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It is paradise for mountain bikers.
More than 800 yards of dirt and 1,000 recorded volunteers hours later, a local non-profit cycling group will introduce the second phase of a biking trail network in Amherstburg on Saturday, along with a new program to teach youth basic riding skills.
The second phase of the trail, adjacent to the Libro Centre in Amherstburg, boasts three kilometres of intermediate terrain spattered with rolling hills, rock gardens, and its first-ever jump line. The trail merges with a two-kilometre beginner circuit to form a five-kilometre loop, delivering thrills for both skilled and novice riders.
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“It’s exciting for mountain bikers to ride over different trail surfaces,” said James Braakman, a director with the Windsor-Essex Bike Community.
“It is an intermediate trail, so it is going to challenge some people, but I think it’s really going to get people excited to get outside and to be on their bike.”
After entering into the land stewardship agreement with the Town of Amherstburg last year to build and then maintain the trail network, the Windsor-Essex Bike Community fundraised $50,000 to begin phase two of the project.
“It’s a true community effort that has united people to get excited about mountain biking,” said Braakman.
“It’s a place for people to take pride in the trails, because volunteers built them. This is not something that was paid for by the town.”
Most rock features found throughout the trail were crafted using $20,000 worth of armour stones donated by Walker Aggregates, a quarry located in Amherstburg,
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Last week, the group launched a new youth program, a free mountain bike clinic and group ride initiative sponsored by Essex Powerlines. The skills clinic, open to kids ages 10 to 17, will meet every other Wednesday from July through October.
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“We have a group of instructors that help with skill progression and improving skills,” said Braakman
“It’s a great way for kids to get on their bike in a safe environment, get outside, and learn how to mountain bike or get better at mountain biking and meet other kids.”
The group will host a Trail Celebration Day on Saturday (July 13) starting at 11 a.m., featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Attendees will have the chance to test out the new trails with demo bikes provided by Flow Cafe & Bikes. An after-party held at G.L. Heritage Brewery will follow at 1:30 p.m.
Visit webcride.com for more information about the Windsor-Essex Bike Community and the youth riding program.
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