As state regulations become more relaxed, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy is working its way back to normal. To demonstrate this, the IRC hosted its first guided activity of the year, at the IRC’s brand new Mountain Bike Skills Course, which is now open at the Portola Staging Area in Irvine. 

On Sunday, April 25, Mountain bike enthusiasts celebrated the return of guided activities by putting their skills into action on new terrain-influenced obstacles, like rock-shaped paths and dirt ramps at Mountain Bike Skills Course at the IRC’s Portola Staging Area. 

(Irvine Ranch Conservancy)

Dave Raetz, vice president and chief operating officer at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, said he is looking forward to the public returning after a year filled with closures.  

“We were thrilled to have people come out and experience the new bike skills course at the Portola Staging Area,” Raetz explained. “Many activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks were postponed this past year in accordance with state and local guidelines and we can’t wait to start welcoming people back to Orange County’s native wildlands in the coming months.”

The Mountain Bike Skills Course is primarily utilized to give inexperienced trail riders an opportunity to develop a feel for trail riding with the help of IRC certified, experienced riders, without the need to venture onto a trail. 

Adam Maywhort, director of planning and infrastructure at Irvine Ranch Conservancy, explained that while the public had limited access during the pandemic, crews took advantage of the time to make improvements to the existing infrastructure for future use.  

“The IRC Infrastructure & Planning Crew worked safely and efficiently throughout the pandemic to ensure the new Mountain Bike Skills Course would be ready for bikers to prepare for their trail rides on the landmarks,” Maywhort said. “The great thing about this course is that it can also be a fun way to experience mountain biking without needing to go out on a trail.”

In terms of upgrades, the new Mountain Bike Skills Course at Portola Staging Area is larger than before and features more pre-engineered ramps and natural-surface area style obstacles. 

Currently, during off-hours, the site is also used by the Irvine Police Department to train the city’s bicycle officers. 

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