Back in the summer & fall of 2011 both the first Canadian Trail Care Crew and Trail Solutions had the privilege of traveling to western Newfoundland to work on a series of major planning & design projects. The first of these was the development of the Corner Brook Masterplan while the others focused on trail development in the stunning Gros Morne National Park.
Funding opportunities for construction have been slow to come for Corner Brook despite efforts from the West Coast Cycling Association and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Recreation. This has not stopped local bike shop & coffee shop owner Peter Ollerhead from charging full steam ahead. In the late fall of 2011, Peter invested in an micro excavator and with the help of passionate locals and his family, soldiered forward to continue building the first trail slated for completion within the Masterplan, Ginger Route.
Not only have these efforts helped to provide the ridership of Corner Brook with another trail in their ride quiver but it has also caught the attention of other trail enthuisasts in town, helping to garner to alliances and assistance.
IMBA Canada is proud to have played a small part in mobilizing this project and would like to congratulate the hard working folks in western Newfoundland on setting set an amazing standard for dedication. This part of the country truly is a mountain bikers’ paradise and IMBA Canada will continue to support efforts until it takes its place as a major destination for riders from all over.