Milwaukee's indoor 'mountain'

If you can ride a two-wheeler, you're qualified to hit the timber and rock "trails" at Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park in Milwaukee. But don't be fooled: Ray's isn't your average family entertainment venue.

Located inside a shuttered 110,000-square-foot Menard's home-improvement store, Ray's does not feature inflatable slides, kid-friendly padded walls, video games or ball pits. Instead, as the company stresses, the indoor mountain bike playground is built of wood, nails and concrete, and it involves some risk. And that's exactly why this plywood-scented bike park is so much fun.

The original Ray's, which opened in Cleveland in 2004, targeted the aggressive mountain bike rider; the unique concept gained so much momentum among snowbound Midwestern trail riders that owner Ray Petro opened a second location, in Milwaukee, in 2010. Each summer, the parks close for remodeling and upgrades. When Ray's in Milwaukee reopened last fall, it sported a vastly improved novice section to accommodate increased demand from beginners.

The park is designed primarily for adult mountain biking (and, secondarily, BMX) enthusiasts, but there's plenty for adventurous children. Just make sure that they aren't on training wheels or striders and that those younger than 8 are accompanied by an adult at all times.

After checking in -- signing serious-sounding waivers, renting single-speed bikes, knee and elbow pads and donning our required helmets -- we hit the easiest path in the building: the yellow floor-level XC loop, suitable for anyone who can ride on a sidewalk. The yellow trail led to the new beginner section: a quiet and secluded room that allows first-timers to practice riding on treacherous wooden planks, rocks, logs, curved banks (berms) and small mounds (rollers) without having to share the trails with more experienced riders.

Eventually my 7-year-old wanted more; he pedaled up a ramp to the green XC trail on the second floor. This trail had such steep roller-coasterlike descents that he initially walked his bike down the more terrifying stretches. He also bypassed the more difficult spurs. Soon, though, he could ride the entire third-of-a-mile loop.

Back at the beginners sport section, my teen niece tried her hand at riding over obstacles -- logs, rocks, two-by-fours and teeter-totters. The 5-year-old wanted to go home, but the 7-year-old made a friend, and together the two boys tried the new micro-rhythm track. This introduction to a "jump line" featured an out and back course of rollers, boxes and beginner jumps and turned out to be my son's favorite part of the park. "It feels like you're flying!" he said.

This is what most people assume Ray's is like, especially if they've watched YouTube videos, said Milwaukee manager Eric Schutt. "We benefit from the viral, customer-based content, but it also creates a visually aggressive image," he said.

In reality, Ray's offers something for every level and age. And though mountain bikers and BMXers pedal in different circles, Schutt said, there is no culture clash. Mean looks, growling and "throwing the malarkey" are all no-nos at Ray's.

The pump track is an endless loop of rolling bumps and banked corners. Ideally you ride without pedaling, using your body weight and the small inclines to propel you forward. I was eager to try what many people called the best workout in the park, but I quickly learned that slowing down (chickening out) when you get to the berms is a sure way to topple over.

As with every part of the park, confidence and momentum are keys to staying upright. After I had a series of graceless wipeouts, my cocky 7-year-old offered some advice. "Just go, Mom!" he said.

I went. With my heart in my throat. And the thrill of finally getting it is why we'll head back to Ray's.

Mountain or BMX bike rentals are available (reservations recommended on weekends.) You can take in your own bike, but hybrid, cyclocross and road bikes are not allowed. Helmets and working brakes are required.