Trail buzz
Aspire hosts global racers, fans at Red Bull welcome party
Aspire will host the Red Bull Tennessee National downhill riders at a welcome party on Friday (March 28) from 4 to 9 p.m. The event will allow members of the public to mingle with top racers.
To kick off the much-anticipated event, Aspire — a 370-acre, privately held public park in Clinton — will host a welcome party Friday (March 28), allowing community members to mingle with top racers, and perhaps take a ride of their own.
“We have folks coming from all over the world,” said Meg Cannon, director of marketing at Aspire, citing countries such as France and Australia. “And Red Bull is throwing them a welcome party, so they’re just coming to have dinner, ride and hang out before the national race on Sunday.”
Cannon said the party, set for 4 to 9 p.m., will take place at the park’s paved downhill pump track, created by Velosolutions — the only company that builds skills courses for Red Bull. Bikers will also have the opportunity to ride Aspire’s 22 miles of scenic mountain trails.
“Aaron Gwin, who owns Windrock, comes out here and rides quite frequently,” she said, adding that Aspire’s relationship with Gwin — a five-time overall World Cup champion and eight-time U.S. national champion — led to the welcome party’s creation. “They’re all just a group of great riders who enjoy riding and having fun together.”
“It’s been great having Aspire so close to Windrock Bike Park,” Gwin said. “We share a lot of the same values and enjoy many of the same activities, so it’s nice to have those crossover offerings for our customers. It’s been a really cool collaboration.”
While the welcome party is open to the public, Cannon noted that anyone interested in riding must have the skills to do so.
“Because we are also a public park, the public can watch, and if you are a skilled rider age 13 or older, you are welcome to join,” she said.
“So if you are not riding or you’re not qualified to ride on the skills track, you cannot ride.”
Cannon also suggested making dinner reservations at the park’s signature restaurant, The Pearl at Aspire, in advance, as around 250 people are expected to attend the event.
“It’s going to be really, really fun,” she said.
“I think this is a really good relationship for us, especially when it comes to building brand equity for Aspire and getting our name out there.”
After Friday’s welcome party, the weekend will continue with race practice and seeding rounds at Windrock Bike Park.
The 2025 Red Bull Tennessee National officially begins at noon Sunday.
Spectator passes for Windrock are $10 per day.
“I’m really excited to be expanding on the legacy of the Tennessee National with Red Bull joining as title sponsor of the event for 2025,” Gwin said in a news release.
“Red Bull has been an awesome partner of mine and the Windrock Bike Park for many years. We both share a vision and passion for the continued growth of downhill racing here in the U.S., and I’m thankful to have their support at this event moving forward.”
For more information about the 2025 Red Bull Tennessee National, visit tnnational.com or windrockbikepark.com.
