Inspiration
DOWNHILL, FREERIDE, CROSS COUNTRY, EPIC, ALL-MOUNTAIN... IT’S ALL HERE! (#mtbBC)
Breath taking scenery, beautiful challenging trails subtly carved into the landscape, pristine wilderness on the periphery of welcoming towns and world class resorts, authentic local riding culture ready to share their local knowledge…this is mountain biking in BC!
We want to inspire and help you find a part of BC that truly turns your crank. Through our collection of stories, photos and videos you are sure to find something that you will want to experience for yourself.
Retallack’s Brown Pow, the Winning Trip
Heading down the windy road working our way east from New Denver and enjoying the beautiful lush forest and narrow valleys that the Kootenays provide, the only feeling I had was pure excitement. My partner and I were heading to Retallack Lodge for a weekend full of biking, relaxing and indulging in some great food and wine. We were heading out for the trip of a lifetime. Having spent the majority of my working years providing services in similar style backcountry lodges, I was beyond excited to find out I had been chosen as one of the winners from Mountain Biking BC’s Backcountry Giveaway contest and was about to spend 3 nights at the Retallack Lodge for a weekend of big mountain shuttles. Even better, I got to bring a lucky someone along with me to share the experience!
Trail Psych 101
To most people The Flying Nun is the best way to finish a ride at South Canoe trail network. Ask the riders emerging from the Salmon Arm trail network why they’re grinning, though, and they’ll probably struggle to explain. The trail’s not particularly fast, steep or hard. The few potential jumps are small. There’s no view to speak of. But it does swoop and bank through the forest, twisting and turning in that way great trails do, leaving a feeling of excitement and exhilaration – and a big fat smile.
Trail Organizations Forced to Get Creative in COVID Times
With indoor recreation facilities and most organized sports cancelled for this spring and summer, trails in British Columbia have seen an explosion of users in the last few months. With the traditional mountain bike fundraising events usually held at this time of year also cancelled, trail organizations in the province are looking at new ways to support trail maintenance.
Nurturing Pride
I’m following a 16-year old ripper off a tabletop on When Pigs Fly. A grandmother is on my tail and an 8-year old surprisingly close behind. In our group of 15 riders exploring Burns Lake’s 100 kilometre trail network, there’s everyone from middle-aged teachers to bike bums, expert to intermediates, in jogging pants and on triple crown downhill rigs. I’ve never ridden with a more diverse crew, especially not on assignment.
Hustle & Flow on the Cariboo Wagon Trail
100 Mile House, the gateway to the Cariboo Chilcotin, has always been a favoured stopping point for travellers and adventurers. Located at the 100 Mile marker from Lillooet and the start of the Cariboo Wagon Trail, it was the route thousands of people travelled during...
From Wildfires to Pandemics, Partnerships & Trails Show Us the Way
If you haven’t heard, the city of Quesnel, located in the heart of the Cariboo Chilcotin in the lands of the Lhtako Dene, is the home of a quickly growing network of world-class mountain bike trails. The Cariboo region has long been known as the Shangri-La of mountain biking, a quicky growing destination and home to some of the best riding in the world. The trails being built in Quesnel will further establish and enhance this reputation.
Building New Paths to Resilience & Recovery
One thing is for certain, the Covid 19 global pandemic has clarified the importance of trails and recreation to the health and well-being of communities. During this time of lock downs, thousands of people have been flocking to nature parks and trails where they can...
Ride safe during COVID-19
Updated June 29: After being cooped up for so long many are turning to trails to get a healthy dose of fresh air and exercise. As a result, the trails are busy! Here are a few tips to help keep you and other trail users safe during the COVID 19 pandemic. Avoid...
Your Local Bike Shop is an Essential Service
Amid the pandemic and all the change that has come with it, there is a heartbeat in the mountain biking communities of British Columbia that belongs to the bike shops. Deemed an essential service, bike shops offering mechanical services have remained open through the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 restrictions; pivoting their policies, staffing, and service protocols on the fly.
Community is not Cancelled
How three community leading women are keeping mountain bike dreams alive during Covid-19 in Kamloops BC. Words and photos by Dylan Sherrard World Cup Racing, tailgate parties, mellow Monday cruisers, Sunday gatherings with friends…Almost everything has been cancelled...
Riding Out COVID-19
Like you, we’re passionate about riding BC. We love the outdoors, and the euphoric feeling exercise gives us. But now is not the time to explore our beautiful province. Please stay home and follow the advice of health authorities. When the pandemic is over the trails will be waiting for us.
But how do we stay fit and keep our sanity? Most of us have an inherent need to go out, to explore, to discover new trails or ride a favourite one. But, as parks and trailheads around us close we need to find alternatives to satisfy that itch to ride and to keep fit.
For the Ladies: Women’s Mountain Bike Races in BC
A go-to guide for female-focused races, clinics, camps, and courses in BC that are creating more diversity in mountain biking.
7 Places to Ride in Revelstoke with Photographer Ryan Creary
This week Ryan Creary shares some of his favourite spots to ride in Revelsoke. Ryan Creary grew up on the east coast of Canada in New Brunswick. This was where he first discovered mountain biking; he used to race on the rooty and soggy coastal bush trails around the...
Exploring the Sunshine Coast with Brice Shirbach
This week guestagrammer Brice shirbach shares some amzing places to ride in the beautiful Sunshine Coast area. Brice began riding as early as he can remember, and spent his formative years breaking bikes while flying down ATV trails in the mountains of Western...
BIKE MINDED PEOPLE – Devin Knopf
Growing up in Kenora, Ontario, Devin Knopf was in love with bicycles in their many shapes and sizes. Spending the bulk of his time Cross Country racing, while finding inspiration in the blooming free ride scene out west, Devin was – unknowingly – building a unique ability for performing and enjoying himself in any situation, regardless of wether he had the right bike for the terrain.
A Beginners Guide to the Sea to Sky Corridor and Lower Mainland
Photos and Text by Cécile Gambin We live on the North Shore and one night over spaghetti dinner our five year old claimed he wanted to explore the trails around us. ‘C’est fantastique!!’ I replied. I whipped out my cell phone, tapped on Trailforks and together we...
7 Photos That Capture How Fun Northern BC Trails Are
This week Ryan Creary shares some new photos from Northen BC. Ryan grew up on the east coast of Canada in New Brunswick. This was where he first discovered mountain biking; he used to race on the rooty and soggy coastal bush trails around the province’s local circuit....
Beer and Bikes Tour: Exploring the Lesser Known
Looking for a trip that combines flowly singletrack with flowing beer? This 7-day mountain bike trip through BC’s interior is just the ticket. Explore BC’s lesser known bike regions of Merritt, Invermere, Cranbrook, Castlegar, and more on this trip built just for you.
BIKE MINDED PEOPLE – Sam Loxton
“Yeah, I do have a really cool job,” says Sam, with a smile on his face and the late evening glow of the Sun Peaks alpine light on his cheek. “I won’t argue with you about that!” Sam grew up in Bowral Australia, a little town south of Sydney that all of his Canadian...
BIKE MINDED PEOPLE – Devyn Pelley
The city of Kamloops needs little introduction in the mountain bike world. The long swift turns and glittering golden hills that litter the Kamloops landscape are the components of many a great riding film, photo, and story. And while the fast paced trails are what...
BIKEMINDED PEOPLE – Tyler Maine
In the always-quiet, sometimes dark and dank, but always flowing forests of the Fraser Valley, it might appear as if very little is happening. With world renowned riding hotspots only a couple hours up and down the highway in either direction, it’s surprisingly easy...
BIKE MINDED PEOPLE: Claire Buchar
“It can be a bit tricky to explain, and I suppose it depends on who’s asking,”admits Claire.“But I’m a graphic designer and a mountain bike athlete.” In addition to the obvious professional titles that Claire Buchar may sign beside her name, she’s also a coach, dog...
A Week on Vancouver Island
Winners of Mountain Biking BC’s “Bikes and Beer” contest learn about Vancouver Island time and what makes it tick. Words and photos by Robin Munshaw Day 1: Taking our time on the drive up the east coast of Vancouver Island, we got to know Rachael and Aaron as they...
The Other Shore: An Insider’s Guide to Riding the Sunshine Coast
This trip is for anyone who has biked in the Sea to Sky a few times and is looking for some new ride ideas. Or for someone who lives in Vancouver and rides the Shore lots, but doesn’t have a huge interest in the bike park or typically venture much past Squamish on the weekends. If this sounds like you, then hopefully you will find something inspiring in the routes and photos below.
Adaptive Mountain Biking in the West Kootenays
Adaptive sports are growing around the world, and British Columbia is at the forefront of adaptive mountain biking trails that help bring the community together so everyone can enjoy the sport of mountain biking.
A Front Country Adventure in Mountain Biking BC’s Sea-to-Sky Corridor
Too busy working, fixing your bike, and looking after the kids all week to plan your riding getaway this weekend? This article series does all that work for you. We give you 4 different trip itineraries, each one showcasing a unique riding experience in the Sea to...
Exploring Northern BC with Ryan Creary
Ryan grew up on the east coast of Canada in New Brunswick. This was where he first discovered mountain biking; he used to race on the rooty and soggy coastal bush trails around the province’s local circuit. After university, Ryan migrated west to British Columbia, and...
Riding the Sea to Sky: A First Timer’s Guide to MTB Mecca
Too busy working, fixing your bike, and looking after the kids all week to plan your riding getaway this weekend? This article series does all that work for you. We give you 4 different trip itineraries, each one showcasing a unique riding experience in the Sea to...
Backcountry Adventure in the South Chilcotins
oo busy working, fixing your bike, and looking after the kids all week to plan your riding getaway this weekend? This article series does all that work for you. We give you 4 different trip itineraries, each one showcasing a unique riding experience in the Sea to Sky. Every itinerary is designed for a different type of rider and a distinct experience, they are curated around a 3.5 day get-away and are designed to be “grab and go”. We aren’t taking bribes or getting paid by businesses to tell you where to go, we just live here, like these spots, and think you will too.
The Beauty of Salmon Arm During the Fall
Discover Salmon Arm with Dylan Sherrard .
Riding Merritt with Dylan Sherrard
Discover Merrit with Dylan Sherrard.
7 Photos That Capture the Fun of the TransRockies Classic
Crossing the continental divide while traversing from Panorama Mountain Resort to Fernie, British Columbia, the TransRockies Classic is an epic point-to-point 500+km journey for up to 300 hardy riders.
This week Jhon Gibson give us a tour of this event via his amazing photography.
Riding Through Ash & Renewal
The last two years have been tough on the psyche watching the clouds of smoke and ash build up across the province and in the air around us. With 2017 and now 2018 being the two worst years on record for wild fires, it is understandable to worry as to how our communities, and the trails we love to ride, can withstand the onslaught. In August, amongst the fires and towering clouds of smoke that ranged across the interior regions of BC and as far east as Manitoba, myself and my colleague and friend Thomas Schoen joined up with journalists and professional riders Julia Hoffman and Daniel Schaefer, and professional photographer Paul Masukowitz from German Bike Magazine. They had come to BC to travel and ride with Thomas and myself and to learn about our work through the Aboriginal Youth Mountain Bike Program and First Journey Trails.
Seven Reasons to Ride at The Syéxw Chó:leqw Adventure Park
There’s a new park in town that’s bound to have riders smiling. The Syéxw Chó:leqw Adventure Park is located near Ruby Creek, half way between Agassiz and Hope, and give riders the opportunity to shred trails that may otherwise be unachievable. Whether you’re an established rider or are just beginning here are 7 compelling reasons why you should check this park out.
5 Photos That Will Make you Want to Visit Vernon
Discover BC through the eyes of its locals photographers! This week, we’re featuring Vernon through the eyes of Dylan Sherrard. This week we are riding in Vernon with Noah Brousseau! “Vernon is a mountain bike playground. It’s so cool to live here with trails...
Exploring Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton Through the Eyes of Ryan Creary
Ryan grew up on the east coast of Canada in New Brunswick. This was where he first discovered mountain biking; he used to race on the rooty and soggy coastal bush trails around the province’s local circuit. After university, Ryan migrated west to British...
How To Ride Revelstoke’s Joss Peak
It was a long winter, and it’s still showing. This year, the BC Interior’s mountain tops are wearing frosted tips into July. But just like your cousin who kept his hair bleached and listened to The Offspring through the late 2000s, all things eventually come to an end...
5 Photos That Capture the Beauty of Riding Kamloops
There are few places in the world that can compare with Kamloops. This weeks guestagrammer Dylan Sherrard shares some of his favourite photos of Kamloops BC. In Kamloops, this spring was slow to come. A long shoulder season, a cool evening breeze an...
Fernie Stoke. Riding Fernie with Vince Mo
Vince Mo… “Monstrous climbs reap epic views. Not many come greater than this one high up on Mount Fernie” Rider: Phil McLachlan Trail - Stupid Traverse “The mighty Western Red Cedar once dominated the landscape in Fernie. Many were destroyed...
Bikes and Beer in BC’s Interior
Dropping into Kamloops, sleet pelted the windshield as if the coastal rains were unwilling to let us go. We were on our way to meet Lisa Tedesco and her partner Marco van der Wilk, the winners of this year’s Bikes and Beer tour. It would be difficult to find a more deserving candidate: for the past 15 years, Lisa has been a dedicated member of the mountain bike community.