Gators Bike Park

Cycle through nature at Worthington challenge course

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Rick Armstrong would be proud.

In 2013, the Granby Elementary School gym teacher blazed a mountain bike trail in the woods behind the Worthington school to steer kids from video games and into nature.

Our kids did just that at the Gators Bike Park, a fun, safe and challenging mountain bike trail that’s open year round to the public.

The park includes a quarter-mile, single-track skills loop and a flow trail with two wooden berms. It’s great for all skill levels.

“Time me as I go around,” said Max before he took off around the flow trail.

It took Max just over a minute to peddle the loop, scaling two high-banked berms and barreling down a hill near a thorny locust tree and past a field of wild mustard.

But it took several hours for him and his sister, Rosie, to tire of the bike trail.

Obstacles on the wooded portion of the trail included a wavy bridge that when ridden fast allows the rider to get some air, a rock feature, and a snake ladder bridge — a curvy, elevated wooden path that’s harder than it looks.

Offerings keep expanding, thanks to the support of volunteers and donors through the Trailgators Booster Association. A future phase will include the addition of a professionally built pump track.

The Gators Bike Park is located at 1490 Hard Rd, nestled between McCord Middle and Granby Elementary schools in Worthington.

Remember to wear a helmet and don’t ride when the trail is wet.