Fresh Air Experience

By Maggie Fairholm

 Do you have friends that have been begging you to try out mountain biking any chance they get? Maybe you have just thought about what it could be like biking through all the beautiful forests that surround Ottawa and Gatineau. From smooth and flowy single-track trails to technical adrenaline pumping descents, mountain biking offers something for everyone. It can be a solo sport, a social group ride, or even a race. Anything goes, and I think that is something that attracts people to the sport!

Styles of Mountain Biking

There are A TON of different types of mountain biking out there and they are all fun! We like to break mountain biking into three main categories. Many trail networks offer a variety of trails that will suit beginner to advanced riders, and even a variety of styles!. 

Cross Country:

This type of mountain biking is the most common around Ottawa. It can range from wide easy doubletrack like ATV type trails to technical single-track which would have more obstacles like roots and rocks.

All Mountain:

This generally involves climbing up technical trails with the goal of descending either flowy or technical trails with man made and/or natural obstacles. Essentially ride up, ride down. 

Downhill or DH:

Downhill is what many people associate with mountain biking although it is less common in Eastern Canada. It involves taking a chairlift or shuttle up, and then riding down the mountain. Downhill often offers the most difficult terrain as the bikes are built for descending instead of climbing but it also can include very wide smooth trails for beginners.

The Really Important Gear

The bike:

Bikes are a big investment, and if you are starting out in the sport there are a few options available to you which will help you decide what is right for you. Rental bikes are always a great option as they will allow you to try the bike for a day or more on trails of your choice. The Ottawa Mountain Bike Association often promotes two large free demo days a year, which will allow you to test ride many different bikes and brands from local retailers. Demo days are a great opportunity to experience many different bikes on the same trail network so that you can really compare comfort and bike feel. 

Many local shops, including Fresh Air will allow customers to test ride a bike before purchase. Test rides are typically limited to the area surrounding the store but they can be another good way to narrow down your preferences and chat with experienced staff members.

Helmet:

Please don’t mountain bike in a helmet you bought 12 years ago. Actually, don’t bike in that helmet at all. Many people don’t realize that helmets actually have an expiration date, typically 5-7 years from the time you purchased it. Unlike milk that’s gone sour, you won’t actually be able to tell if your helmet has gone bad (other than trusting the date), but in the event of an impact, an old helmet will not protect your head adequately. If your helmet is old, or doesn’t fit right, a new one will not only keep you safe but will probably be lighter and more comfortable too.

Shoes and Pedals:

Mountain bike pedals are wider and often have small pins so that they can grip to your shoe and offer you control and the ability to “pull” on the pedal. Flat pedals like the ones below are often the best place for beginners to start. If you have heard of clip-in pedals, clipless or egg beaters, those are another type of pedal often used, but they are normally best for more advanced riders.  

Many people start riding with running shoes usually because they already own them and they are fitness related. While running shoes are an excellent starting point, they do have some limitations. If you opt for running shoes try to choose ones with less aggressive tread so that you can grip the pedals better. If you encounter issues with slipping off your pedals, it might be worth investing in mountain bike specific shoes. Mountain bike shoes are made with two key things in mind: flat and grippy outsoles so they can adhere to the pedal, and stiff soles so you have more control.

Saddles & Chamois (Seats & Padded Shorts):

This may surprise you, but saddles are NOT one size fits all. Often it takes a couple tries before finding the right seat for your butt. To make the search easier, padded shorts have saved the day. Now. Padded saddles are bad, they do not move with your body, are often clunky and will get in your way, and actually aren’t that comfortable after 20 minutes. Chamois shorts, the padded type is the best thing to happen for cyclists (probably ever). The padding moves with your body, and you don’t have to wear the lycra kind road cyclists wear either. There are even kinds of chamois designed to fit under your normal shorts or leggings for a more casual look.

At Fresh Air Experience we can help you find a comfortable saddle by setting it up on your bike to allow you to take it for a test ride. We also have great options for shorts from brands like Sugoi, Craft Sportswear and others.

Other Things to Consider

Take a Lesson:

Friends are great, but often they have no formal education in mountain bike instruction (yes there is such a thing). Get a lesson from real teachers that are really qualified. It will help you stay friends with your friends. Trust me. Often adults will brush off opportunities for taking lessons, but even advanced riders can benefit from time with a proper instructor.

Attend a clinic:

Many shops, including Fresh Air, will offer how-to clinics. Our favorite to host, and probably the most beneficial for mountain biking is HOW TO FIX A FLAT, because boy, do they ever happen at the worst moments (like blackfly season). Gaining some knowledge about how to maintain your bike or repair basic things will give you some more independence in case you encounter a stray thorn on the trail. Many of these things you will learn over time with friends as well, but if your goal is to ride alone in the woods, best to be prepared.

Local Resources

Ottawa Mountain Bike Association (OMBA): Website & Facebook

OMBA is the local trail association that has advocated for mountain biking for years. They have opened official trails in South March Highlands (Kanata Lakes), Gatineau Park, and the Carlington Bike Park (THANK YOU OMBA!). Since they are amazing, they also provide weekly group rides at Camp Fortune and Kanata Lakes all summer! They have a minimal fee that goes directly to trail maintenance, and purchasing a membership also gives you access to ride Larose Forest. As mentioned before, they also coordinate demo days for people to come try bikes from all the local bike shops!

MBK Mountain Bike Kids Camp: Website

Offered at Camp Fortune, Kanata Lakes, and Mont Ste Marie. These are a great way to get kids into mountain biking! They offer weekly camps in the summer where they will learn bike skills alongside trail etiquette, bike maintenance, and games!

Check back soon for more information on where to ride in Ottawa including:

Camp Fortune

Larose Forest

Greenbelt

South March Highlands

Mont Sainte Marie

Gatineau Park

Limerick

Last things

Have fun! Mountain biking is an amazing sport but it also doesn’t come naturally to many people, it’s important to relax and enjoy your time outdoors. While your first of couple rides may feel difficult, it’s important not to get discouraged because your confidence and skills will grow quickly. If you have any questions about mountain biking feel free to reach out to us at Fresh Air, we would love to help you find enjoyment in this amazing sport!

Maggie is our clothing and mountain bike expert. She is a ride leader and mountain bike instructor.

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