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Mountain
Biking the Cabot Trail
A cycling adventure in Cape Breton
©
Outdoor Adventure Canada
An exciting
place for a multi-day cycling adventure is the Cabot Trail in
the Cape Breton Highlands. This trail spans 298 kilometers or
185 miles and is a mountain biker's paradise. The Cabot Trail
leads you to astounding views and varied ecosystems including
valleys, canyons, bogs, and barrens. There are descents that will
make your knuckles turn white and cliff edges that drop off into
the sea.
A good starting
point for the journey is the small town of Baddeck which has interesting
historical significance as it was the summer home of Alexander
Graham Bell who invented the telephone. There are numerous museums
to visit here.
The first
leg of the trail will take you to Ingonish but before you get
there you will meet the challenge of ascending Cape Smokey. Once
you reach the top you will enjoy a memorable downhill ride. The
views in this region are as breathtaking as the hills. Ingonish
is a resort area nestled among the shores of two large bays that
are separated by the Middle Head Peninsula. The town is actually
a cluster of 5 communities; Ingonish Ferry in the south, Ingonish
Harbour, Ingonish Beach, Ingonish Centre and Ingonish which is
to the north. All of the communities that make up Ingonish cover
an area of a mere 16 kilometers. They are in close proximity to
areas where you can swim, golf or attend a community lobster supper.
Be well rested
for your second day because you will cycle over both North and
McKenzie Mountains. You will travel through Pleasant Bay and then
reach Cheticamp. Cheticamp is an interesting town with quaint
churches and French speaking, Acadian residents. Fishing, tourism
and crafts are the main income in this small community. A boardwalk
skirts the harbour where you can stop for dinner, entertainment
or to purchase some of the local arts and crafts. The final part
of the journey takes you from Cheticamp, over Hunter's Mountain,
back to Baddeck .
The worst
part of the Cabot trail is not the hard work; it is when one has
to say goodbye. The Cabot Trail is one of those unique places
that will draw you back. Its stunning vistas, friendly people,
quaint fishing villages and amazing sunsets will have you returning
to repeat the experience.
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