Durham/Glen Major, Buckwallow, and Dufferin Forest rate highest with me....
:rant: I've ridden extensively on virtually everything within a two hours drive of TO and my top three choices (that I can share) are, in no particular order::drumroll:
:thumbsup::thumbsup: Durham/Glen Major - great very diversified trail system, take it easy or get a great workout, plenty of hills with some technical challenges. Explore on your own or hook up with someone who knows the trail system.:yesnod:
:thumbsup::thumbsup: Buckwallow - what can I say, I love this place. Immaculate, well marked diverse trail system. Great technical ridding, no major hills though.:band:
:thumbsup::thumbsup: Dufferin Forest (north or above Mansfiled Outdoor Center - Not very technically challenging, but a very fun flowy place to ride. If you pick up the pace, a great place for a workout. One or two challenging hills if you know where to go. Explore on your own or better yet hook up with someone who knows the trail system. :smilewinkgrin:
My next two choices would be, again in no particular order:
:thumbsup:
Ravenshoe - Fun technically (i.e., tight, twisty, rooty), nothing really in the hills department, and pretty much ridable year round. A good place to go to practice picking correct lines. This place has seen more inexperienced riders this year, to the detriment of the trail system. If you ride here please try to stay on the trails and not cut corners.
:thumbsup:
Kolapore Uplands - Very large diverse trail system that offers plenty of terrain change and technical challenge. It's pretty far to go from TO, but if your staying near Collingwood a good place to visit.:yesnod:
Next I would list:
Albion Hills - An okay place to ride, but not somewhere I would like to go on a regular basis. Again, a diverse trail system with plenty of single track interspersed with double track. Varying levels of challenge from the cardio perspective (i.e., hills) though overall not particularily technically challenging. Pretty much only one challenging loop which for me get's a bit boring after awhile.:yikes:
Kelso - Similar thoughts as to Albion Hills. An okay place to ride, but not somewhere I would like to go on a regular basis. A diverse trail system with plenty of single track interspersed with double track. Varying levels of challenge from the cardio perspective (three different routes up and down the escarpment). Overall not particularily technically challenging, though there are a few spots that will definitely focus your attention.:yikes: The trail system here has taken a beating over the past few years.:bluefrown:
My least favourite places to ride are:
Hardwood Hills - I know some people like this place, but I can't really relate. There are some sections of great single track, but all too short, and for me one section does not flow into the next very well. It may be better suited to racing than "having a great time" riding. When you factor in the cost, Hardwood doesn't come close to other exceptional trails in the area.
Hilton Falls - Yawn!!!!!!:yawn:
Bent Rim, big deal, one short very tecnical rocky section surrounded by predominatly double track. Good place to take your grandma for a walk.
:
There are plenty of other trail systems as well, Waterdown, Bayview/Stouffville, Coulson's Hill, Three Stages, the Don, etc. that fit somewhere in between.
I'm sure others will have different views!
i1dry?
