OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES FOR ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS
The bike trails at Batawa Ski Hill offer a wide variety of terrain for riders of any age and skill level. The key to a rewarding bike ride is choosing something within your ability that offers fun challenges but not too beyond your comfort zone.
With this in mind, here are four different types of biking experiences Batawa has to offer so you can start planning your next adventure.
FAMILY RIDE WITH KIDS
Adults, kids, teenagers and even toddlers on balance bikes can have fun and learn new bike skills on the paved Pump Track. From the Pump Track you can bike over the Dino Dig, which is the perfect spot to do some exploring and have a snack. From there you can bike along a flat, windy gravel trail to the Natural Playground. As the kids get a little more adventurous you can begin to explore the Batawa South Trails. The trail “Evergreen” is the perfect introduction to off-road biking for kids.
GRAVEL TRAILS WITH COOL DESTINATIONS
Maybe dirt trails aren’t your thing, but you also don’t want to ride around aimlessly on pavement. Not to worry – Quinte West has gravel bike trails with cool destinations. From the Village of Batawa you can bike the Lower Trent Trail in two directions. South takes you to the Bleasdell Boulder, while north takes you to Frankford. In Frankford you can stop at the Old Bank Café to refuel with a coffee and snack. From there, you can continue North to Bata Island where you can walk or bike the island loop to explore its beauty.
RIDE TO THE TOP OF THE SKI HILL AND DOWN (AND REPEAT)
The Batawa South Trails are machine made (wide), multi-use trails adjacent to the ski hill. They offer steady climbs and fun, flowy descents. They are perfect for beginners and lots of fun for seasoned riders in search of gravity mountain bike trails.
There are 6 trails, a skills area and a variety of terrain. Trails range from Green (easiest) to Double Black (most difficult). You can get a taste of biking single-track on the trail “Wild Turkey”. Expect some roots, tight turns and lots of fun.
DID YOU SAY “SINGLE-TRACK”?
I sure did. Over the past two years the Quinte Mountain Bike (MTB) Club and Batawa have focused on reviving and expanding the Batawa North Trails. These trails are the only legit single-track mountain bike experience in and around Quinte West. There are 6 trails ranging in difficulty, from Blue to Double Black. You can expect some challenging climbs, technical fun descents and natural obstacles to test your skills.
MY GO-TO GRUB, HELPFUL INFO & LINKS:
Berry Picking at Brambleberry Farm is a great post-ride activity if you’re out in the summer when the berries are ripe and ready to be enjoyed!
If you’ve worked up an appetite, the Riverside Restaurant serves up Asian Fusion cuisine in nearby Frankford.
Need to cool off? Go for a dip in the river at Frankford Tourist Park and grab some ice cream at the canteen.
ROUTE IDEA: Batawa Community Centre to Bleasdell Boulder (including loop) – 6km round trip
ROUTE IDEA: Batawa Community Centre to Old Bank Café – 6km round trip
Tip: They are not open on Tuesday – the scones and cinnamon buns are amazing!
Bata Island is an additional 2km from the Old Bank Café. The loop around the island is rooty and rocky. You may want to bring a lock so you can park your bike and walk around the island.
READY TO RIDE?
The Pump Track, Dino Dig and trails are all free and open to the Public. Visit batawaskihill.com for more information and don’t forget to check out the Digital Trail Map.
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