07/21/2026
Mountain biking has been woven into Martock’s story for decades. Throughout the early 1990s, the mountain became one of Atlantic Canada’s premier riding destinations, hosting local, provincial and regional races, Canada Cup events, and ultimately the 1995 Canadian Mountain Bike Championships. Riders from across Canada came to Martock, cementing its place as one of the country’s most respected mountain biking venues.
These photos and videos, courtesy of Randy Gray - long time rider and unofficial archivist of Nova Scotia mountain biking - capture the early days of the sport at Martock, from technical cross-country racing to thrilling dual slalom and downhill competition.
Video 1 takes us back to the early 1990s, showcasing the demanding terrain that made Martock famous. The opening photo features Alison Sydor, one of Canada’s greatest mountain bikers, multiple-time World Champion, and a member of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, alongside Randy Gray. The second image captures riders tackling the iconic Buttermilk/ Sundance booter - one of Martock’s most memorable and technically demanding features.
Video 2 highlights the excitement of dual slalom - a head-to-head downhill discipline that demanded speed, skill, and precision, while creating some of the most exciting racing for both riders and spectators.
Photo 3 features a magazine article covering the Canada Cup at Martock, a race that attracted many of Canada’s top riders and further established the hill’s national reputation as one of the country’s premier mountain biking venues.
As Martock prepares to welcome mountain biking back to the hill, these moments serve as a reminder that this isn’t the beginning of the story - it’s the next chapter in a legacy that began more than 30 years ago.