MUni in Ontario
There are quite a number of good mountain bike areas within a 1 - 2 hour drive from downtown Toronto. We don't have any Mountains in Ontario, but we do have the Niagra Escarpment, which is a cliff face (100 - 150 feet high, not that high by West Coast standards, but hey, it's Ontario, that stretches throughout the Southern sections of the province. Some of the riding on the escarpment can get quite rockey and very technical (even by biking stardards). Compared to the California MUni weekend I'd have to say, the climbs are shorting, the descents are shorter, but still thrilling and on average the riding is slightly more technical than the Saturday ride at Northstar we did (of course it all depends on where one goes. At the NUC we'll have stuff for all levels of riders).

Photos of various riding places:

• Hardwood Hills: Carl's MUni trials photos. More recent shots, not really of the trails, but worth a look

• Kelso Conservation Area: 30 minutes from Toronto. Kelso has 16 km. of hiking and mountain biking trails including connections to the Bruce Trail. The conservation area is west of Toronto, off Highway 401, between Campbellville and Milton (map). There's a $3.25CAD charge per person. Some Photos from a 24hr event held there
• Hardwood Hills Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike Centre: Just 1 hr North of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Hardwood Hills is a National Cycling Development Center for the Canadian Cycling Assocaition. In addition to 36 km rolling ski trails, they have an additional 45 km of challenging single track trails. These trails have been designed and cut specifically for those who want a more technically difficult ride. Helmets are mandatory. The entrance fee is $9.00CAD. This will be the site of the Mountaining Biking events if Toronto gets the Olympics in 2008. (Map)Here are some photos from the 24hr event that was held there. It's on of the largest 24hr events in the World. Directions from Toronto: 400 North to Barrie - take the 400 extension north of Barrie. Take the first exit off the 400 extension onto Forbes Rd. (exit #111). Turn left at stop sign - follow Forbes Rd. NE for 10 km. Hardwood Hills will be on the left hand side of the road.
• Mansfield Outdoor Centre: They've got 45 kilometres of single and twin track for your riding pleasure. $7.00CAD (Map). Directions from Toronto (drive time aprox. 1 - 1.5 hours from 400/401 junction): Take highway #400 north to highway #89 exit. Turn left towards Alliston, Ontario. Follow highway #89 through Alliston. The second set of traffic lights once outside of the town of Alliston will be Airport Road (county road 18). Turn right. Mansfield Outdoor Centre is located 10 km north of highway #89 directly on Airport road.
• North Bay's North Shore: The North Shore (West Coast, Vancouver) style is finally starting to creep into Ontario (as it is with many other places). Here's what they say: "Northern Ontario definitely lacks the mountainous terrain found in B.C., and most of the 'North Shorish' trails I've seen throughout the rest of the province have been pretty lame, efforts but things are starting to heat up. I live in North Bay, Ontario where the riding has always been good. We are blessed with epic cross country routes and a couple of escarpments with some short but technical downhills." Sound enticing? This place looks rough. North Bay is located about 3.5 hrs North of Toronto.

All in all, there is a wide array of MUni locations for all types of riders here in Ontario. When more information is available on the exact details of the MUni events for next years NUC I'll let you (and everyone) know.

Other differences include:

• You'll be riding on a dirt or grass trail, so the ground will be uneven. It's challenging to keep yourself from falling off your uni
• Trails will have tree roots, branches, and even tree trunks in your path. You'll need a different uni technique from riding in the city
• Trails may be flat and hard-packed, but more often not so perfect. This means that you'll need strong legs to get you through. It also means you'll get tired faster.
• Safety equipment is recommended, which means a helmet, hand protection, and even shin guards.
• Due to the unpredictability of the trail, MUni riding requires a higher level of uni skill than riding on pavement. You need to be a pretty stable uni rider to do well.
• When it rains, The MUni trail transforms into a muddy mess, making the challenge even harder.
• MUni is hard on the uni, which is why MUnis are made differently. They have 24" or 26" wheels, use knobby tires which are fat and wide, use bmx-style pedals. The overall uni is much stronger and heavier, because they need to withstand much more abuse.
• MUni seats usually have a handle in the front for more control.