Mountain Biking and Cycling Clubs in Toronto
Where To Go Trail Riding at Kelso, Albion Hills, Ravenshoe, Milton
Sep 17, 2009
Mountain biking provides not only great exercise and physical challenges, but a way to appreciate the fleeting colours of fall as riders navigate trails on hilly, off-road locations. Mountain bikes have wider tires and a stouter frame in order to navigate rugged terrain and provide clearance over rocks and logs.
All Mountain (trail bikes) are the most popular type of mountain bike as they can be ridden on the most versatile terrain. Cross Country (XC) are lighter bikes, but do not handle well on rough surfaces. Freeride bikes are of a heavier construction and are especially good for stunts, jumps and trails. Downhill (DH) bikes are strictly for downhill racing because their heavy construction prohibits uphill riding.
Mountain Biking Trails Toronto
The following mountain biking trails are within one hour's drive of Toronto:
- Etobicoke Creek has 18 kilometres of trails that run along the ravine in Centennial Park, with a good percentage of single track among the trees. Head west of Renforth Drive along Rathburn Avenue. Continue just west of Mill Road where trail entrance is 30 yards into the woods. Beginner to Experienced trails. Free.
- Kelso Conservation Area, Milton, 905-878-5011, has 16 kilometres of beginner, intermediate and advanced trails, many of which are single track. With great views from the Niagara Escarpment, trail riders will wind through woods and encounter several fast downhills. Take Hwy 25 north from Hwy 401, then head west on Campbellville Road, turn south on Tremaine Road then turn right to park entrance. $3.25.
- Durham Forest has 16 kilometres of beginner to expert trails with double track main trails and several kilometres of single track trails. There are several long climbs and descends. Take the 401 to Pickering, then take Brock Road North to Durham Road 21, then turn east on to Sideroad 7. Free.
- Albion Hills Conservation Area, Bolton, 416-661-6600, has easy to moderate trails with mainly double track. Take Highway 50 to Caledon, then head eight kilometres north of Bolton to park entrance. $4.
- Ravenshoe Trails on Brown Hill Tract, Georgina, has 15 kilometres of challenging single track trails that include roots, logs, and stunts, and clay with sand terrain. Moderate to Extreme in difficulty. Take Hwy 404 north to Davis Drive, turn east to McCowan Road, head north on McCowan Road about 11 kilometres to the entrance to Brown Hill Tract. Free.
Mountain Biking Clubs Toronto
Joining a bike club is a great way to connect with others interested in the mountain biking, as well as a way to benefit from day and weekend cycling trips that most bike clubs sponsor. Below are some popular bike clubs in the Toronto area:
- High Park Bike Club is a volunteer-run bike club in operation since 1988. Day and weekend mountain biking trips are scheduled for Hilton Falls, Hardwood Hills, Kelso, Durham Forest and Glen Major. $20 annual fee.
- Toronto Bike Network charges an annual fee of $50 and organizes weekly trail rides in the Don Valley, as well as mountain biking trips an hour outside of Toronto. The group maintains a non-competitive environment with the average size of cycling groups totalling 15 people.
- Toronto Bike Meetup organizes non-competitive rides, including in-town rides, urban riding and out-of-town trips for mountain biking. The group includes beginner and expert members and charges a fee of $1 per outing.
For those who seek a greater challenge than road cycling provides, mountain biking is the answer. Navigating the rugged trails in Toronto area conservation areas and parks such as Kelso, Albion Hills, Ravenshoe and Etobicoke Creek, trail riders will be rewarded with stumps, jumps, creek crossings, and steep climbs that will not only test and improve their mountain biking skills, but also provide them with a thrilling experience.
For information on hiking in Milton, read here.
For information on cross country skiing in Toronto, read here.
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