Find out what mountain biking in Thunder Bay is all about.

Test your mountain bike riding skills at this family-friendly event.

By Katherine Morency Katherine Morency is the Communications Director for the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club.

January 28, 2025

The purpose-built trails at Shuniah Mines, created and managed by the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club, are the place to ride mountain bike on a visit to Thunder Bay.

To further showcase these trails that connect through a number of city parks as a destination for riding, the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club will host the second annual Shuniah Forty Miner XC Marathon on Saturday August 22 & 23. It is an event no one will want to miss.

The Track at Shuniah Mines

The unique course showcases mountain biking in Thunder Bay. Situated within the Trowbridge Forest, racers will ride on the fast doubletrack of Centennial Park and into the fun, unique singletrack trails of Shuniah Mines.

Riders will find rooty and rocky terrain mixed with sections of speed and flow. Expect short, punchy climbs that are followed by fast descents. The terrain of the trails is situated on the quartz and shale found from the old Shuniah Mines, and takes riders over multiple river crossings within the thick boreal forest of Trowbridge Falls.

Different Distances to Ride

The Shuniah Forty Miner offers participants four different distances to choose from. Riders will face the challenge of a 12-km course; the main event is a four-lap race, with options to sign up for the three-lap and and two-lap competitions. The challenge is to see if you can outlast the course.

There is also short ride 5-km “Mini-Miner” for kids and those new to the sport who want to come out and participate.

Host Hotel

For out-of-town riders, the Prince Arthur Hotel is the host hotel offering a reasonable rate with a continental breakfast. And the best part, you can bring your bike to your room.

These distances will give riders the opportunity to test their abilities, and to increase their knowledge of the Centennial Park and Shuniah Mines trail systems managed by the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club. Results will be tabulated by a top-notch timing crew that is equipped with the latest in timing technology.

A Fun event for everyone

There will be a festival atmosphere at the race site start/finish located at Kinsmen Park adjacent to the Trowbridge Falls Park and Campground. It is the official trailhead to the extensive trail network into the Trowbridge Forest and has been the staging area for many of the events hosted by the Blacksheep Club.

There will also be activities for those who want to check out a bike race for the first time. Cyclists can bring their bikes and test their skills in the “Blacksheep Skills Park” provided by Blacksheep’s volunteers.

Spectators are welcome to watch the event from any point on the course. The action will be fast and so close that you can almost touch it.

The Shuniah Forty Miner will once again have a Vendor Village at the starting line. It is close enough to the course that spectators can return to the action and cheer on the racers as they pedal the kilometres away. Vendors will have gear for everyone to check out, in addition to the delicious food and drink that will be available.

The Festive After Party

The festivities don’t stop as riders cross the finish line. Come hang out and party with the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club and the cycling community at Thunder Bay’s for the after party at Trowbridge Falls trail head at Kinsmen Park, right at the start/finish. Thunder Bay's local brewer, the Sleeping Giant Brewing Company will provide product from their popular taproom at 712 Macdonell Street.

There will be awesome food, beer, and prizes, this is definitely an event for everyone! All proceeds from the Shuniah Forty Miner and the afterparty will go towards expanding mountain biking opportunities in Thunder Bay.

The Shuniah Forty Miner XC Marathon takes place on August 22 & 23, 2025. For more information and to register, check out the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club’s website.

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About Katherine Morency

Katherine Morency is a university student, writer, and cyclist from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Her passion for cycling has guided her to being the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club's Communications Director, where she shares her passion by encouraging the development of cycling in her hometown. When she isn't out riding her bike, she is either lost in a book or lost in the woods; often at the same time.