Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

Canadian Enduro League

Founded in 2016, Canadian Enduro League has hosted mountain bike events in the best riding destinations across Canada. The event is a way to showcase trail networks and vibrant communities to their national and international following. In July 2023, the director of Cana dian Enduro League Ted Morton brought the series to Elkwater, in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Riders from across the country ped dled the rolling hills, surrounded by

huge event inviting hundreds of people who have a thrilling hobby in common, while enjoying the outdoors in the sunshine and immersed in nature. Hearts racing and stomachs growling, a hearty, home-made meal greeted the racers throughout the day, along with small batch ice cream by Cream Cult. “All the elements of a perfect event were there — the weather, the trails, the food, and the hospitality.” There was a welcoming presence that encouraged racers to fully indulge in the day, and none left without feeling the rush. A family told him it was the best day they’ve ever had on their mountain bike. A young mountain biker new to the sport challenged himself and won gold in his category. And an Elkwater camper with a bike heard about the event in present time, and signed up to race. “Everyone was so excited. The sup port we received was phenomenal. There was the quality of the trails, the strength of the community, and the willingness from Tourism Med icine Hat and Alberta Parks to host the event,” says Morton, who’s raced professionally and has traveled all over the world with his mountain bike.

lodgepole pine and aspen trees. Elkwater was stamped as a place Morton would host a race, after his involvement in the moun tain bike trail design for Elkwa ter and Medicine Hat in 2021.

“The trails are world class in Elkwater. It’s totally different riding throughout. And when you climb up, you have this beautiful view of the park,” says Morton, who’s from Kamloops, British Columbia. The grassroots crowd brought back the simplicity of mountain biking. A

“When you ride around the trails at Elkwater, your senses get a full tour. Vistas, sweet singletrack beneath your tires, adrenaline pumping jumps, and that feeling of freedom as you adventure around the park and community.”

42 Mountain Biking