BIKES AND NATURE

Over the many years I've done a lot with mountain biking. I've run races and tours, raced myself, and done a bunch of advocacy. However, if you get right down to it the main reason I ride is to experience and appreciate nature.

To be able to mountain bike gives one the chance to cover much more territory than one could on foot. As a result I've had some amazing wildlife and nature experiences.

In late October the family and I biked at Point Pelee National Park. No hills, not much in the way of singletrack. We had an awesome time because of NATURE! We saw deer, wild turkeys, a mink, huge flocks of turkey vultures and crows migrating through, and thousands of small birds ready to hop across Lake Erie. There was also the spectacle of huge waves crashing on the beach. Incredible memories. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

So if cycling is compatible with the high quality of nature at Point Pelee, how is it that many locales want bikes banned because they "destroy nature"? Bit of hypocrisy there perhaps.

Mike

VIDEOS
Magnetawan ride, on a long semi-abandoned pioneer road called "Plum Tree Road". Real wilderness.
20 minute video on YouTube