This Ganaraska Forest has been used by Paul’s Dirty Enduro for eleven years (2007 will be twelve years). To many, this is the quintessential epic ride of Ontario. But we are only two groups using these trails. Since moutainbiking began and even before, folks have been having formal and informal events here. Just to name a few the Chico's Ontario Cup series, the Summer Sulstice 24-hour, the Ganaraska Gear Grinder, local weekly series and the Big-O. The Paul's Dirty 100k loop encompasses the best pieces of all these trails, adds some of the most unknown and sexy bits and puts them all together for one master loop of fabulousness.

The Bloomfield Bicycle Club has played a major role over the past number of years helping to maintain and develop trails within the Ganaraska Forest, including over five hundred hours of logged time (logged on the IMBA site) over the past two years. The Peterborough Cycling Club, after working hard at trying to increase mountainbike trails closer to home, and develop a local moutain bike center, is changing its’ focus and going further afield to assist the Ganaraska Forest to develop new trails and encourage more riders to use this under utilized network of trails.

The real question is why an EPIC RIDE? What makes the 100k loop of Paul’s Dirty Enduro extra special? Well, the quality of trail is exemplary. The intensity of the ups and downs make every ride, no matter how long or which route, an Epic. The dark-earth tacky banked corners in the long-used downhills and the sandy sections that are ridable even IN the rain, the sweeping vistas out across the Oak Ridges Moraine when you finally crest the Firetower Hill. The list can go on and on. And this particular loop is such a small amount of the entire trail selection available at the Ganaraska Forest.

Tremendous user pressure on forests and trails will only grow as the cities continue to sprawl. By developing a strong partnership between skilled and amenable land managers, mountainbike trail users and enthusiastic bicycle clubs right now; we can protect a key piece of recreational land, while strengthening the mountainbike community as a whole.

But how can a selection committee really know that a trail is worthy from one short nomination? I suppose video might hlep, but of course, the best way to know is to come and ride some of this amazing loop – or ALL of the 100k if you dare! Please feel free to contact either of the bike clubs at your convenience, and we would be happy to take you on a guided tour.

Thanks for taking the time to consider our nomination. We look forward to hearing from you.

kt misener on behalf of The Bloomfield Bicycle Club (ID# 101588) Box 78, 225 Main St. Bloomfield, Ontario, K0K1G0 613.393.1060, bbc@bloomfieldbicycle.ca www.bloomfieldbicycle.ca/ contact: kt misener

Zac Wheeler on behalf of the The Peterborough Cycling Club (ID#71114) 168 Charlotte St Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 2T7 705.745.9133, zac@wildrock.net www.peterboroughcc.com