This page is intended to offer some relevant insights to a rider who is about to ride the Burnabop XL route. Of course, conditions on the day of are going to vary widely. If it is raining or has been raining, expect mud in a variety of locations. I will try to note the most notorious spots below.
Starting Point
The route technically starts at the multi-storey tree fort hidden in Bates Park. If riding with pals, this is the best place to meet. An appropriately hard to find location for a route such as this.
For pre-ride washrooms, your best bet is to stop at Empire Field by PNE on the way to the start, or use the bushes at the start point. There are en-route washrooms at km 5 if you can wait.
Course Notes
Here are a list of things you may wish to know, by kilometre marker.
- km 2.8: Short push up a little trail which connects to the old road
- km 3.5: Take the left at the single track fork. Couple stairs where it reconnects with TCT
- km 5.1: Public washroom far side of the baseball field, other side of Hastings
- km 6.7: Cheeky singletrack is optional; can get very muddy in winter
- km 12.4: Worst climb of the day. No expectation to ride it!
- km 13.6: Option to ride down North Rd trail or just take Powerline trail
- km 16.5: You can go straight which narrows and goes thru a creek, but there is a trail to the left at the “cul de sac” which is better
- km 16.8: very easy to miss this trail
- km 21.2: commonly horses on the next couple km; horses are often scared of bikes so best to stop and talk to the rider so the horse knows you’re there
- km 26.0: going around the back of the sports fields is optional but very pleasant!
- km 29.0: If you’re hungry or cold, Timmie’s is just off-route as well as a neat East African spot called Safari Snack House
- km 29.5: Trail construction late 2023, stay left if it’s open
- km 30.5: There is a cheeky trail along the wall, parallel the street.
- km 31.9: At the bottom of the double track it’s always muddy and very slippery
- km 33.6: Watch out for a surprise staircase after a steep descent
- km 35.5: Hard-to-spot turn on a high speed descent. When you see a small pull-out, turn into it. The trail is about 10m further down.
- km 37.0: You can cross at the light or stay on the sidewalk on the near side of the street. Kinda awkward but short.
- km 44.1: There is a Wendy’s and a Donair spot just to rider’s right on 6th St, and poutine a block the other way (Mean Poutine)
- km 44.7: Good park washroom here
- km 54.8: Sketchy train track crossing. Be careful!!
- km 55.5: Timmie’s and McD’s are nearby if you’re bonking. You’re bonking.
- km 56.3: Don’t take the first left that is very enticing; take the second left which is stairs. Trust me, the first one is a siren song anyway.
- km 59.2: Waves coffee and also Chicko Chicken another 100m down route for all your bonking needs
- km 59.8: Great washroom and great water park. If it’s hot, try standing under the “big bucket” feature!
- km 60.6: Yes, I know the bike route was the last block. Yes, I know it says no exit. Trust me!
- km 68.7: Ride along the outside of the sports field fence. It doesn’t look like it goes anywhere but it does!
- km 72.7: Take in those views to the west!!
- km 73.2: Officially, the finish is the gate. Not that it matters because this isn’t a race.