Mountain Bike Trails

Latest News

  • The NSMTBTA has arranged a land use agreement, the first of it's kind in Nova Scotia, with the Nova Scotia Museum. This agreement allows for the improvement of the existing trail system of the 1400 acre Uniacke Estate for mountain biking. On October 23, 2011, a working trails workshop at the estate will be held. The plan is to renovate the wetlands trail. The fun begins at 11am. Bring, gloves, water and snacks, shovels, and rakes if you have them. We are required to follow the Whistler Trail Standards on this project [instruction and explanation will be given at the beginning of the day]. A BBQ will follow at Troy and Sue's. For MORE DETAILS AND UPDATES, visit the posted Facebook event link.  
  • A MEETING regarding TRAILS at the Whopper/Birch Cove area will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2011 in Room 1108 of the Mona Campbell Building at Dalhousie University [7:00 PM].  The intent is to provide an update on the expansion of the business park, and discuss the steps towards developing a formal single track trail system in this general area.  Everyone who uses or builds trail in this area -- MTBers, trail runners, hikers -- is encouraged to attend!
        ::MAP ::
    Contact:  Charles Sutton

Who We Are?

BNS-ORA focuses on providing single-track trails, that are open to bicycles, in Nova Scotia. This means we aim to educate riders and land managers, actively promote and develop trail systems, and communicate with government agencies, and other organizations, at all necessary levels.

As with all parts of BNS, we are a volunteer-driven organization. To make those good things listed above happen, especially in your local area, we could use your help.  If you aren't already with us, contact us to see how we can help you – and you can help us.

Some of our current Board personnel are: Tom Kavanaugh (Grand Poo-Ba), Lawrence Plug (VP), Sue Earle (Secretary), Darrel Cooling (Treasurer), and representatives from across the province.

Contact Information: ora@bicycle.ns.ca

Origin

BNS-ORA formed through recent integration of the Nova Scotia Mountain Bike Trails Association (NSMTBTA) with BNS. In 2010, NSMTBTA was formed by riders across the province, out of a recognition that mountain bike advocacy had  not been actively pursed at the provincial level compared to other provinces and U.S. states, and as a result numerous existing trail systems had been lost by outright destruction and by shutting out MTBs.

Coherent and professional representation of mountain bikers to government agencies, private land managers, and other trail user groups, was needed.  NSMTBTA joined with BNS, forming a new BNS sector, because it was recognized that having a strong voice for cycling  can benefit all aspects of cycling, including our beloved single track trails. 

Some Achievements of 2010/2011

  • Acquiring access for development of a new trail system at Mt Uniacke, in the Museum of Nova Scotia lands.
  • Letters and meetings with DNR/Parks on Cape Split park plan, in support of AVMTBTA.
  • Rewriting and editing bicycle sections in the Nova Scotia Trail Manual, the major information resource for community trail groups in Nova Scotia.
  • Province-wide online survey on interests and demographics of NS mountain bikers.
  • Skills and sustainable riding clinic during HRM Bikeweek, 2010.
  • Meetings with DNR Parks staff to identify provincial lands suitable for new trail developments.
  • Consultations with and presentations to regional trail and land management groups including Halifax Regional Trails Association (HRTA), McIntosh Run Watershed Association, Lunenburg, etc.
  • Discussions with informal mtb trail builders, as preliminary steps to development of formal permanent trail systems.
  • Holders of IMBA insurance; able to provide liability insurance to all formal trail systems meeting recognized standards (Whistler Trail Guidelines).
  • Trail maintenance days across the province.

Meeting Minutes Archives

 2011

   2010