2024 UCI World Cup XCO and XCC Course
In the spring and summer of 2024, Backslope conceptualized, designed, and built the Lake Placid UCI XCC and XCO race course. The course was built in accordance with UCI race course standards while also aligning with strict environmental regulations on the property.
"Max’s work received universal acclaim from ORDA leadership, international World Cup athletes, and the global mountain biking community. His dedication, expertise, and professionalism make him an asset to the trail-building profession."
Kris Cheney Seymour, Senior Manager of Sport Strategy and Engagement, Olympic Regional Development Authority
“The design was well thought out, and despite the ecological restraints that were in play, Max delivered an exciting and varied course…We have found Max to be a great asset, and very much look forward to working with him again in the future.
Paul Beales, Sports Manager-Mountain Bike Endurance, WBD Sports
Pumptrack and Jump Line
Utilizing a piece of town land, Backslope designed and constructed a pumptrack and short jump trail. A primary goal of this build was to create a skill building area for beginners while also catering to more advanced riders.
"Max drove two and half hours from VT to personally meet the SLICK kids this past spring and ride our local trails with them to get a feel of their style and ability. Max’s design proposal reflected the kids’ requests, without compromising his trail expertise."
Karen Miemis, Co-president, Saranac Lake Innovative Cycling Kids/Saranac Lake Rotary Foundation
Green and Gold Jacket Trails
On a parcel of town land Backslope planned, designed, and constructed a beginner machine built flow trail called Green Jacket. In addition to Green Jacket, a “pro line” named Gold Jacket was also designed and built by Backslope. This trail was constructed with mandatory drops and gaps to challenge riders of all abilities.
“When siting the trail in the landscape, Max observed established industry standards to maintain acceptable grades, proper drainage, and long term sustainability, while taking into account the desired goals of the project…Both trails were immediately popular with local and visiting mountain bikers, and in the past year have become some of the most used trails in the network.”
Josh Wilson, Executive Director 2015-2023, Barkeater Trails Alliance
Backslope Dirt Jumps
Personal dirt jumps built by hand and with a 1.7ton excavator. Hidden in the woods of Johnson, Vermont alongside an off grid cabin.
Rattlesnake Bike Park Green Flow Trails
Build two directional dh beginner mountain bike trails. These trails were designed by Elevated Trail Design and were subcontracted to Backslope. Backslope was responsible for all work from clearing the corridor to compacting the tread.
“Creating beginner-optimized bike park trails is no easy task, and he was able to follow my design and produce safe and fun trails for the target audience. His ability to consistently perform high-quality work in very different settings showed his dynamic trail-building skills and experience. In addition, Max is personable and was great at communicating with my team and the client’s team.”
Peter Mills, Owner and Founder Elevated Trail Design
Perry Hill Maintenance Work
Hand work maintenance on machine built trails within a larger town trail system. Assessing the damage on existing trails and creating a plan to refresh berms and trouble areas in the most efficient way possible.
“I am confident that Backslope Trails would be a valuable asset to any trail building project. Their dedication to quality, professionalism, and ethical conduct make them an exceptional choice.”
Brandon Sauer, 2024 Trail Coordinator, Waterbury Area Trail Alliance
