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by Bryce

Velo MSM!

May 16, 2013 in mountain biking, news

velomsmsLooks like Mte.Ste.Marie is hosting a trail day, Saturday May 18th too!  This one’s a little different though.

Sounds like the folks at Velo MSM are looking for recruits to help build and connect new trails. it’s a little more work than your average season opener ‘trail ride’ but hey, those trails don’t build themselves and at least this way, you’ll know what to expect, lol.

Otherwise, its your standard fare. A ride down the trails, a BBQ at the lodge and some cool swag to be raffled off, as well as  the camaraderie of like minded enthusiasts, of course.

Check out the Velo MSM site, for more details.

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by Bryce

Bikes and BBQ in South March!

May 16, 2013 in mountain biking, news

southmarchmtbWell folks, the biking season is upon us, and the Ottawa Mountain Bike Association is doing their part to start it off right!

The OMBA is hosting a Bike Demo Day, out at the South March Highlands mountain biking trail, this Saturday May 18th.  This is a wonderful opportunity to test ride some new bikes as there will be several Ottawa area shops demonstrating this seasons’ new wares.  Also, OMBA members will be leading hourly rides around the trails and there’s a BBQ with burgers and hot dogs for when the hunger strikes!

From the OMBA website:

Who: Anyone
What: Bike Demo Day at the SMH Trail Head
When: May 18, 2013 @ 9:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Klondike and 2nd Line (aka K2) entrance to SMH
Why: Great opportunity to test ride some new bikes

At the moment the following bike shops will be there:

Bushtukah
Dinardo’s Skis & Wheels
Fresh Air Experience
Phatmoose Cycles
Velozophia

Click on the link above and check out the OMBA site, for more info.

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by Bryce

Gatineau Park Pathways Reopen to Motor Vehicles

May 15, 2013 in biking, gatineau park, hiking, mountain biking, news

gp-parkwayFor those of you looking for a nice drive through the Gatineau Park, good news! As of Friday May 10th, the pathways and parking lots are now open to motor vehicles, all the way to the Champlain lookout.

Great news for drivers, however, many of the trails are still obstructed by fallen trees and branches. Wolf trail and Caryers trail are still closed. So trail runners, hikers and mountain bikers be weary, the NCC advises that users of the trails remain cautious until the clean up is complete.

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Avatar of Dave

by Dave

9th Forest Lea Mountain Bike Enduro, Sept 16

September 4, 2012 in mountain biking

fl_12The 9th Annual Forest Lea Mountain Bike Enduro is set for September 16th this year, and registration is already open! For those of you not familiar with this annual fundraiser, here’s the info from the Forest Lea website:

Online registration here: http://www.zone4.ca/info.asp?cmd=ce&id=675

Note: pre-registration online only. No day of entry.

The Event:

The Forest Lea Mountain Bike Trails are becoming widely recognized as the best technical singletrack system  in Eastern Ontario. The FL Enduro is a trail focussed fundraising event to celebrate the Forest Lea Trails and raise money for maintenance and development. Last year’s event purchased new trail signs and a brush saw, which has been put to good use this year by our trail stewards.

Mountain bike 10, 28k (one big loop) or 55km (two laps). Kids will have a 3k ride later in the morning.Trail runners have the option of 3, 10 or 28 k. 99% singletrack trails with lots of rocks and roots. All routes start with a double track section to spread out the group, and then spend the rest of the time in the tight trails. The route will be different this year with a 3k start loop before heading out, and will include a brand new 1.3 km section of trail. Since last year’s enduro, 4.5 km of new trail has been added to the system.

28k average bikers expect to take 2.5 hrs (a winning time will be 1:45 hrs). 10k runners expect 1.5 hr.

Participants must be self sufficient for water and food. There is only emergency help on trail from marshalls. One water station will be at the half way point of the 28k loop, there will be no water on the 10k run loop. All race routes will be marked with coloured arrows the day before the event.

Mountain  biking and trail running can be dangerous—all riders must wear a helmet, have an appropriate bike, and take responsibility for their own safety! Enduro participants will be required to sign a waiver form.

A video by Dan Caldwell of the 2010 Forest Lea Enduro

The Location:

Forest Lea Trails are located at the end of Forest Lea Rd., West of Pembroke (between Pembroke and Petawawa), exit S. off Hwy. 17 on Forest Lea Rd, travel 5 km to end of pavement. Drive time is 1.5 hr from Kanata or Mattawa.

There is no running water so bring plenty of your own. There are two outhouses on site. Spectators welcome – dogs must be on a leash.

Parking lot BBQ and awards:

Included with entry. Bring a dessert type snack if you would like to contribute. Non racers can purchase lunch for $5. Award times will be posted day of event, but will take place when the majority of riders/runners are in. You must be present to win one of our rediculous number of drawprizes. Thanks to Gearheads in Petawawa, Norco and Specialized who are always very generous in supporting our event.

Registration:

Online only. This is a volunteer run event and all proceeds support the Forest Lea Trails. Participants must sign a waiver on the day of the event. Please arrive at the event early to sign in and receive your number bib/plate. Registration closes the Friday evening before the event.

Click here for the registration http://www.zone4.ca/info.asp?cmd=ce&id=675

We pride ourselves on a low key trail focussed event, and the socializing afterwards is as important as the riding.

Avatar of Dave

by Dave

NCC Holding Consultations on Three Gatineau Park Plans

January 16, 2012 in biking, camping, gatineau park, hiking, mountain biking, nature, news, paddling, rock climbing, ski, xc skiing

gatineau_park_outdoor_recreation_planThe National Capital Commission (NCC) seeks the public’s input in the elaboration of three plans for Gatineau Park. As of today, the NCC has posted on its website documents supporting a public consultation on outdoor recreational activities in Gatineau Park, issues and proposed solutions to improve travel to and within the Park and on the management of Gatineau Park’s cultural resources.

  • Gatineau Park Outdoor Recreation Plan– The NCC is seeking opinions on the priority for the implementation of proposed strategies for outdoor recreational activities in Gatineau Park, while respecting ecosystem conservation objectives.A workshop on this plan will be held from 9:30 am to 12 pm, on Saturday, January 28 at the Best Western Hotel, 131 Laurier Street, Gatineau, QC. Participants are asked to confirm their attendance in advance, before January 25, 2012, at info@ncc-ccn.ca. The public can also complete an online questionnaire before February 19, 2012.

 

[A quick note: you can check out a very long PowerPoint presentation of the Gatineau Park Outdoor Recreation Plan here]

  • Gatineau Park Sustainable Transportation Plan– The NCC wants opinions from the public on priority issues and proposed solutions to improve transit to and within the Park, again in the context of ecosystem conservation objectives.A workshop on this plan will be held from 1:30 pm to 4 pm, on Saturday, January 28 at the Best Western Hotel, 131 Laurier Street, Gatineau, QC. Participants are asked to confirm their attendance in advance, before January 25, 2012, at info@ncc-ccn.ca. The public can also complete an online questionnaire before February 19, 2012.
  • Gatineau Park Cultural Heritage Plan – Consultation on the Gatineau Park Cultural Heritage Plan is solely online, on the NCC’s website. The NCC wants to know the public’s interest in Gatineau Park’s cultural resources. Participants are asked to complete an online questionnaire before February 19, 2012.

A conservation park of 361 square kilometres, Gatineau Park is 15 minutes from Parliament Hill and in the heart of the Capital. The Park is a prime destination for visitors and residents alike. According to recent research, it is estimated that Gatineau Park receives over 2.7 million visits each year.

For more information on these public consultations, the public may contact the NCC at 613-239-5000, 613-239-5090 (TTY), 1-800-465-1867 (toll-free) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca.

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