Two new mountain bike trails opened in Rockwood Park this week, and enthusiasts are eager to test them out

The Saint John Cycling Club (SJC) announced the opening of two new mountain bike trails in Rockwood Park (old ski hill area off Sandy Point Road) this week, and enthusiasts are eager to try the new experience. This expansion adds almost two kilometres to the existing 56 kilometres of trails in the park. The trails, built by Shoreline Dirtworks from Nova Scotia, meet International Mountain Bike Association standards and offer adventure for beginners and experts alike.  

“Rockwood Park is a great place for mountain biking in New Brunswick and the new trails offer a fun biking experience through the old ski hill area,” said Dean Price, Vice President of the Saint John Cycling Club.    

The idea for the new Enduro Park trails was conceived years ago as a shared vision between members of the SJC and City of Saint John staff. The new trails were made possible thanks to the efforts of Club members and in partnership with the Province of New Brunswick, the City of Saint John, the City of Saint John Land for Public Purpose Grant, and support from private and corporate donors. Major corporate sponsors are Source Atlantic, Sandra Irving, Velo NB, Chateau Saint John, Millennium Cycle & Sport, Aberdeen Subaru, Saint John Orthopaedics, River & Trail Outdoor Company, Bike Works and Emera New Brunswick.
 
The Club has raised over $200,000 so far and plans to add more trails next year during phase two. The trails will also feature some interesting artwork from local artists, expected to be completed this fall.  

The Saint John Cycling Club would like to invite anyone to submit names for the trails via their Facebook page. The names will be announced by the SJC at a later date. 
 
The new trails are open during regular park hours, seven days a week from dusk until dawn. For more information, visit www.rockwoodpark.ca  
 
About Rockwood Park mountain biking 
 
Rockwood Park has been recognized within the Maritimes as a popular destination for mountain biking. It is a rarity to have an extensive, well planned and maintained trail system and park in the middle of a City. Volunteers and municipal crews work to balance conservation, while providing people of all ages, abilities, and experience the opportunity to explore and be surrounded by nature. All the trails in the park are multi-user. The new Enduro Park allows bikers to go downhill at faster speeds, a thrill many mountain bikers seek. The trail system will allow Rockwood Park to host large bike races and events and be able to showcase the park and City to visitors.