Wheels

Mountain Cycling

Ryan going off in Jackson Park (Peterborough)

It's hard to tell, but there is a great system of trails in the City of Peterborough to ride.  Whether you like the wide-open spaces of the rail trail or the technical aspect of Jackson Park, Peterborough has variety.  Many rides have taken place along the Trent Canal and then north to Trent University.  There is an intricate system of trails that will have you weaving between trees, around rocks, climbing hills and yes, the odd jump!

If you are still craving more trails, Silent Lake Provincial Park has a 7-km, 12-km and a more challenging 19-km route.  Also, the Ganaraska and Durham Forests are 2 excellent places to play and are close by.  Check out the Events Calendar for group rides and races.

Peterborough Racing Club

Road riding is not necessarily what you see on OLN TV's coverage of the Tour de France.  Road riding in a group does not always have to be about strategy and attacks.  When riding on the road in a group, it can be quite a social experience, especially when you are in some else's draft! To most, the idea of riding 40km++ in a day seems absurd.  However, with more comfortable frame geometries, road riders can often ride long distances with ease.  The beautiful thing about road riding is that there is no specific route or trail to take.  Just find some asphalt and go!  Check out the Events Calendar for group rides and races.

Sometimes you ride the bike, sometimes the bike rides you

Hmm ... just what is cyclocross anyway?  Is it road riders who want the excitement of being ejected off their bike in an off-road experience or is it the mtn bikers who crave the speed of road bike?  Cyclocross has been around since the mid 1900's and was a way for road riders to maintain their fitness during the fall and winter months.  A typical racecourse is usually a mix of grass fields, dirt roads, relatively short asphalt sections (if any), some sand (but not too deep), some mud or stream crossings (but not silly deep stuff that requires scuba gear) and several forced dismounts and running sections.  Most races take place in the fall.  Check out the Events Calendar for group rides and races.

Lakefield Rotary Greenway Trail - Peterborough to Lakefield (Photo by Aaron Grasswell)

Peterborough has excellent trails for bike touring including the rail trail in Jackson Park and the Rotary Greenway Trail that runs to Lakefield.  The great thing about going for a bike ride is that there is no need for specific trails.  Go out your front door; jump on your bike and go! Check out the Clubs page for tour operators.

A great resource for local and provincial trails is www.jaggedpath.com.  This web site has trail information posted by riders and includes photos and maps.  There's even a discussion forum.  Highly recommended.

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