In a region known for world-class mountain biking, it takes something special to stand out. MOmentum Bike Park in Joplin, Missouri, does exactly that. The newly opened park offers a rare mix of jump lines, technical singletrack, progression features, and flow trails, all woven into a riding experience that appeals to a wide range of riders.
That variety was on full display during a recent visit by the Drew Crew. My son, Dex — aka Little Shredder Boy — came looking for airtime and found no shortage of jump lines to keep him smiling. My wife, Sarah, gravitated toward the park’s more technical side, finding plenty to enjoy on trails like Concrete Roots. As for me, the appeal was simple: a little bit of everything, all in one place.
Flow trails blend smooth berms with well-shaped features.
It’s the kind of place where a first-time rider can find confidence, an experienced rider can push limits, and everyone in between can keep progressing.
The All-in-One Advantage: Seamless Variety and Progression
At its core, MOmentum is defined by variety. Spread across 10 miles of trail, the park offers a diverse network that invites exploration without feeling overwhelming. The layout encourages movement between features and trail types instead of separating riders into distant zones or requiring long transitions. Warm up on a pump track, session a jump line, then roll straight into a flow trail or cross-country loop without missing a beat. That seamless integration is part of what gives MOmentum its energy; it’s not a loose collection of trails but a connected riding ecosystem.
The “all-in-one” nature of the park is immediately apparent. Riders are greeted with pump tracks that hum with constant motion, where beginners learn the rhythm of the bike and advanced riders refine speed and precision. Nearby, progressive jump lines rise in size and complexity, offering a clear path for skill development. These aren’t intimidating, one-size-fits-all features. Each track is carefully designed so riders can build confidence step-by-step, moving from smaller jumps to larger ones as comfort grows.
MOmentum Bike Park’s bicycle playground encourages accessibility and fun.
For younger riders — or those simply looking for a more playful experience — the bicycle playground adds another layer of accessibility. It’s a space that encourages creativity and fun, where the focus shifts from performance to pure enjoyment. Alongside the bicycle playground, a dedicated skills course allows riders to slow down and focus on technique, whether practicing balance, cornering, or navigating technical features.
MOmentum goes beyond progression zones, delivering when it comes to speed and flow. Downhill jump and flow trails provide the exhilarating, gravity-fed experience riders crave, blending smooth berms with well-shaped features. These trails are complemented by varying cross-country routes that stretch out, offering longer rides for those who want to settle into a rhythm and cover more ground.
Ride All Year: Consistent Flow and All-Weather Accessibility
While the park’s variety is expansive, consistent rideability is what truly sets MOmentum apart. Thanks to its all-weather surfacing, MOmentum extends the riding season in a way few parks can. Chip-seal jump and flow trails, along with asphalt and chip-seal in the lower bike park zone, create a durable surface that holds up through changing conditions. MOmentum stays open and accessible while many trail systems close during wet months or freeze-thaw cycles. Although winter and early spring are often seen as off-seasons for riding, MOmentum offers the opportunity for riders to keep showing up and keep those wheels turning.
MOmentum stays open and accessible while many trail systems close.
This commitment to accessibility goes beyond weather. MOmentum was designed from the ground up to be inclusive — not just in theory, but in practice. Families can arrive together and know that everyone will have a place to ride. A parent can cruise a cross-country loop while a child explores the playground, or they can ride side-by-side on beginner-friendly features. At the same time, more advanced riders aren’t limited; they have the terrain and features needed to challenge themselves and continue progressing.
In a rare balance, MOmentum bridges that skills gap, where many parks lean heavily toward either beginners or experts. Different skill levels interact in this shared space in a meaningful way. A new rider might watch someone clear a jump line for the first time and feel inspired. An experienced rider might return to basics on a pump track and rediscover the fundamentals that make everything else possible. Progression here isn’t linear or isolated; it’s part of the environment.
Beyond Daylight: The Energy of Night Riding
When the sun sets, there’s something uniquely compelling about riding under the lights: the cooler air, the focused atmosphere, and the way features take on a different character after dark. The pump tracks and bicycle playground are fully lit, transforming the park into a nighttime destination, and adding flexibility for those with busy schedules.
Looking ahead, the MOmentum experience is poised to grow. Future phases include lighting for the jump lines. Imagine sessioning jumps well into the evening, refining technique, and sharing laps with friends long after daylight fades. It’s a natural evolution for a park that already prioritizes accessibility and progression.
Riders build confidence step-by-step, moving from smaller jumps to larger ones.
Ultimately, MOmentum’s true impact isn’t any single feature; it’s how everything works together. The trails, surfaces, layout, and design philosophy all point toward one goal: creating a space where riding is always possible, always engaging, and always evolving. It’s a place where you can show up with a specific plan or no plan at all and leave feeling like you’ve gained something — a new skill, a new line, or simply a great day on the bike.
In a landscape full of great riding destinations, MOmentum’s value is much more than the sum of its parts. It’s not just about where you ride — it’s about how easily you can keep riding, keep improving, and keep coming back.
Author: Rich Drew is the founder and lead coach of The Ride Series, one of the country’s premier MTB skills training programs, based in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Photos: Courtesy of Visit Joplin.
Looks like a solid spot for a biking trip. What’s the difficulty level like for beginners?
Beginners and young children can absolutely use MOmentum Bike Park. The 95-acre facility is designed to accommodate riders of all skill levels, from toddlers on balance bikes to expert mountain bikers.