Biking


Biking

The sport of mountain biking is growing at an exponential rate and many areas in Canada are getting the reputation as having some of the best mountain bike trails in the world. From spring through fall, new trails are popping up and more riders are taking them in! And for those on the West Coast, BC's mild climate means awesome winter rides too. Whether you’re into undulating cross-country, monstrous climbs or radical downhill, Canada’s got it all!

The Right Gear

Take the Essentials:
  • Flashlight
  • Fire making kit
  • Signalling device (i.e. whistle)
  • Extra food and water
  • Extra clothing
  • Navigational/communication devices
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency blanket/shelter
  • Pocket knife
  • Sun protection
Leave a Trip Plan with responsible party, family member or friend.

Take equipment specific to biking:

  • Terrain-appropriate mountain bike - well-maintained, and setup properly for you
  • Helmet for your style of riding (full-face for DH & free-riding)
  • Footwear for your style of riding
  • Body armour for your style of riding (arms/legs, full compression suit, etc.)
  • Bike shorts or full bike pants, each with chamois
  • Jersey – long or short sleeve
  • Waterproof jacket if you’re a wet-weather rider
  • Gloves geared to your style of riding and to the weather (padded, full-finger, waterproof, etc.)
  • Small backpack/camel back water system
  • Patch kit, tube, pump and duct tape
  • Lighting system – for night rides
  • Trail maps
  • Bug spray

The vast array of Canada's bike trails can take you from the city to the wild in the turn of a crank, so, depending on the area you're in you’ve got to be ready for anything, including bears. Always wear a helmet and protective gear and carry all essentials and non-essentials in case of a break-down or emergency.

While you’re having a blast out there, remember to respect the:

  • terrain – ride within your ability. Check the difficulty rating system on your trail map and know your limits.
  • environment – stick to the trail and don’t carve short cuts. Local trail builders do an outstanding job of maintaining trails and preventing erosion, so do your part by staying on track.
  • other users – slow down or stop when passing horses, hikers, or runners. Simply put, share the trail!
Cool Links

GENERAL
Canadian Cycling Association
Mountain biking in Canada
Canadian cyclist
Weather Office

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Mountain Biking in BC
BC Mountain Bike Guide
Cycling BC
British Columbia Cycling Coalition
Whistler Cycling Committee
Victoria Wheelers Cycling Club Victoria
NSMB eMagazine
BigPacific.com
Sprockids

ALBERTA
Alberta Bicycle Association
Edmonton Bicycle and Touring Club
Spin Sisters Mountain Bike Club Calgary
Headwinds Cycling Club Lethbridge
Elbow Valley Cycling Club

SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan Cycling Association
Offroad Syndicate Mountain Biking Club Regina
Cycedelia Cycling Club Saskatoon

MANITOBA
Manitoba Cycling Association
Winnipeg Cycletouring Club

NWT
Hiking and Cycling in the Northwest Territories

YUKON
VeloNorth Cycling Club Yukon

ONTARIO
Ontario Cycling Association
Cycle Ontario
Ottawa Bicycle Club
Toronto Cycling Committee
Oshawa Cycling Club
Mississauga Cycling Club
Mississauga Cycling Committee
Hamilton Cycling Club
Brampton Cycling Club

QUEBEC
Vélo Québec
Fédération québécoise des Sports Cyclistes
Association des Vélos en Position Allongée
  du Québec
Route Verte

EAST COAST
East Coast Mountain Bike Club
Atlantic Canada Cycling

NEW BRUNSWICK
Velo NB

NOVA SCOTIA
Bicycle NS
Cyclesmith Cycling Club
Cycling NS

PRINCE-EDWARD ISLAND
Cycling PEI
PEI Island Trails
Cycling Itineraries PEI

NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR
Bicycle NL

Photo: NWTT/Terry Parker (banner); Ottawa Tourism

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