In many parts of Canada mountain biking has been growing fast in popularity - not least due to the excellent mountain biking terrain!
An example is British Columbia, where in virtually every part of the province you will find bubbly local enthusiasm for Canada mountain biking, a willingness to share knowledge, and a host of premier trails to put to the test.
As with all Canada mountain biking, the scenery of British Columbia is splendid, and there are places in the province where it is possible to do mountain biking 10 months of the year.
In the northern part of the province you can try the Otway Nordic Center Trails, that offer Canada mountain biking fans everything from flat riding to steep down runs, such as the Descent of Doom. In summer, cross country winter ski trails are often used for mountain biking. In the Cariboo they include Lower Lake Ski Trails, and 99 Mile Hill Ski Trails.
In Canada mountain biking routes have been established in many areas that were previously inaccessible. For example, old logging roads in and around the Quesnel area, have been turned into dedicated biking routes.
If you ask around in Williams Lake, you will be advised to try the Fox Loop, a technically difficult trail.
Canada mountain biking becomes really spectacular in the BC Rockies. In the beautiful area that awaits you between the Rocky Mountains and the Purcells, you will find biking opportunities to exceed your wildest expectations.
Cranbrook, the major city in the Rockies has great biking opportunities, from the moderate Forestry Hill Bypass Trail, to the technically and physically challenging Big Hill, and the easy Isidore Canyon Trail.
You may also want to visit Golden, a picturesque mountain town with some excellent mountain biking trails in the alpine terrain. Enjoyable Canada mountain biking includes the moderate to difficult Canyon Creek Loop, the easy West Bench Lower Road, and the Powerline Descent which is for the skilled.
Rossland is considered the mountain bike capital of British Columbia. It receives 300 inches of snowfall per year. When the snow subsides, you will find forested singletrack, and abandoned mining roads perfect for mountain biking. It attracts riders all summer long, and is home to the Rubberhead Classic Mountain Bike Festival each July, an exhilarating Canada mountain biking event!
Then of course, as far as Canada mountain biking goes, you shouldn't head back home before visiting the
Sunshine Coast!
Here you will find many remote logging roads and trails offering breath-taking views! One of many such trails is the 10 mile Lyon Lake Loop for advanced riders.
This trail offers panoramic views of Georgia Strait, Vancouver Island, Texada Island, and the Coast Mountains. You will see some of the oldest forests in Canada mountain biking here.
While Canada mountain biking is on your agenda, Vancouver Island deserves a place on your list. If you enjoy diversity, this region will give it to you. You will get you fill of unbelievable vistas and waterfalls, tempered by tranquil lakes. Advanced bikers will be tested to the limit, but there is also room for novices.
One of the attractions on the island is the Hartland Mountain Bike Park off West Saanich Road in Victoria. Trails are moderate to difficult, becoming expert in wet weather. For an easier ride, the 55km Galloping Goose Trail between Victoria and Sooke, is a spectacular Canada mountain biking option.
If you only have time or stamina for a day trip, you have several choices, all between 11km and 13km one way. Two of these are to follow the Galloping Goose Trail, then Six Mile Road, to Thetis Lake Regional Park. Alternatively use Atkins Avenue on your way to Mill Hill Regional Park.
A Canada mountain biking weekend may follow the Goose, with an overnight stay in the Sooke area, followed by a detour to East Sooke Regional Park, before you return. This is more or less 40km one way. You will experience a taste of every landscape, from rocky slopes, to cool water, and a variety of vegetation.
At the end of any hard mountain biking day, you should find yourself in the vicinity of a variety of comfortable lodgings, with a bed for every budget. There are enough guidebooks, and tourist information available, to help you to make the most of your Canada mountain biking trip.
Just remember that BC is becoming a popular destination. Make sure that you reserve your bike and bed for Canada mountain biking, otherwise you may have to go hiking...
For more information visit Best-Mountain-Biking.com
Rika Susan of http://www.Article-Alert.com researches, writes, and publishes full-time on the Web.
Copyright of this article: 2006 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box - including the link - is left intact.
