United Way Autumn Urban Trail Adventure

United Way Hub Trail Ride

Looking for hearty souls to brave the gales of November and join a guided ride around Sault Ste. Marie’s Hub Trail in support of the United Way. The Trail is a 22.5 kilometre, paved, non-motorized trail that circles the City. We will have groups to suit all speeds and enthusiasm levels.

Rides will depart from Outspoken Brewing (350 Queen St. East) at 2pm and should be finished between 4pm and 5pm. There will be a snack stop (included) approximately half-way around the trail. Following the ride enjoy a post-ride beverage (cash bar) and snacks (included) at Outspoken. The ride will proceed rain or shine (hopefully shine) though we’ll find some ways to keep you entertained at Outspoken if the weather is unbearable (not likely!!!).

Get your bike ready for one last ride as the season draws to a close…and of course, dress according to the weather. For more details, and to register, click the links below.

The ride fee covers snacks and a donation to support our local United Way (receipts will be provided for the donation portion).

Click the links below to register:

For more information: Peter@SaultCyclingClub.ca

Cyclocross Season is Here!

Once again the leaves are turning and things are getting a little cooler and a little muddier…sounds like cross season is here!

We have three races in our series this year…one on St. Josephs Island, one at Root River Golf Course and the final Halloween Cross at Crimson Ridge Golf Course.  Stay tuned for more details.

 

What a storm!

Hey friends! What a storm last night eh!? If you’re heading out for a ride at Hiawatha or anywhere really, PLEASE be very careful as there may be new washouts and hazards due to the extreme rain overnight. Some bridges have been affected. We haven’t been out to assess but have seen pictures and heard from others that some damage is out there. Please let us know if you find anything that should be addressed! Stay safe and have fun out there!!

Hey! Where’d the trail go?

Despite our best efforts, trail conditions can change over time.  Changes can necessitate some maintenance actions like improving drainage, re-contouring the trail surface or removing fallen trees.  However, there are times when the best course of action might be to put the trail in a different place.  This was the situation for the southern end of Stickman Drive.

In the spring, the bottom end of Stickman descended into a seasonal pool of water and after about 10 meters, emerged out the other side.  This is fabulous habitat for spring peepers and salamanders, but less so for mountain bikes.

Pool on Stickman Drive
Seasonal pool on Stickman Drive

So the club scouted the area to determine if there was a drier, less sensitive route to connect to the ski trail at the end of Stickman.  A potential new alignment was flagged and mapped that avoided the areas prone to spring ponding.  A proposal was presented to the landowner for the realignment and permission was granted for the work.

Clearing of the new route happened in August.

New alignment of Stickman Drive.

After the new section was ride-able, the old alignment needed to be made unride-able.  Work happened over the weekend to naturalize the old trail.  Trees, ferns and logs appeared where there had been none before!

Step 1 – Dig hole in the trail.
A tree appears in the forest.
Step 2 – Fill hole with tree from surrounding forest.
Step 3 – Make it look like you were never there.

The old alignment has been reclaimed for the frogs and salamanders, and the new alignment will develop in to perfect mountain biking habitat.

Trail? What trail?

Gravel Season Closer Ride/Pub Night

It’s looking to be good weather, if a little cold, on Wednesday, Oct 2.  We’ll have our closing ride of the season which will end at Outspoken Brewing.

We will meet at 6:30pm at the disused school on Avery Rd and ride out to Red Rock then back, ending at the brewery.  Map: RideWithGPS.  If there is interest and there looks to be time, we can do a little teaser of one of a) north from Red Rock, b) Pebble Beach trail, or c) Red Rock to Goulais River ATV trail & logging road network.

There will be a C group option to ride as far as the windmills, which will include all the gravel but cut out some of the pavement and much of the climbing.

Bring lights and means to purchase celebratory beer.  We’re expecting a dry night and mild winds, but single-digit temperatures, so dress warm.