The Heritage Trails Bike Festival gives you the chance to get an in depth look at the mountain biking scene here in Carbon County.  Not only on where to ride but also on what the future has in store for mountain bikers who’ve simply fallen in love with what the Mauch Chunk Lake Park and area surroundings has to offer.  The event will be themed around Anthracite Coal Mining of course.  We couldn’t think of a more fitting theme for this year’s event.  Coal mining is what the area was founded on and mountain biking and outdoor adventure play an integral role in our local economy today as coal mining had in the past. 

     Just about everything in the event relates to Anthracite Coal Mining.  Take the Breakerboy for instance - A popular ride once themed The Coal Cracker pays homage to the young boys that worked the coal chutes sorting the slate from the black diamonds.  Slatepickers or “cherrytoppers” as they were called were subject to harsh working conditions - often times to the point where their fingertips were bloodied.  The “living history” group at the Eckley Miners Village will be performing with us and we will have a group of Lost Miners roaming the event from time to time.  He’s of Irish descent and is most likely affiliated with that notorious band of rebels they called The Molly Maguires (Four of whom were hung at the gallows of the Old Jail Museum).  And for those interested in obtaining a d-e-e-e-e-per appreciation of Anthracite Coal Mining we are offering bike and tours of the #9 Mine & Museum.  The 900-foot deep mine includes an actual miner’s hospital cut directly in stone!  Once mined, learn how they transported the coal to market on the Interpretive Ride of the Switchback Trail.  There are several such rides planned throughout the event.  We hope that you’ll join us for what we believe will be a truly fantastic event that offers a unique blend of camping, mountain biking, history, fun and entertainment.  See you in September!