OLIVER SPRINGS, Tenn. (WATE) — A massive East Tennessee mountain bike park is undergoing a major expansion project aimed at making it a world class and family friendly venue.

Aaron Gwin, an eight-time U.S. National Champion and five-time UCI Downhill World Cup Champion, recently purchased the “Windrock” in Oliver Springs with the plan to expand and improve the mountain bike riding destination.

The Windrock Bike Park is located about 9 miles North of Oak Ridge in Anderson County, and Gwin says he is in “Full expansion mode right now.” After training here for a few years – Gwin decided to purchase the park last year.

“Being able to spend the last two to three years riding and training and all that, I fell in love with the place. The terrain here is really good, the people here, everything about it is fun,” Gwin said.

In addition to purchasing the 540-acre park, Gwin added another 550-acres around it to make the park bigger, better and more family friendly.

“By the time we get to Fall [of 2024], we will have trails that everybody can ride safely and really enjoy,” Gwin explained. “We will keep adding onto that the next couple years and we want to run bigger events and keep adding to the trail system and the amenities, so you can bring your family out for the weekend and everybody can enjoy riding bikes, hanging out and little bit of something for everybody.”

Gwin has already added the Gravity House bike shop, where you can get your bike repaired and make mountain bike equipment purchases, and the trail making is also underway.

“Now were moving everything up into the mountain and starting to expand the trail system and our goal over the next two years is to expand the trails,” Gwin said.

Gwin said it’s all about making a place for everyone and every ability.

“It’s known as a place top world cup riders like myself can come and train in the off season to get ready for the world cups, but I want my wife to be able to come here and my friend’s kids to come and everybody come and equally enjoy it,” Gwin said.

The champion mountain biker adds – it’s a labor of love.

“For me, I just really enjoy riding bikes and I like building trails. So, to be able to do both things here and share it with the world is why I wanted to do it,” he said.

Gwin, who is from California, says he actually moved to Tennessee a few years ago and now spends part of the year here and part of the year in Montana. He says he really enjoys East Tennessee – especially “the culture and vibe here.”

To learn more about Windrock Bike Park, visit windrockbikepark.com