Cape Breton cycling enthusiasts will soon have the chance to race on a specially designed mountain bike course as autumn approaches the region. Local volunteers and biking enthusiasts have secured access to municipal land near the Emera Centre hockey rink in North Sydney, N.S., where a wooded area promises an ideal setting for short-track mountain biking.
Advocates for the sport in the community note its popularity in other regions of the country but lament the lack of infrastructure in Cape Breton, hindering access for both youth and adults. Aaron Whiteway, spearheading the initiative to introduce mountain bike racing to the area, expressed surprise at the limited mountain biking trails upon his arrival and has since devoted efforts over the past few years to establish a course.
Whiteway, alongside fellow volunteers, has been diligently preparing a 700-meter course featuring a mix of fast asphalt stretches, winding technical turns through hardwood trees, gradual inclines with rocks, and repurposed ATV trails encircling the arena. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality made the land available, with municipal staff assisting in trail development. They believe expanding recreational opportunities will benefit the community.
Wil van Hal, the CBRM recreation manager, envisions a long-term plan to create a mountain biking trail system that not only caters to local enthusiasts but also promotes Cape Breton and CBRM as a sought-after mountain biking destination. The track is designed to accommodate riders of all skill levels, with the intention of hosting races later in the year.
The racing format typically involves a time trial lasting around 15 to 20 minutes on courses spanning half a kilometer to a kilometer, determining the winner based on the most laps completed within the timeframe. Whiteway aims to make the sport accessible to local youth by offering lessons on the course to foster its growth.
Violet Anderson, Whiteway’s daughter, emphasized the beginner-friendly nature of the course, stating that anyone with biking experience can navigate it easily after a few practice runs.
