Cape Breton cycling enthusiasts will soon have the chance to ride on a new mountain bike course designed specifically for the sport as the fall season approaches. Volunteers and biking enthusiasts in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, have secured access to municipal land near the Emera Centre hockey rink. The wooded area is ideal for short-track mountain biking.
Advocates for the sport in the community note its popularity in other regions of Canada, but the lack of infrastructure in Cape Breton has hindered accessibility for both youth and adults. Aaron Whiteway, a driving force behind the initiative to introduce mountain bike racing to the area, expressed surprise at the limited mountain bike trails in Cape Breton since moving there, making it a personal project to establish such facilities.
Whiteway and fellow volunteers have been working on a 700-meter course featuring a mix of fast asphalt sections, technical turns through hardwood trees, hills with large rocks, and old ATV trails around the arena. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality provided the land, with staff assisting in trail development. They believe that expanding recreational opportunities will benefit the community.
Wil van Hal, the recreation manager for the CBRM, envisions creating a mountain biking trail system not only for local enthusiasts but also to position Cape Breton as a mountain biking destination. The track is designed for riders of all skill levels, with plans to host races later in the year. Whiteway emphasized the inclusivity of the sport, aiming to offer lessons on the course to attract youth and support the sport’s growth.
Violet Anderson, Whiteway’s daughter, highlighted the beginner-friendly nature of the course, stating that anyone who can ride a bike can partake in the activity. The goal is to make mountain biking more accessible and enjoyable for all participants.