It's amazing how a simple clothes peg and hockey card could transform a BMX bicycle into a full-fledged Evil Knievel stunt bike. When i was a kid, my brothers and i would spend hours ripping up and down our street, pealing through countless hockey cards. Inevitable scrapes and bruises aside, the rush and freedom we felt was worth the coin those cards would fetch today - or at least that is what I tell myself. And every once in a while, I still need a little reminder. Since my homemade jump building skills haven't improved over the years, I decided to head to one of Ontario's many mountain biking hot spots.
SINGLE TRACK
Nothing beats tearing through the forest and open fields on a cross-country trail. Cross-country riders have several destinations to choose from in Ontario, many within a short drive from major cities. Hardwood Ski and Bike, just one hour north of Toronto, is one of the best. Tight technical trails with challenging sections offer the variety of terrain and physical challenge experienced riders seek. Yet it is the also the best overall bet for someone looking to get started. Amenities include change rooms, indoor washrooms, bike rentals and repairs, lessons and night lighting - perfect for those late fall days when daylight starts to diminish. There is no heading home when the streetlights come on here.
SWEET SINGLE TRACKS
Hardwood Ski & Bike
Albion Hills Conservation Area
Buckwallow Cycling Centre
Kelso (Glen Eden)
Bruce County
FREERIDE
Freeriding is a type of mountain biking that originated in B.C.'s North Shore region. Mountain bikers started elevating trails above the saturated ground to stay out of water and mud. The boardwalks they built evolved to incorporate purpose-built technical challenges such as elevated ladder bridges, drops, and teeter totters. If you crave a challenge then head to the Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Park. There, along with 20 kilometres of single and double track, you will find 30 spine-tingling technical trail features combining existing topography and manmade structures, with names like Teeter Totter of Shame, Cannonball, Don't Try This at Home, No Turning Back and Rock City. If these names alone are enough to bring back suppressed memories of failed homemade stunts, don't fret. All the structures are located off the trail - easily bypassed by the fainthearted- and there is even a practice area in the parking lot.
FREERIDE THRILL RIDES
Bruce Peninsula Mountain Bike Adventure Park
> McLennan Park in Kitchener
> Chicopee
There are not many activities we carry over from childhood to our adult lives. Mountain biking allows us to taste the sense of freedom we once had and feel the rush that comes
from throwing caution to the wind. For more mountain bike adventures, from trails to guided experiences, visit OntarioTravel.net/Outdoor
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