Cape Breton cycling enthusiasts will soon have the opportunity to race on a newly developed mountain bike course as autumn approaches. Local volunteers and biking enthusiasts have gained access to municipal land adjacent to the Emera Centre hockey rink in North Sydney, Nova Scotia. This wooded area is deemed ideal for short-track mountain biking.
Efforts to introduce mountain bike racing to the community are led by Aaron Whiteway, who notes the popularity of the sport in other regions compared to Cape Breton due to a lack of proper infrastructure. Whiteway, supported by volunteers, has been working on clearing a 700-meter course featuring a mix of asphalt sections, technical turns through hardwood trees, hills, rocks, and old ATV trails around the arena.
The Cape Breton Regional Municipality made the land available, with staff assisting in trail development. Wil van Hal, the CBRM recreation manager, envisions creating a mountain biking trail system to promote Cape Breton as a biking destination. The track will cater to riders of all skill levels and aims to host races later this year.
Whiteway emphasizes the inclusivity of the sport, intending to make it accessible to youth in the area by offering lessons on the course. His daughter, Violet Anderson, describes the course as beginner-friendly, emphasizing that anyone who can ride a bike can participate and learn quickly.
The initiative aligns with the municipality’s goal to diversify recreational opportunities and attract more visitors interested in mountain biking. The development of this new mountain bike course is anticipated to enhance the local biking community and contribute to promoting Cape Breton as a hub for mountain biking enthusiasts.