BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
Looking for an exhilarating adventure in the rugged outdoors of the Sudbury basin that challenges you physically and mentally? Then look no further than the wild sport of mountain biking.
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Snow's got to melt soon. Adrian Gedye from Pinnacle Sports has a wide selection of mountain bikes. |
The sport is a growing phenomenon and Sudbury is home to some of the most diverse terrain to test any skill level.
?It?s a great way to be outdoors,? said Rob Rice, who has been bike racing for 15 years and is the former 1997 provincial mountain bike champion. ?Everything is a challenge and it?s just a lot of fun.?
About three years ago Adrian Gedye, owner of Pinnacle Sports got together with Don Walker, owner of the Bar W Ranch. They mapped out a a series of mountain bike trails on the ranch proper, then y went about building them.
?There are about 25 kilometres of trails and four different levels from beginner to extreme,? said Gedye, who competed in road racing and mountain biking for about 10 years and competed at five world championships in triathlon.
?It?s very unique because it?s the only properly signed and marked property in the area.?
The series of trails has bridges crossing waterways, a series of wooden crates crossing a swamp and other obstacles to test an individual's expertise.
?There are flat wide dirt sections and extreme rocky hills,? said Gedye. ?It?s also very scenic and quiet.? It?s also free for the public use.
?We have had riders from five to 75 ride there,? said Gedye.
This year Gedye and the Bar W Ranch are going to implement a Learn to Ride program for people.
?It?s unique and it will be with credited instructors,? said Gedye. ?It will be similar to the programs offered by Pinnacle Sports at Adanac Ski Hill for skiing and snowboarding.?
Gedye is proud to be a part of the local promotion and growth of the sport.
?Sudbury needs more recreational opportunities for our youth,? said Gedye. ?I like the merits of a healthy lifestyle and getting kids off the streets, out of the malls and away from the computers.?
There are numerous elements to consider before you ride and after you ride that can make your experience more enjoyable and help prolong the life of your bike. Rice recommends checking your bike over to make sure everything is secure and tight.
?Proper air pressure in the tires is critical,? said Rice.
After a grueling day on the trails there are a few things an individual should do to help maintain their bike in tip top shape.
?It?s a good idea to wash the bike down with water and soap and make sure the drive train is kept clean,? said Rice. ?You should also keep the cables in good condition and change them a couple of times a year depending on how much use they get.?
A yearly tune up doesn?t hurt either.
An exciting outdoor mountain bike adventure is waiting for people located right in our own back yard.
?We have people come from southern Ontario who say the Sudbury trails are the most technical they have ever encountered,? said Gedye.
?Sudbury has some of the best riding areas in the country.?
For bikers who are into more of a technical challenge, they can test their skills on the trails behind Laurentian University.
?It?s very challenging because you have to navigate through rocks, roots, water and mud,? said Rice.
The warm weather is coming so grab your helmet and enjoy some fresh air, but if you are new to the sport take it easy.
?Start slowly with terrain and distances,? said Gedye. ?You can get hurt if you don?t ride with some caution.?
