Cape Breton cycling enthusiasts are gearing up for the opening of a new mountain bike course nestled near the Emera Centre hockey rink in North Sydney, Nova Scotia. Local volunteers and bike enthusiasts have gained access to municipal land to create a purpose-built mountain biking trail suitable for short-track racing.

Aaron Whiteway, spearheading the initiative to introduce mountain bike racing to the community, highlighted the popularity of the sport in other regions compared to Cape Breton’s limited infrastructure. Whiteway, together with a team of volunteers, has been diligently working to clear a 700-meter course that features a mix of asphalt sections, technical turns through hardwood trees, challenging hills with rocks, and old ATV trails encircling the arena.

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality facilitated the availability of the land, with staff lending a hand in trail development. Wil van Hal, the CBRM’s recreation manager, emphasized the long-term vision of establishing a comprehensive mountain biking trail network to attract both local riders and promote Cape Breton as a premier mountain biking destination.

Whiteway emphasized the inclusivity of the track, designed to accommodate riders of all skill levels, with plans to organize races later this year. The goal is to make the sport accessible to youth in the area, offering lessons on the course to foster growth and interest.

Violet Anderson, Whiteway’s daughter, expressed that the beginner-friendly course welcomes riders of all abilities, emphasizing the ease of learning through practice runs. The focus remains on creating a welcoming environment for all biking enthusiasts to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking in Cape Breton.