2013 Algonquin 2 Day Ride Photo Report

Posted on June 17, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

The 2 Day Algonquin Ride is best known for being a difficult trail ride and this year was no exception as the recent rains created numerous mud and water holes. Part of the KTM Trail Ride Series, The Algonquin, or The Madawaska Ride, features the best of Ontario from unforgiving Canadian Shield to flowy pine tree sections to endless water holes. A must-do ride that should be on everybody’s bucket list.

For event photos please click HERE and scroll down to the bottom to find the albums.

Beautiful blue skies prevailed Saturday treating the riders to spectacular views and stunning Ontario scenery as trails led past slabs of granite rick, lakes and rivers. Sunday was equally as beautiful. Sadly though, the rain began shortly after 6am and did not ease up until noon. I will admit to having thoughts of calling it a day and heading home early to celebrate Fathers Day but decided to stick it out. And, I am so glad that I did because some of my best photos were taken early Sunday morning. I thank all the riders for sticking it out on this cool, wet morning.

Haliburton Trail Riders put on an exceptional show. Typically Saturday is the hardest day with over 150 km of trail and access roads covered. Optional route lines allow beginner to expert riders to choose the trail of their choice with respect to their ability. Sunday is the easier of the two days with approximately 100 km of trails. Having said this, Sunday might be easier technically but it does not fall short on the beauty scale as riders are treated to quiet winding dirt roads and lush single track.

© Cecile Gambin Photography-2 — Looking down the easy part of the first pink section on Saturday – the Extreme uphill rated at a 5/5. Lots of people trying – some made it and lots didn’t. Great entertainment for those watching below on the snowmobile bridge.

A huge shout out to all the volunteers for the countless hours they put in to get this trail ride ready in time. Rain or shine - it doesn't matter - they are working hard to showcase our beautiful trail system and wonderful sport. — A huge shout out to all the volunteers for the countless hours they put in to get this trail ride ready in time. Rain or shine – it doesn’t matter – they are working hard to showcase our beautiful trail system and wonderful sport.

Lots of wildlife to be seen. Found this moose wandering this swamp off Highway 127.

Found this Snapping Turtle on the side of the dirt road early Sunday morning - apparently enjoying the rain showers more than me. — Found this Snapping Turtle on the side of the dirt road early Sunday morning – apparently enjoying the rain showers more than me.

Just one of the many demanding mud holes Saturday.

Taking a break on this slippery off-camber, root infested hill made difficult by the rain.

© Cecile Gambin Photography-13 — In driving rain only 14 km separate these riders from the finish line.

Hi Guys - Thanks for braving the weather and saying hello :) — Hi Guys – Thanks for braving the weather and saying hello 🙂

See you next year for another edition of this classic Ontario Trail Ride!

Algonquin

Posted on June 25, 2012June 25, 2012 by cecile

Looking for photos of the Algonquin 2 Day ride? Please click HERE. You will be redirected to my Moto blog and from there you will find the link to both the Saturday and Sunday albums. And, while you’re on my blog … it’s a photo essay so not a lot of words but lots of pictures. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Thanks for looking.

Cecile

2 Day Algonquin

Posted on June 14, 2012 by cecile

Heading out this Friday for the 2 Day Algonquin. I have been a participant numerous times, a pre-rider, led a children’s ride and even a women’s ride. I even had a ‘hissyfit’ (just ask my husband David) one year as my new bike was being pounded and I put yet another new dent in the pipe.

This year though I will be returning to the 2 day Algonquin not as one of the above but as a photographer. Which will be both fun and challenging at the same time. I must remember to bring my ‘bear bell’ as I am sure one is going to find his way near me as I sit silently in the bush waiting for riders. Or, perhaps a moose. That actually happened once…where a young bull moose jumped out of the woods right in front of me on the trail. Scared the beezebies out of me. Dang thing wouldn’t move out of the way either. It just kept galloping down the road for about 1 km not at scared by my Gas Gas 200 TXT trials bike. I guess I really did not look that intimidating.

I am hoping to capture the beauty of this ride and why it is both popular and difficult. When people decide to skip races to attend this event it tells you something. My goal is to create images that are compelling and able to bring a story to the table because that’s exactly what I am out for this weekend…material for my photographic book.

So, if you need to get a hold of me…I will be back late Sunday night. I will not have internet access, or email for that matter as I am on the ‘down-low’ plan.

Cecile