New mountain biking trails have been opened in Bracebridge.
The Muskoka Off-Road Cycling Association (MORCA) along with the Town of Bracebridge and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry officially got the facility open for use by the public.
MORCA, with its army of volunteers, helped create a network of trails at the existing Bracebridge Resource Management Centre. They have fun names like The Freeway, Rabbit Run and a Game of Thrones-themed Winter’s Coming for those who ride Fat Bikes in the off-season.
MORCA President Roy Davies explains how his club got involved with the 600-acre property that is also home to cross-country skiing, hiking and snow-shoeing. He and his volunteers put 1,100 hours of effort to create 13 kilometres of new trails.
“The intention of MORCA was to add some specific mountain bike trails,” explains Davies. “Singletrack trails that intermingle with the existing trails.”
He says existing facilities made it an easy choice to get involved and create the biking trails.
“The infrastructure that was already here made it a perfect location because of the parking lots, the outhouses, the picnic pavilion, so it was a great spot to build trails.”
In opening the trails to dozens of waiting mountain bikers Deputy Mayor Rick Maloney said, “Mountain biking is a growing sport and the agreement between the Town of Bracebridge, the MNRF and MORCA has enhanced the opportunity for Bracebridge and area residents to participate in the exciting sport of mountain biking.”
Davies points out the new trails will be a draw for bike tourism and his point was underscored by the presence of a group who had come down from North Bay to try the new tracks out.
“I was looking at the trail maps and I would like to try them all,” says North Bay resident Karen Ceasar. “You want to try out new trails and challenge yourself, so why not try out Bracebridge?”
Davies says he the club will be building more trails going forward as they have permission from the MNRF to do so.
There is no cost to use the facility and it is open seven days a week. You can access it from the northbound lane of Highway 11, one kilometre north of Cedar Lane exit.