San Marcos opens Bradley Bike Park

Hundreds attend the grand opening as the city opens BMX/mountain bike facility the latest gem and amenity in the city

The city of San Marcos hosted the grand opening for the Bradley Bike Park on Monday. Hundreds of riders and residents turned out to see and ride the new park. Steve Puterski photo

SAN MARCOS — Blistering temperatures could not hold back around 500 bikers and residents as the city of San Marcos officially opened the Bradley Bike Park on Monday.

More than one dozen vendors, city staff, elected officials and residents packed the park and its long-awaited opening. The park features to jump lines and two pump courses for novice, intermediate and expert riders, which are marked with green, blue and black symbols similar to ski runs.

The park is open from 10 a.m. to sunset Tuesdays through Sundays and is closed on Mondays. Also, no pedal assistance or e-bikes are allowed and no bikes with pegs, according to San Marcos Director of Parks and Recreation Mark Olson.

Kids, meanwhile, lined the top of the most difficult runs chomping at the bit to hit the course, but exercised patience as officials gave brief speeches dedicating the park and thanking the many partnerships to make the facility a reality.

Families also descended into the park with their kids, many of them from 3-9 years old on their little bikes being pushed along the novice course decked out in protective gear. Smiles were abundant as the city opened a new chapter and one-of-a-kind amenity in North County, and really, the region.

Mayor Rebecca Jones kicked off the opening with the official first ride as she navigated two of the beginner obstacles on a mountain bike.