smooth, flowing trails encourage new riders
Now that there’s a trail the whole family can enjoy, trailbuilder Ted Ferguson has noticed a huge increase in the number of ski families out moun- tain biking at Mont Ste-Marie, north of the city of Gatineau, Quebec.
“The very first trail the other dads and I built goes straight down a steep hill. It’s pretty advanced,” laughs Ferguson who obtained a grant to build a five-kilometer beginner mountain bike loop. “If a family is looking to mountain bike, trail conditions are an absolute priority. Rooty, swampy, rocky or too steep isn’t fun for a lot of young kids, especially if they’re just getting into biking.” Everything is to scale. Two-inch roots and rocks we roll over are a much bigger deal on a bike with small 20-inch wheels, he says.
In order to make the trail fun for kids and beginner riders while still offering challenges for advanced riders, Ferguson and trail builders across the country are making smooth trails and add- ing berms at every turn.
“You need flow and fun. Challenging, but not too challenging,” says Ferguson who carries his younger son’s bike up hills to hook the boy on downhill thrills. “The berms turn the trail into a roller coaster that kids love. And it creates a beautiful, fluid sensation for experienced riders,” he adds.
fuel up
Food that’s filling and delicious and stays appetizing after being jostled in a backpack works best. Hard-boiled eggs, hummus and veggies, apples, wraps and treats like cookies or granola bars will be favorites.
Don’t overthink your food selection, whatever you would usually bring on a hike works on a bike ride. Avoid energy goos or fancy sports bars that are marketed to endurance athletes. Many of these products contain caffeine as a performance-enhancing ingredient and are not appropriate for the younger set.
54 SPRING 2013
IN ORDER TO MAKE TRAILS FUN FOR KIDS AND BEGINNER RIDERS WHILE STILL OFFERING CHALLENGES FOR ADVANCED RIDERS, TRAIL BUILDERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE MAKING SMOOTH TRAILS AND ADDING BERMS AT EVERY TURN
PHOTO: ROB FAUBERT
PHOTO: KATHLEEN WILKER
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