05.12.07 Bush Pigs
People with a passion for riding bikes in the woods By Clee LieverseIt’s Wednesday evening. You roll into the designated trail head and there is a diverse group waiting for you: men and women, young and not young, beginners and experts. A love for the trail, and riding off-road, is what brings this band of mountain bikers together. You head over to the group; conversation revolves around where tonight’s ride will lead, which trails to take. Suddenly, it’s time to go. Someone steps up and guides the group into the woods. You are not the fastest one of the bunch, , but that’s okay. You can go at your own pace. You come across some obstacles-- rocks are common--, but it’s not a problem. Just keep your speed up and roll through. Some of the others aren’t so lucky and have to carry their bikes. The trail comes into a clearing; some of the faster riders are waiting. The sweep rider arrives and checks in, making sure each cyclist is present and accounted for. Once everyone is ready to roll, the group heads out again. The pattern repeats itself many times until you are back at the trail head. So just who are these people? Bush Pigs. What is a Bush Pig? For more than two and a half decades, an informal group of mountain bikers has met weekly from May to October to ride Sudbury’s extensive trail system. This is not a club. There are no membership fees or forms, and there are no presidents, treasurers or secretaries. The Bush Pigs—averaging four to 15 riders on any given evening—are simply a group of people with a passion for riding bikes in the woods. There are no racer boy attitudes here, and you’ll see more baggies and armour than Spandex and heart rate monitors. The only rules are show up on time, wear a helmet, make sure your bike is in good working order, and bring a spare tube. How does one become a Bush Pig? First, be looking for a challenge. Second, call the Outside Store at 522-1755 and find out where the group will be meeting. Popular locations include the Outside Store on Long Lake Road, Laurentian University and Cambrian College. Third, grab your bike and gear and set out for the trail head. That’s all it takes. What do you get out of being a Bush Pig? Other than getting out for some dynamite exercise, there is a great sense of camaraderie in the group. The more experienced riders are always willing to help amateurs develop their skills by offering encouragement and coaching them through obstacles. As another bonus, you’ll find some new trails to ride, and having a guide along on your first time through will be a big help. So--are you ready to challenge yourself and meet some great people at the same time? Give the Bush Pigs a call. See you on the trail! |
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