Cape Breton cycling enthusiasts are gearing up for the opportunity to ride on a newly developed mountain bike course, set to be open by the arrival of fall colors. Local volunteers and bike fans have secured access to municipal land adjacent to the Emera Centre hockey rink in North Sydney, N.S. This wooded area is deemed ideal for short-track mountain biking, a sport that has been gaining popularity across various regions in the country but has faced accessibility challenges in Cape Breton due to limited infrastructure.
Aaron Whiteway, spearheading the initiative to introduce mountain bike racing in the area, expressed surprise at the scarcity of mountain bike trails upon his relocation to Cape Breton. Over the past couple of years, Whiteway has dedicated efforts to establish a 700-meter course featuring a mix of asphalt stretches, challenging technical turns within hardwood trees, undulating terrains with large rocks, and repurposed ATV trails encircling the arena.
The land allocation by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, with staff assisting in trail development, signifies a commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities within the community. Wil van Hal, the recreation manager for CBRM, envisions the long-term establishment of a mountain biking trail system, not only catering to the local biking community but also positioning Cape Breton and CBRM as a sought-after mountain biking destination.
The newly crafted track aims to accommodate riders of all skill levels, with plans to host races later in the year. Whiteway described the racing format as a time event lasting around 15 to 20 minutes, covering courses spanning half a kilometer to a kilometer, focusing on completing the most laps within the designated timeframe. Youth inclusivity is a key aspect of the project, with proposed lessons on the course to foster interest and growth in the sport.
Violet Anderson, Whiteway’s daughter, emphasized the beginner-friendly nature of the course, asserting that anyone with basic biking abilities can engage with the track successfully. The initiative not only promotes physical activity and community engagement but also aims to cultivate a vibrant cycling culture in Cape Breton.
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