Whispering Wheels at Wilson Woods

(August 2-3, 2010) Evergreen, Colo- Months prior to the Crankworx Colorado event was to take place, whispers began to fly of some sort of posy event. Not much could be shared, as details were unknown. As soon as the area of the event was mentioned, there was no doubt to its exact location: Wilson Woods. Scott Wilson has long been working on his yard. Unlike most yard owners who plant flower beds or grow grass, Scott’s yard is growing with dirt jumps. The 2.8 acre property is littered with a variety of jumps and other freeride features. “Its always awkward to tell people to come to my yard, I have jumps. Usually they look at me like I am some kind of moron with a 2x4 and a cinder block. I have been working on the yard every week and on most weekends for over 5 years. Often in the spring and fall people come help,” said Scott Wilson. Unlike most dirt jump areas that build the jumps then photographers and videographers have to find the angles, Scott build his yard with those guys in mind. There are perches and ladders all over the yard, making it a photographer’s or videographer’s dream. So Scott Wilson opened up his yard to a clan of riders along with photographers and videographers directly following the Crankworx Colorado event in Winter Park. “My main goal was to let the world know this place is here and here to stay. Anything built on this 2.8 acres will remain here until the house sells or I am dead. I would also like to open this place up to corporate sponsors to have private photo shoots for their athletes. Many people were under the misconception that this place was only for my friends. Wrong!” Said Wilson. For two days the hill side behind Scott Wilson’s home turned into a busy beehive of riders and media. It wasn’t about who your sponsors were, or what the best trick was that you could land. The gathering of like minded people was to bring together old and new friends. For riders to have a good time, feed off each others riding and give photographers and videographers a great opportunity to capture something magical. Nick Simcik of Boulder Colorado is no stranger to Wilson Woods. “It is such a great place and the event had a great feel to it. The whole thing was like a bike BBQ. Everyone was just flowing and vibing. Riders weren't about showing each other up, it was just about showcasing what they can do and helping others step up their level.  This was the best post Crankworx event yet.” Lots of riders, good jumps, BBQ and music, the mood was a good one. Everyone was feeling the jumps and pushing their riding. Spectators were stoked watching the showcase of riding and traveled from as far as Canada to join the jam. The yard is about flow and progression, and there was plenty of both at the Woods this past week.

Nick Simcik of Boulder Colorado lays out a clean backflip.	Andy Holloway is always dependable for some stylish table 360's.	Nick Simcik, Shane Sorenson and Ted Barret Van Orman hang out on the take off of the Hover Dam step down.
Hit Air rider and AMA Outdoor National Pro Motor Cross racer Matt Burris sends the Hover Dam step down with a motor. He later was sending it on a bicycle.	Ted and Nick earn their riding time by working the jumps after a quick afternoon rain shower.	"OH NO! Their are getting my softies!" scream Andy Holloway as he ran to the top as the first riders came down the jump line after a good work session.
Austin Chipman slashes the big berm into a blur.	As the sun slowly set the night time lights and riding heated up. Ever dirt jumped at night in the rain under lights?	Ben Glassen of Canada gives the big berm one last work over before starting the night time riding.
Cody Gessel lays out a nice whip as the second day winds down.

A note from Scott Wilson: “As soon as the event was over I checked the mailbox. I received a notice of violation from Jefferson County planning and zoning. They said that I have four major violations.” 1. Construction without misc. permit 2. Grading without permit 3. Grading exceeds performance standards 4. Special event without permit- which I did obtain.   “Short and sweet they are trying to shut this place down and bull dose all my hard work. I'm fighting this claim tooth and nail but I am only one man. We'll see what comes of this. If I have to level all of my work, I'll sell my house/property and move way into the mountains without any neighbors and start over again. Yes, this gathering will happen again in the near future.”

Story and Photos By Devon Balet