Pedalling into new terrain: Terra Nova National Park develops first mountain biking trail
Charlie Côté of Glovertown pedals through the new mountain biking trail at Terra Nova National Park. (Troy Turner/CBC)
There's a little something for everyone on Terra Nova National Park's new mountain biking trail.
There are obstacles, jumps, berms and banked turns for the more experienced riders, or the gentle, flat ride in the forest for riders who prefer to opt out of the challenging stuff.
"We've got a teeter-totters, we've got some log piles, we got some rock steps," product development officer David Saunders told CBC News. "We designed it so that young kids can use the trail … to people that have some experience at mountain biking."
The track is a flat loop that runs about 640 metres. It sits on former camping sites in Newman Sound, one of the park's campgrounds.
WATCH | Go for a rip on the new Terra Nova mountain bike trail
Saunders says park staff have been monitoring recreation and tourism trends, and noticed a spike in mountain biking. Campers in the park have even started using unsanctioned trails.
"This is the first trail that's totally dedicated to to mountain biking," Saunders said. "We knew there was a demand for it."
The completion of the trail is welcome news for many area youth.
Sophie and Charlie Côté are Grade 11 students at Glovertown Academy. Both are excited about the new feature.
David Saunders, a product development officer at Terra Nova National Park, says he hopes the new trail will provide fun for the whole family. (Troy Turner/CBC)
"It's definitely the best new addition to any of the park's trails" said Sophie. "There's no other spot like it in the park so far [for] mountain biking or even in our area in general inside the park."
Her brother says the trails help him hone his skills on the bike and improves overall control in riding.
"It's nice to have some clean trails and it's easy to come and practice," Charlie said. "It's just [a] really good spot to roll around and see what you can do."
The new mountain bike trail was constructed by park staff and features many natural materials. (Troy Turner/CBC)
Saunders said the park may look at expanding into more bike trails in the future. In the meantime, he said he's hoping to see families avail of the new park feature.
"We wanted to focus on that forest experience trail in the woods with these features," he said.
"I think the more we can do to get kids away from from their iPhones and their tablets and stuff, get them out, this is how you appreciate the great outdoors. You got to get out there, you got to be in it and then, you know, that's how they gain their appreciation for these places."
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