Xterra, Parry Sound, Enter the Wild
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Muskoka/Parry Sound region has long been known for its triathlons, and with good reason. Enthusiastic athletes, an abundance of pristine lakes, and beautiful Group of Seven landscapes sprinkled with exposed granite and weathered pines combine to create memorable racing experiences. New for 2015, the XTERRA Ontario series expands into the classic Canadian Shield terrain, with a championship-length triathlon organized in picturesque Parry Sound. Come and make your mark in this historic inaugural race, and discover what Cottage Country can offer.
The uniquely Canadian race course will no doubt appeal equally to seasoned XTERRA veterans, as well as those discovering the world of off-road adventures for the first time. The swim takes place in the beautiful, clear waters of Nine Mile Lake. Starting from the beach at the end of a long and narrow bay lined by granite cliffs and majestic pines, swimmers are never more than 50m from shore, as they are treated to a two loop course with the traditional XTERRA beach run in between (only one loop for short course racers).
The bike course showcases a newly-opened trail network at the Georgian Nordic Ski Club. Here, racers will be treated to bits of technical singletrack that wander over undulating ridges of exposed granite. These sections are connected by flowing doubletrack, offering ample room for safe passing, as you sweep by lakes, marshes, and beaver dams… There may be no massive leg-burning ascents, but there are still plenty of short and sweet climbs to keep you on your toes. While nothing on the course is scary or dangerous, the technical sections will certainly reward the skilled riders. And the unique exposed granite sections will put a smile on everyone’s face…
In a tip of the hat to our adventure racing friends, we have created a run course that is challenging and memorable. The majority of the course follows technical singletrack, twisting and turning through the forest, splashing through streams and along rocky ridges. And while that may be tough enough for the average runner, there’s more: each lap of the course takes racers up The Wall – a massive 15m slab of sloping granite, complete with rope assists to aid those weary legs. It’s an experience that none will soon forget…
Come join the excitement at XTERRA Parry Sound!
Rediscover Adventure.