CANMORE – Mountain bikers have a new spot to catch some air in Canmore.
Bikers of all abilities are encouraged to pedal over and test out the newly opened Quarry Lake Park drop zone (QLP drop zone), a multi-stage progressive skills area installed to develop technical skills in a safe manner.
“We have three progressive drops,” said Chad Holowatuk, president of Canmore and Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA). “The last one is the most difficult one, but it also has a feature you can roll over it, too, so if you’re nervous about dropping it, you can do a roll over as well.”
Located near Peaks Drive and Powerline Trail, riders can launch themselves off the QLP drop zone that features three wood structures with increasing heights – a three-foot drop and roll, two-foot drop, and one-foot drop.
Preparation for the QLP drop zone started last year, and was completed in a few days this spring by volunteers.
Signage is set up to indicate to riders on what drop they're approaching and a ride-around trail was also constructed.
The QLP drop zone is part of a joint partnership between CAMBA and the Town of Canmore that's seen the developing a trail system over the past few seasons to mitigate conflict with other trail users.
Andreas Comeau, manager of public works at the Town of Canmore, said the municipality is excited to work with CAMBA to put in more trails that bikers want.
“The Town is excited to provide another option for cyclists who live here, who are visiting the area to enjoy this trail and push themselves on this trail and just have some fun and make some memories and work on their skills,” he said.
With Alberta's plan to lift all COVID-19 restrictions starting July 1, details are being worked out for a grand opening of the QLP drop zone.
