The 5th Annual Granite Fondo is here!
Come on out for a day of social mountain bike riding on McIntosh Run's singletrack and some post-ride BBQ and mingling on Saturday, September 19 – Rain Date Sunday, September 20.
ROUTE OPTIONS!
- 34 km: Ride nearly all the sanctioned McIntosh trails, some in both directions. Includes expert (black) trails.
22 km: Mostly blues (some harder "dark" blues), no black trails.
10 km: Greens, blues, some gravel and road.
Sign in and start times. Group start times will be staggered to minimize overlap and two-way traffic, and to make sure we can all mingle together at the post ride BBQ! Please make sure you are signed in by the following times, depending on your ride selection:
Pace and Guides. The guides will keep a social, chill pace. This event is a great opportunity to have a guided ride of the trails! Please note that previous experience of riding in the McIntosh Run trails (or similar systems elsewhere) is required, as these are technical trails and the routes are not suitable for novice riders. Donations welcome! This is a free event, though we are always very appreciative of donations from our community to put back into the trails. If you are interested in making a donation, please feel free to send an e-transfer to mcintoshrun@gmail.com or to let us know if you prefer an alternate donation method.
MORE DETAILS!
- We will be starting and ending from Hartlen Park. Sign-in tables will be beside the community trail, near the Clark Kent trailhead. This is also where we will regroup after the rides for the BBQ, thanks to Cavicchi's Meats. Kudos also to MRWA's largest business sponsor, Cyclesmith, for being on site!
- Parking. There is a parking lot with limited parking - we encourage you to car-pool if you can! A nearby alternative is Herring Cove Community Dentistry, 303 Herring Cove Road (parking permitted when business is closed, entrance is at corner of Williams Lake Road). Trail parking is also available at the back of the lot of the Lions Rink on Drysdale Road.
- This is an untimed social ride, not a race. The trails remain open to hikers, dog walkers, other MTBers, plus the Fondo riders. Smile, say hi, follow the usual yield rules – it’ll all work out!
- Do you want to ride on your own or with a small group of friends? That's cool - please feel free to ride independently from the the guided groups, on your own time.
- No E-bikes. Bicycles only. All motorized uses and all classes of e-bikes are restricted from trails on these lands by order of Crown lands minister.
- Feed Station. There will be a feed station at the Sarah Drive entrance this year. Many thanks to 3Mile Outfitters for supplying electrolytes and North End Runners for hosting!
- Our Helpers. In addition to those already mentioned, this event is possible because of help from ECMTB, Lance Hancock Design, and NS-DNR, HRM Parks and others who continue to work with MRWA on land access for trails and conservation. Thanks everyone!
- The fine print. Ride at your own risk. 16 years old and over only; those younger must be accompanied by parent or guardian. This is a social group ride, not a fully supported event. Carry a cell phone and have what you need to be self-supported in case you need to turn around or have a mechanical.
