Ryan Creary

Nick Quinn takes the adventurous route down Moose Mountain, which has technical sections for the experienced rider and milder trails for the novice

Mountain bikes are a common sight on city streets, but they were made for riding rugged trails. The thrill of riding single-track for the first time will never be forgotten, especially when you find yourself hurtling down a hill at top speed — over tree roots, rocks and loose shale.

When it’s time to get off the pavement, take your bike for an adventure on one of these trails — they’re all within a short drive and it won’t cost you anything but the gas to get there.

THE DOUGLAS FIR TRAIL

Adjacent to Edworthy Park, a number of single-track trails leads one through a woodland of fir trees, some older than 400 years. Natural springs and water draining from residential areas have caused a number of slides in recent years, scarring the 60-metre-high escarpment and creating a “drunken forest” of angled trees.

SIDESHOW BOB

Located on the north bank of the Bow River between Home Road and Nose Hill Drive N.W., Bowmont Park’s Sideshow Bob isn’t for the weak of heart. The rutted and rooted 10-kilometre trail requires good brakes and balance to avoid falling over the 70-degree, four-metre cliff and into the not-so-soft thistles below.

MOOSE MOUNTAIN

Less than an hour from Calgary near Bragg Creek, Moose Mountain offers some of the sweetest freeriding for all skill levels this side of the Rocky Mountains.

Trails on the west have tons of super steep technical sections with jumps, drops, berms, step-ups and skinnies mixed in, while the trails on the east are longer and more flowing.

CANMORE NORDIC CENTRE

Just a scenic one-hour drive west from Calgary, the Canmore Nordic Centre offers more than 100 kilometres of single- and double-track trails and a skills park.

This world-class facility located five minutes outside the mountain town of Canmore was first developed for Nordic events at the 1988 Olympic Games. The park was renovated seven years ago and to this day is one of the best spots for cross-country skiing, biathlon and, of course, mountain biking.

GOAT CREEK/SPRAY RIVER TRAIL

This primarily downhill 36-kilometre round-trip from Canmore to Banff (or Banff to Canmore if you prefer) is one of the more well-travelled trails in the area. Starting from Canmore is the easier route and takes you through the mountain pass between Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain. The well-marked trail meanders along Goat Creek with a few uphill sections and several bridge crossings.

Be warned: this trail can be quite rocky in some sections, so bring extra tire tubes. Walking is for suckers.

The trail can get a little crowded with hikers, sightseers and other cyclists as you approach Banff, but do like your parents always told you — share.