MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Summer 2019

32 “The race route was harder than I expected,” says Ottawa-based cyclist Rob Parniak, who completed the event in 12 hours and 14 minutes, good for seventh place. “The first stage with rough trails, river crossings and lots of climbing was one of the most challenging days I’ve ever spent on a bicycle. Getting through that stage felt like a commendable accomplishment.” Parniak, a Sault Ste. Marie native, says Crank the Shield felt like a reunion. He’s always been aware of the adventure sports counterpoint to the Soo’s image as a gritty steel town. “I see a sort of scrappy pride in a lot of Soo people of my generation,” says Parniak. “It’s as if they’re determined to defy the stereotypes. They’re creating their own happiness by building their own place. The cycling scene—the bike shops, the trails, the club, this race—are tangible examples.” For his part, Ruppel was “blown away” by the level of local support. “Down south, we’d have a lot more ‘NIMBY’ people, and a lot less desire to help,” he says. “We had not one single problem with a landowner, logging operation, or anyone. It was very refreshing.” Ruppel is hoping for 250 participants for the second instalment of Crank the Shield, set for August 16–18. He’s tweaked the route, increasing the amount of singletrack to maximize the wilderness aspect. “I love the event concept as a whole,” he says. “Taking the train into the backcountry and riding yourself out and back to town—that’s what Crank the Shield is all about.” cranktheshield.com THE NEW LOOK SOO Like most northern Ontario towns, the outdoors community in Sault Ste. Marie is often hidden behind a strong contingent of hook-and-bullet types and motorheads. However, interests are changing. Case in point is a weekly mountain bike event called “Titty Tuesday.” In five years, organizer and cyclist Danielle Anstess has introduced dozens of local women to the singletrack trails at Hiawatha Highlands, located in Sault Ste. Marie’s north end. Last year, the group rides, organized through Velorution, a local bike shop, attracted up to 85 women per week. “It started with a couple of women,” says Anstess. “Now all of a sudden their kids, cousins and friends are coming out. Everyone falls in.” Former competitive mountain bike racer Travis Anderson says Hiawatha’s 30-kilometre network features some of the best trails between the Rockies and Quebec. It’s all about the rugged terrain, Anderson says, and he insists there’s plenty more options to develop. Anderson returned to his hometown to serve as the project manager of FutureSSM, a $2.6 million community development initiative. Part of his job description includes working with partners to develop 100 kilometres of bike trails over the next five years. Anderson and the Sault Cycling Club are hoping to break ground on a new 15-kilometre network this summer. Anstess adds: “Our bike scene is growing, the infrastructure is coming along and everyone is buying in.” futuressm.com “The first stage with rough trails, river crossings and lots of climbing was one of the most challenging days I’ve ever spent on a bicycle.” COURTESY TOURISM SAULT STE. MARIE COURTESY TOURISM SAULT STE. MARIE