January 30, 2010
Tons of stories, video, and stills have been shot on Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park. So after a recent trip to Ray’s with my boys, I decided to tell keep this post real simple by telling you the 10 things you would probably only find out by going to Ray’s. If you want to see pics of Ray’ to get a feel for the landscape, check out this post.
01. Domino’s Pizza Has Ray’s On Lock Down
Yep. Domino’s. Although there are plenty of other sponsors visible via hanging banners throughout the entire space, the relationship with Domino’s Pizza is perhaps the most commercial aspect of Ray’s. There is a giant Domino’s pizza menu hanging overhead right by the counter complete with their phone number and pricing (It’s black and white, no logos or images. Looks like Ray’s made it). When your food gets there, Ray’s is cool enough to announce over the entire loud speaker system “Jim, Your Domino’s Pizza Is Here. Please Come to the Front Desk and Pick it Up.” No matter where you are in the 100,000 + square feet of space, you hear this twice every half hour. It’s cool, cause you get hungry in there, but I thought the system was interesting. I called and ordered Domino’s for myself (by the way – that new pie they are advertising… eh. Not better than Pizza Hut) and asked the guy how many deliveries they make to Ray’s on average per day. The guy said roughly 100 deliveries. Revenue share, anyone?
02. Leave Your Spandex & Hydration Packs at Home
Ray’s is all wood and concrete. If you fall, there is no dirt to cushion you. Plus, you can’t really haul ass around the place and get into a rhythm like you might on some flowy single track. Not to mention, you’ll look like a weenie. Jeans are the way to go. They’ll make you look professional and they’ll protect you from a fall. Shorts are OK assuming you have some leg protection. As for the hydro pack – there is plenty of Gatorade, water and Red Bull (as well as concessions) behind the counter. You don’t need your pack.
03. Don’t Expect an Epic XC Course
Yes, there is an XC course in Ray’s and it spans most of the layout. But you can’t really rip into it as you will almost certainly catch up to other riders pedaling slower than you. Even if you could rip it, it wouldn’t be that much fun compared to what you know of the woods. If you are a dedicated XC rider, and do not like to jump, Ray’s is set up for you to practice your skills on skinnies, drops, obstacles and see-saws. And you will come away a better XC rider if you focus on building your skill set at Ray’s so don’t let the XC course turn you off.
04. Ray Blends In With The Crowd
Ray – the owner and founder – is a really nice, laid back guy. I didn’t get to meet him but I did see him. I caught him interacting with his team and also meeting and talking with other customers. If you didn’t know who Ray was, you might think he was a guy with a family who is just visiting for the weekend. He is very nice, very personable, and very fairly represents what our sport is all about.
05. They’ve Got Your Covered Mechanically
Ray’s has a lot to offer in regards to wrenching. There is a common area that has tools, a bike stand, and a truing stand all for public use. If this area doesn’t have what you need, there is a professional mechanic almost always on duty working in the shop – which has everything a typical mechanic’s set up in a retail shop would have. And they are cool as shit. I borrowed lots of tools from these guys and they didn’t bat an eyelash to lend them out to me. When I needed a shift cable, some grease, and an end cap, they just handed it over without question or charge. Much appreciated.
06. Your Car is Your Locker
Yes, there are lockers there, but not many at all and they are seemingly always occupied. If you need a “safe zone” plan on using your car. Bring whatever you want – including your good cameras and video recorders. You can always ditch them in your car. The parking lot is right outside and it’s not an issue what-so-ever to run out and grab or stow something.
07. You Can Leave Your Stuff Anywhere — Even Over Night
It should go without saying that riders aren’t dicks that steal people’s shit, but Ray’s is crowded and busy at times. There are people everywhere. It reminds me of a ski lodge. And if you’ve been skiing alot, you know you can’t just leave your board, skis, or equipment laying around. They’ll get jacked. Ray’s is nothing like this. You can pick a corner, drop your stuff, and it will be there whenever you get back to it. There are even bike racks where you can leave your bike for as long as you want. We were on a weekend trip and a guy in our group left his bike at Ray’s overnight — unlocked — and got back to it in the AM with no problems (not that I recommend doing this, most bikes left over night were chained).
08. Ray’s is a Family Place
The coolest thing I saw was a dad and his two sons – ages 5 and 7. These little boys were tearing up the beginner’s room – skinnies, rock gardens, you name it. I should have gotten autographs ’cause these little guys are going pro for sure. I spoke to the dad for a while – an ex-BMXer in his 40’s who still dirt jumps. He said the kids get 3 days a week at Ray’s. His day with his friends (no kids) is Wed. night. The next day, I saw them again. Only this time, mom was there too and she was hooking up some PBJs in the lounge for the kids. Pretty cool.
09. There is Something for Everyone
I saw older men, older women, and many unskilled riders on bikes you and I might never think to see at a place like Ray’s (older MTB’s one might commonly see on a paved trail). Every one of these people were smiling and having a great time. There are so many different kinds of rooms and terrain that anyone who likes to pedal could really have a good time there.
10. Everyone’s Really Cool
This should go without saying, but again, there are few places you’ll see like Ray’s where so many riders are crammed into one building all riding around each other. You bump into people from time to time. And no matter who I bumped into, that person either excused themselves before I did, or at the same time I did. When you first walk in on a busy day, there are people everywhere. I didn’t know what to expect from this crowd so I was really happy to find out that it was so chill in there.
Give the crew at Ray’s a call and they will help you with where to stay and what you can do in the area. The City of Cleveland is only minutes away and there is lots to do at night. You won’t regret it.
Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park
9801 Walford Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44102-4777
(216) 631-7433
Whats up dude, saw ur pic in the new dirtrag. Playa!
…oh yeah my old ladys at rays right now for the womens weekend. Wouldnt let me go. haha
That’s awesome! I heard it was jammed packed out there this weekend. Cool to know your wifey rides too. Does she get air too? I was supposed to go to Ray’s this weekend too but bailed. Glad I did from the sounds of how busy it is….
Word! Thanks man. Really cool you noticed. That pic was from the same trip you were on when we just missed each other. The whole set (including the pic from Dirt Rag) is located here:
http://www.spokeapparel.com/2009/pictures/three-days-in-moab-utah/