Manitoba, best known for its abundance of lakes, forests and farmland has a lesser known environment to gush over…mountains!

A mountain bike ‘gathering’ organized by the Agassiz Mountain Development Group ran for the first time on the East Escarpment trails in Riding Mountain National Park at the end of August. The objective was to familiarize Manitoban’s to the vast opportunities for unique recreational and nature experiences.

A contingent of experienced mountain bike enthusiasts put two wheels to the ground on the Bald Hill and J.E.T. trails which are multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback enthusiasts.  Underlying this gathering was the promotion of the area’s unique terrain, especially on the east side of Riding Mountain National Park which does not receive near as much tourism exposure as the main gate entrance and Clear Lake area following the #10.

“Hold on tight and let ‘em fly! This is a thrill difficult to find elsewhere on the prairies...and yet it’s here for the taking, in our own backyard,” says Kelly Rose, from the Agassiz Mountain Development Group.

The historical East Gate entrance welcomed a gang of thrill seekers in search of some Manitoba gnar.  As with most trails in Manitoba, there’s a lot of pedalling but, unlike those trails, the downhill sections on these gets your adrenaline levels up and heart pounding.

The trail system on the East Escarpment, are old service roads, double track laden goodness, with shrub on either side, as you fly by regenerated forests and birds chirping from a distance. 

These trails are fun, the mud’s sticky and the vistas are epic. 

Make no mistake about it, these trails are NOT BEGINNER trails.  With signage that is lacking and Lookout Points that can easily be missed, riding these trails for the first time is confusing.  It would be best to go slow and easy or with someone who has been down these trails before.  Give yourselves at least an hour and a half to do J.E.T. and an hour and a quarter for Bald Hill.  Both trails end at the bottom of the park boundary.  Either, gear up for another hour pedalling uphill back into the park or organize a pick up at the bottom.  There’s parking at the top and bottom of the trailhead.

Drive up the #5 and turn left on the #19.   A few kilometres down, you’ll see the East Gate entrance and head up the winding mountain–type road towards the ‘North Escarpment’ Trails (watch on right for “Parking Lot” sign).

Soothe the muscles after the exhilarating experience by treating yourself and your new found friends to a stop in Kelwood at the Harvest Sun Café (seasonal) and in nearby McCreary at Agassiz Park Lodge for some après’ cycling coffee chat and good eats.

Another Mountain Biking familization gathering is happening Oct. 10 – 11, ’09. Oil up your chain and head on “up”...all are welcome.

For more information:

See skiagassiz.com (Mountain Bike Adventures page) for info.

Kelwood's Harvest Sun Cafe

McCreary's Agassiz Park Lodge  

For information and captions on the photographs, click here

To make a comment, click 'no comments' below