Reviewed by: JIM ROSE , from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Summary:
I RODE THIS WITH MAT AND HE WAS CRYING WHILE I CLEANED EVERYTHING AFTER BEING OFF A BIKE FOR FIVE YEARS. ITS A FUN TRAIL BUT I RECOMMEND THE DH COURSES ( NEW AND OLD). THEY JUST BUILT A NEW ONE FOR 03. FAST, GREAT DROPS AND LOTS OF JUMPS. I WANT TO THANK THE GUYS AT WHEELSPORT FOR MY EXCCELENT BIKE AND FOR SHOWING ME THE BALM TRAILS AT THE BEACON. PEACE!!

Recommended Route:
FIND THE ZIPPER AND GO DOWN THEN HIKE BACK UP TO THE POWERLINE TRAIL AND GO OVER TO THE DH COURSES.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
ALL BEACON TRAILS, AND THE URBAN DOWNTOWN WITH JOE CHAD AND MAT.

Reviewed by: Nature Boy , from Spokane

Summary:
I rode this with "Dan" (whom I think had some part in building this trail) and "Ranger Rick" on Jan. of '01. I think Dan put it this way..."you're the third person I've taken down this and the 2nd to crash!" The trail has small gaps of rock, drops, ledges and chutes that are not for the average xc'er. It makes fish swim in my stomach so just ride it or don't bother. If you think about it you'll mess up. There isn't much room for error 'cause you, your bike or both have a good chance at landing on rock. The pine needles were not the best traction to land on dropping the little chute and I ended up doing a "superman" over the bars then rolling upright only to be hit by my bike. Result: Skiers thumb, smashed rear brake noodle and dented seat tube and ego, assorted rash. It's a thrill but more for the aggro, suspended crowd. If you can't afford the down time try something a little more mundane. Side bar: Will impresses me. He can race and rock!

Recommended Route:
Downhill: start near golf couse. Add a little technical climbing come in from East and below the roads under the "Beacon"

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Head East above the beach, more technical rocks.

Reviewed by: mike , from spokane

Summary:
rode this last night for first time with Bob Dixon,& Paul Christiansen, I almost pissed myself, I was so scared, never riding it before. This has got to be one of the most technical trails out there. The guy who said when in doubt get off the brakes and let her rip is right the brakes will get you killed. The zipper would be the ultimate DH race course, of course there would be injuries up the wazzzu. If you could ride this trail at speed from top to bottom you would be one hell of a rider. I for one will have to practice a lot more before I'm able to ride this trail with any confidence.

Recommended Route:
from the top to the bottom

Reviewed by: larry(too tall) , from spokane

Summary:
awsome we go from the golf coarse and climb on foot to the the top

Recommended Route:
go behind climbing rock buy dam hike to beacon on foot-lots of fun