7th Annual Tour of Elgin - Mountain Bike Race

The Rich Fall Colours  (Credit N.B. Tourism)

The Tour of Elgin or Elgin 80 as it more commonly known is set to roll this Saturday on October the 2nd. This race has garnered quite a reputation for challenging climbs and exhilarating descents on vibrant hardwood hills.  It's billed as New Brunswick's only Mountain Bike Marathon and whether you opt for the 80km, 40km, or 20km options, your tired legs will be convinced that it is marathon.

For Full Details Follow this Link to the Flyer

Click here for the Registration Form  The preregistration deadline is this Wednesday, Sept 29th. You'll save a bit by registering early but you can still register on the morning of the race if you miss the deadline.


Where is Elgin exactly?

Elgin is a small community with a big heart, that lies on the edge of the Caledonia Highlands. It's location on the edge of the highlands gives it one of Southern New Brunswick's most scenic landscapes. The high, forested ridges spill down into farmer's fields and hollows where brooks tumble. It's well known for Blueberries, Maple Syrup, and the wild Pollett River. At this time of year, the hardwoods decorate the hillsides in brilliant shades of orange, red, and yellow.


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The Elgin 80 is being put on as a fundraiser by the Elgin Eco Association. The Elgin Eco Association is a group of dedicated volunteers who are working together to promote the natural-beauty of the Elgin area through eco-tourism and raising money for their Community Park.
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Friar's Nose in the Fog

Looking over the Parlee Brook Valley from Friar's Nose [CLICK TO VIEW FULL SIZE]

Eddies of fog

 This morning I hiked up to Friar's Nose. Walking as fast as my legs and lungs could muster. I reached the top within half an hour, breathing heavy and sweating in the cool wet air. The wind whipped across the barren summit and fog tumbled across the valley, eddies spinning in the lee side of the ridges.

I put on a sweater and breathed in the refreshing air, looking for familiar landforms across the forested bowl. I come here a couple times a year and yet every time it seems that new ridges and valleys catch my eye. In the winter I search the valleys for blue smears of ice and in the fall I notice the vibrant hardwood stands. Today, the endless sea of green gives the impression that I'm standing on the edge of a vast wilderness.

Fog is a powerful thing. In a way its like the salt on your food, enriching whatever it touches and bringing out subtle details. The dreariest weather can produce the most moving landscapes. And on foggy days like today go to one of your favourite places and see it from a new perspective.

 After running all the way down from the top of the Friar's Nose I was hot and sweaty. That's when I noticed a sweet little pool under the bridge. I can never resist cool moving water (no matter how shallow it is). It was refreshing and a perfect way to end a hike. 

I love dunking myself in cold swift water.

Directions to Friar's Nose.
The Friar's Nose is located outside of Sussex, NB on the edge of the Fundy Highlands. You can find direction in my post from 2008.
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