BEND, OR -- In response to the increasing popularity of downhill mountain biking, Mt. Bachelor crews are creating five new biking trails.

Additionally, Drew Jackson says the Sunshine Accelerator lift will be pressed into service this summer, to take riders to what's being called the FTL - or, First Timer Line.

"When we launched the bike park two summers ago, we launched it with the idea that we were going to appeal toe the middle of the bell curve," Jackson tells KBND. "We realized last summer that we need more options for first timers and beginner riders, so that's where our special focus is going to be this summer."

The new beginner trails and an expanded skills park will be ready when the summer season begins, July 3. For the other end of the experience spectrum, crews are hand-building a new double-Black Diamond trail, with guidance from professional riders.

Jackson says it will drop nearly straight down the Pine Marten Lift line, over a variety of terrain.