A beautiful sunny summer-like morning marked the beginning of a smile-filled day for almost 100 people on Saturday June 16th.  Where were they? Attending the Parks Canada and MEC ‘Learn to Camp’ event at the Rouge Valley Park of course!  ‘Learn to Camp’ events are provided to help introduce overnight camping to those that may not have experienced how much fun it can be and to expose them to some of our most beautiful natural heritage areas.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Canada’s Ontario Coordinator, Joyride 150, the Guelph Off Road Bicycling Association (GORBA) and the Durham Mountain Biking Association (DMBA) came out in force to support the ‘Learn to MTB’ sessions that were held in the Glen Rouge Campground as part of the ‘Learn to Camp’ activities.  GORBA and Joyride 150 created a riding circuit to introduce mountain biking to the participants.  By using a variety of optional technical trail features, riders were challenged with a course that kept even some of the more skilled riders engaged for hours.

Taking the easier road!


Joyride 150 graciously supplied all of the bikes and helmets for the events’ participants.


Getting fitted!


GORBA also offered the services of their National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP), whose members are part of the IMBA Canada program.  Each of the NMBP members are First Aid certified and trained to assist, educate and inform trail users.

Happily, the NMBP didn’t have to administer even one Band-Aid all day!



Running a little wide – time to try it again!


Up and down the Roller Coaster!


These ladies turned out to be pro’s on mountain bikes!


Parka, Parks Canada’s official mascot, gave 110% effort in trying the wooden features on the course to everyone’s loud cheers and overwhelming support.

GO PARKA!

 

Even more exciting is the fact that the Rouge is now officially transitioning to Canada’s first Urban National Park.  More information can be found here:

www.parkscanada.gc.ca/rouge

Thanks again to the generous support from the Parks Canada staff, the Glen Rouge Campground staff, the Joyride150 family, the GORBA/NMBP members and the DMBA members for making the event so successful!!