Cape Breton’s cycling enthusiasts will soon have the chance to race on a newly constructed mountain bike circuit as autumn approaches. Local volunteers and biking enthusiasts have secured access to municipal land adjacent to the Emera Centre hockey rink in North Sydney, N.S. This wooded area is ideal for short-course mountain biking.
Advocates for the sport in the community note its popularity in other regions of the country but highlight the lack of biking infrastructure in Cape Breton, limiting access for both youth and adults. Aaron Whiteway, spearheading the initiative to introduce mountain bike racing to the area, expressed surprise at the dearth of trails upon his relocation and has since dedicated efforts to establish such a facility.
Whiteway, supported by other volunteers, has been developing a 700-meter track featuring a mix of asphalt stretches, intricate turns amid hardwood trees, gradual inclines with rocky terrain, and repurposed ATV paths encircling the arena. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality provided the land, with staff contributing to trail maintenance, emphasizing the benefits of expanding recreational opportunities within the community.
Wil van Hal, the CBRM’s recreation manager, envisions a long-term project to create a network of mountain biking trails not only for local enthusiasts but also to promote Cape Breton as a premier mountain biking destination. Whiteway plans to design the track to accommodate riders of all skill levels and aims to host competitive races later this year.
The track design intends to make the sport inclusive for youth in the area, with plans for instructional sessions to foster growth. According to Violet Anderson, Whiteway’s daughter, the beginner-friendly course allows anyone with biking skills to participate and learn quickly through practice loops.