By John Arkwright
When we were invited to Ontario’s Algoma Kinniwabi travel region to ride the Snow Train and experience the Superior Snow Challenge Loop, the Supertrax crew jumped at the opportunity.
As is the norm in this region, copious amounts of snow had been dumped on Algoma Country this past winter making for stellar riding conditions into late March.
Our plan was to spend a day riding in an Easter Seals event in the Sault (which we did) and then catch the Snow Train the next day (which we did not, as the train was booked up).
Instead we rode up D-Trail to the town of Wawa where we would start our Superior Snow Challenge Loop run. The Challenge consists of two loops connecting 15 communities through a network of more than 1000 miles of groomed trails. On this ride we took the East Loop.
Leaving Wawa, we headed north on D-Trail with a gas (never pass a gas station up here) and lunch stop in Dubreuilville. From there we headed north on TrailD108A to Hornepayne for the night. I can honestly say this was one of the finest days of riding I’ve ever had, as the trails were groomed to perfection.
Next morning we headed west on A-Trail to the Hillsport Hilton in downtown Hillsport (don’t blink). Gary Dorion, owner and proprietor, will be waiting with a gas pump in one hand and a McDorion burger in the other.
Don’t let anyone tell you there are no mountains in Ontario because once you head west of Manitouwadge on D110A to Marathon you’re in for a culture shock when you experience the hills of Superior.
While no oxygen masks are required, there are some awesome elevation changes and, if you’re lucky and get a sunny day, keep your camera handy.
Our last day from Marathon to Wawa was a long snow filled day. We sure burned our share of fossil fuels as we busted six to eight inches of heavy powder for most of this day!
It doesn’t matter which direction you run this loop – it’s always a great ride!
Oh, and yes, we did have Snow Train tickets for our return to the Sault. That’s a great ride, too… and another story in itself.
For information: visit Wawa.ca
