Mountain Bike Pioneer
I may not be an extreme mountain biker like some of you out there, but lately I’ve been feeling like a mountain bike pioneer….and making it happen on the Grenada off-road trails.
On my tropical island of Grenada, there are not too many mountain bikers around…heck, there’s not that many cyclists in general. There are a few people who use the bike for transportation, some who train for road and triathlon racing, and some who just meander around because they love riding….but the number of hardcore mountain bikers is significantly small. Possibly even non-existent.
I do know of one guy who claims to have ridden every inch of this island and cycled through every trail, and I think he’s the only one to have ever ventured down these trails on a bike.
But I know there are more trails, and that’s what I’ve set out to unearth. Christopher Columbus may have been the pioneer who discovered Grenada in 1498, but I’m going to be the mountain bike pioneer who rides some virgin trails in 2013.
My buddies over at Singletracks.com have even added Grenada to their worldwide directory of mountain bike trails so that I can be the first to include our mountain bike trails on their site. So far I’ve included the Mt. Hartman trail which takes you over to the Hog Island bridge if you make a slight detour. Here’s the link to the Mt. Hartman trail I posted on Singletracks. They happen to have the largest trail directory, and I’m hoping to make it even bigger.
One thing I’ve learned so far is that you need a lot of patience to be a pioneer. I’ve rode down so many trails only to find them become so thick that they can’t be ridden, or ventured into some private property with angry sounding dogs, or something else that has made me have to turn around and come back. For every 5 trails I’ve set off to discover, only about 1 of them turns into something ride-able.
But I’m going to continue exploring Grenada’s great unknown on a bike. It’s not a huge island, but there’s plenty of mountains and rainforest to get lost in.
Here’s hoping I don’t come across that juvenile Anaconda that was recently located on the island. Yeah, what a crazy story…turns out some guy on the island has had a pet Anaconda for a few years and it escaped. Grenada has a few harmless snakes around, but the thought of this thing creeping on the island spooks me a little bit. Yeah, I guess I never should have watched that movie “Anaconda” when I was younger.
I’m sure there are new bike paths to be discovered where you are as well. Come join me and be a mountain bike pioneer of your own.
I’m on my way down in early March 2016 to support my daughter playing in the U17 World Cup CONCADAF Qualifiers. I was going to bring my bike down instead of driving. I’m interested in riding the island. Have you found/laid out any more trails since 2013? Also – is there a recommended bike shop to connect with – so I might rent a bike instead of bringing mine down. Looking forward to the visit.
Hey Kevin, sounds good. I’m more of a road cyclist so I haven’t been out scoping trails. You might just want to bring your bike depending on what you’re okay with. You can rent a mountain bike here from Mocha Spoke.
I’ll have to connect with you when you’re in Grenada.
Well then, maybe I should bring the road bike instead… but was hoping to get up into the mountains and some of the hiking trails. I have a dual suspension rig, but might be overkill for getting around town or around to the beaches.
I figure I could ride the whole island in a day pretty easily but wanted more of a challenge with trails… bummer such pretty island that they don’t have more trails open.
Any issues with pavement/theft/sharing the road with cyclists that I should be concerned with?
There is a potential to have a lot of great off road mountain bike trails, but it would need someone to invest time to build them. Road cycling is okay and I do it all the time. The roads are narrow and you definitely won’t get 3 feet, but if you are comfortable around vehicles you’ll be fine.
You should definitely do a ride around the island.
Great post Darryl! Exploring is what mountain biking is all about (at least, IMO). Exploring new places and new trails is what has kept me excited about the sport for so many years, and keeps me giddy like a kid whenever we head out on a new adventure!
Also, thanks for being a part of Singletracks and helping make the best MTB trail database in the world that much better!!
Time to recruit some help and clear out those trails. Even in state owned parks with trails avid cyclists will do the work and clear out trails. Cut back trees and such. You could be a true pioneer.
A big snake would be scary but the chances of an altercation with it versus cars on the road? If take the trails and the snake.
*I’d take
Thanks Chris. Yeah, clearing some trails is definitely on my list of things to do. I really have to find a good contact with the Government here and educate them about how much tourism could come if we had good mountain bike trails.
That anaconda was captured…otherwise there is no snakes to worry about here.
It’s great to see you riding trails. I knew you would be come a mountain bike lover eventually.
Yeah, it was only a matter of time right?
An anaconda? Aren’t those kind of dangerous? I hope you don’t come across it while riding trails.
Yeah, that’s what I thought. I guess they don’t really pose a threat to people….plus, this one was caught. Thanks, Nic.
I feel the same way when I’m discovering new trails. There may have been other people who rode it, but I feel like I’m riding it for the first time. It feels great doesn’t it?
Totally…..I hope you keep on pioneering new trails.