Sunday, August 23, 2009

Great Places to Ride Your Bike in Canada

By Patricia J. Williams

If you're looking for a biking adventure, Canada is the place to go! Experienced bikers will particularly love Canada's rugged terrain and demanding trails to test their skill levels and challenge them. There are, however, some trails in Canada suitable for less experienced bikers, as well. Take a look at what I found!

In Alberta, Canada, you can bike a 14-mile singletrack route from Old Fort Point to Valley of the Five Lakes. This area is a busy place to be in the summer months, so be on the lookout for lots of other bikers. This trail is also a good place for beginning bikers to try their luck, as there are numerous areas where they can enter or exit the trail, so they don't necessarily have to tackle the more technical areas. There are a few difficult climbs and challenging descents, so intermediate and experienced bikers will have fun here, too.

The Mont Ste-Anne Ski Area near Quebec City has dozens of trails of different lengths and experience levels. There is a $6 fee to get in and fees if you use the chairlifts. There is some incredible scenery to be viewed from the top and you might even be fortunate enough to see some large wildlife (moose, bear, etc.). For the more experienced bikers, there are plenty of technical trails to choose from that will keep you hopping!

A favorite of bikers in British Columbia is the Burnaby Mountain trails. There is a wide variety of trails, some paved, some gravel. There are some technical spots and fast descents for the experienced biker. Try to get a map of the area to find out the different names of each trail and what each entails.

Another ski area located near Bathrust, New Brunswick, also offers biking trails. With just about 10 miles in singletrack trails, you can select from steep inclines, fast descents, and bridges to navigate if you're an experienced biker. More trails are constantly being added, and they are very well kept. The locals highly recommend this area! A group ride is held each Tuesday evening, and you can join in if you like.

Now for the more technical trails experienced riders have been waiting for! Porcupine Ridge encompasses an 8-mile route not far from Bracebridge, Ontario, with multiple trails. While there aren't too many steep climbs or descents, you'll find plenty of roots, rocks, and some exciting drop offs. This one is lots of fun for advanced riders.

Air Supply trail, on the other hand, is only for the most experienced and professional bikers. This one is hardcore! While it's only a 1-mile track, this trail in North Vancouver, British Columbia, will have your heart racing. And if you're not a pro, don't even think about it. You might want to watch, though, just to take in all the excitement. You'll see advanced riders tackle a swivel teeter totter, a double teeter totter, ladder drops and jumps, high skinnys, high wall rides, and 10-20 foot gaps. This one will take your breath away to see.

Biking in Canada is definitely a cool adventure! Be sure to bring your camera to capture the scenery and incredible wildlife. Select trails that match your level of experience, and have a safe, happy ride!

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