Born of necessity, the Peterborough Trailbuilders Association (PTA) came to be during a time when the future of mountain biking at one of Peterborough’s most popular mountain biking trail networks was in question.
Harold Town Conservation Area has been a popular mountain biking destination for several years now. However, in 2017, the popularity of the property appeared to be growing at a rate that was difficult for the landowner, Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA), to adapt to.
After a period of uncertainty, the PTA was formed. Started by a few local volunteer trailbuilders and set up as not-for-profit corporation, the group stepped in to manage the trails at Harold Town. Funds generated through membership sales and community sponsorship allowed the PTA to purchase their own liability insurance, thereby easing some of the burden of risk that landowners of public recreational properties often feel.
Since that time, the PTA has broadened their vision and are now partnering with the Ganaraska Forest to maintain and develop a portion of the non-motorized Central Forest.
When asked what drew them to the Ganaraska, PTA President, Gordon Wilson, says, “Building in the Ganaraska Forest was a natural next step for us. After having the chance to personally participate in the Millbrook Valley Trails’ expansion into the Ganaraska, the potential for the area was clear. Building in otherwise untouched portions of a large forest like that was a rare opportunity for us.”
The PTA began working in the Ganaraska last season and has just completed their first trail project, Creekie – a fast, flowy, and playful downhill trail. Creekie takes riders from B Sharp, a popular segment of the Ganaraska’s former Paul’s Dirty Enduro loop, back down to Ganny Transit (aka Ganny Tranny), the Millbrook Valley Trails’ Ganaraska connector trail.
Never ones to sit still, the hardworking PTA volunteers have already started working on their next project, a climbing trail, also accessible from Ganny Transit, which will help riders get back up to the top of both Creekie and Ganny Transit more easily. The addition of this trail should also reduce the pressure on either of those trails to support the majority of uphill traffic.
Millbrook is quickly becoming a desirable destination for mountain biking and the community as a whole should really benefit from the types of improvements the PTA can bring to the Ganaraska. Particularly, since many riders from Peterborough and beyond are now accessing the Ganaraska Forest via the village of Millbrook.
Mr. Wilson adds that, “Many of our members were already coming from Peterborough to ride the trails in Millbrook, with Ganny Tranny being a must ride trail for most people. Building off the success of that connection to modernize the Ganaraska is really a win for everyone.”
You’ll need a Ganaraska membership or day-pass to ride Creekie, both of which can be purchased through the Ganaraska Forest Centre’s website. To find Creekie on a map, visit trailforks.com/trails/creekie/. To support or learn more about the Peterborough Trailbuilders Association, visit ptbotrailbuilders.com.
This month’s trail tip: If your bike has suspension settings that you can adjust, it’s worth spending some time to get it right. Search Youtube for a great video titled, MTB Suspension Setup – How To Get It Dialed In 10-Minutes.
A Singletrack Mind by David D’Agostino
