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East Bluff: Whipsaw Loop

Whipsaw is the second hardest descent in the East Bluff trail system, but it is similar in character to Flo'rion.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
7.7 km
Ascent
164 m
Descent
164 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
232 m
High Point
389 m
Gradient
East Bluff: Whipsaw Loop Map

The East Bluff trail system/bike park is home to the newest trail development in Copper Harbor. The land for the trail system was purchased by Aaron Rogers and Rock Solid Trail Contracting, a professional trail building organization that got its start right here in Copper Harbor.

Description

Over time, Aaron Rogers gained acclaim as one of the most skilled trail builders and designers in the USA, and now his company, Rock Solid Trail Contracting, might be the biggest trail building company in the world.

The impetus to purchase East Bluff was due in large part to the local county government shutting down access to some of Copper Harbor's most acclaimed double black diamond trails. To continue offering challenging mountain biking opportunities in Copper Harbor, Aaron Rogers took matters into his own hands by purchasing this property and turning it into a fee-free bike park open to the public.

The first trails that Rock Solid is building at East Bluff are bermy, flowy descents that are easily achievable by intermediate riders. The more advanced trails will inevitably come later. At the time of this writing, about 7.5 miles of trail have been built at East Bluff, but a total of 40 miles is planned.

Whipsaw and the other downhill trails off the top of East Bluff are served by a mellow, pedal-friendly climbing trail named "Magic Carpet." After taking the Magic Carpet ride to the top, it's time to drop that saddle and rip it!

Whipsaw is the second hardest descent in the trail system, but it is similar in character to Flo'rion. Whipsaw epitomizes the flowy gravity-oriented trail character that Rock Solid is working to create. While much of the trail features berms, jumps, and dirt rollers, it's also interrupted by occasional rock roll downs, some of which can be hucked by advanced riders. The iconic design of Rock Solid's trails allows intermediate riders to roll on through, but advanced riders can catch some air off of the lips and drops.

Sources: https://rocksolidtrails.com/ https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/east-bluff-bike-park-in-copper-harbor-plans-to-offer-40-miles-of-bike-optimized-trail/ https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/copper-harbor-trails-shut-down-liability/ https://rocksolidtrails.com/trails/florion

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and October

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Drops
  • Jumps
  • Roots
  • Gap Jumps
  • Tabletops
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area