the resorts of the future have and will have lift accessed downhill trails, cross country trails, dirt tracks, slope-style courses, pump tracks, riding lessons and more — accentuated by zip lines, adventure courses, hiking, camping, fly fishing, and boating. All of this will be conveniently contained by mountain villages that offer lodging, amazing food and nightlife — making these mountain resorts true destinations. 

Resorts of the Southwest will realize that summer may be more predictable than the winter. The snow will melt, the trails will dry out, the temperatures will warm up, that’s for certain. I predict that winter may not support the resorts and they will turn to summer operations as the driving force for the area’s revenue. If they have a good winter that’s just icing on the cake. 

I realize as I am writing this article that if you're an avid skier or snowboarder, this is kind of depressing. I’m even bringing myself down. But the cool part is, if I’m wrong then I snowboard more and if I’m right I mountain bike more. If neither pan out? …guess I’ll try surfing.