I found myself in Woodstock last week, and being the avid runner that I am, I had to hit up one of the local trails. I’d already explored a few trails in this town, so I did a Google search to see if there was a new one I could try.
The Pines is a mountain bike trail and I knew that going in, but I was sure they could share the trail with one solitary runner.
At this point, the trail looked just like any other nature trail.
It was a beautiful spot, surrounded by water, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, and I felt at home running down the trail.
Just as the trail made its way into “The Pines,” I came across this sign. It looked liked these trails were solely for bikes, but there since there was no icon specifically banning hikers or runners, I pressed on.
The trails were very well marked by colour and these signs were at every junction.
As I got further in the woods, I noticed how narrow these trails were. In the above photo, you can see that the dirt has been groomed to allow cyclists to take this corner at a high speed by arching up the bank.
The trails really twisted and turned as well. You can see the S-shaped trail here that was pretty indicative of green route that I ran.
I didn’t bump into anyone else on my twenty-seven minute trail run, and I was glad. I was sure that I was trespassing. These trails were made specifically for mountain bikes.
I’ve seen plenty of trails groomed for mountain bikes in my other runs, but I have never come across a dedicated one like this, that is so well kept. If I was a biker, I would love to come to this spot again and again, but as a runner, I think that will be my first and only trail run here. Too bad, it was such a beautiful run too!
More tours . . .
- Photographic Tours Archive (over two dozen trails profiled)
- Springbank Park (paved trail, along the water in London, Ontario)
- Princess Point (one of my favourite trails ever in Hamilton, Ontario)
4 responses to “The Pines – Mountain Bike Trail (Photographic Tour)”
Hi Chase .. looks great – and sounds like you were lucky you had the place to yourself … but I'm sure you could come back and cycle it?
I love the way the route twists and turns .. and the sandy texture underfoot – our heathland in Surrey (west of London) was like that when I was growing up ..
Check in to my blog – a 9 year old girl is there ….?! Her stats are surprising to say the least ..
Cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary,
It certainly is a beautiful and well-groomed trail. I loved running it. I'm not much of a mountain biker but I'd love to go try it some time.
Cheers!
Hello, for me this place was really perfect for mountain bike trail. My friend would be glad for your post because we both love biking. Thanks.
Hi Zumi,
I hope you have a great time zooming around the course. Cheers!