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Mountain biking
Monday, May 26th, 2008 by GetawayBC.com
As any keen rider knows, the feeling of setting out on two wheels to conquer the world is a fantastic feeling.
Mountain biking in the Columbia Valley is plentiful and picturesque. Everything from the most extreme downhill or free-riding trails to rockin’ cross-country rides to tame touring around any of the downtown areas, can be found in the valley.
Most prominently, Panorama Mountain Resort offers acres of lift-accessed riding for some hardcore thrill-seekers.
Once the snow melts and the resort has moved through its winter to summer transition, the chairlifts start ferrying bikes instead of skis and boards.
Panorama was the second in British Columbia to create a permanent bikercross course at its facility. In addition to a slew of awesome downhill and freeride trails, the bikercross course brings the resort’s summer vertical to 1,200 feet allowing for plenty of descent time. During the season a number of downhill races make stops at the resort.
Mount Swansea, located off Hwy. 93/95 between Invermere and Windermere, provides some equally insane downhill and freeride terrain. With trail names like Booty Call, Hula Girl, Gravy Train and Dirty Monkey, this stuff isn’t for the faint of heart. While most of the trails consist of natural features, there are a number of built structures including some set up for road gaps. Built over time by local riders, there are no official trailmarkings, maps or signs and those who go there, do so at their own risk. A 4×4 vehicle is also a necessity for shuttling up the unmaintained forest service road.
The Columbia Valley Cycling Society, formed by a group of local mountain bike enthusiasts has already garnered the support of the two local bike shops, which offer discounts to members.
Also affiliated with Cycling B.C. club members participating in trail maintenance days or races staged by the club will be covered by insurance.
For more information send an email to cvcyclingsociety@ hotmail.com.
Cross-country enthusiasts should be sure to check out the Toby Creek Canyon trails, located past David Thompson Secondary School, west of downtown Invermere. Again, used primarily by local riders who know the trails like they know the seats of their bikes, the trails are neither mapped nor marked. From increased usage over the last few years, the trails are well-established and easy to find.
A 15 km (approx.) loop meanders along the edge of Toby Creek Canyon. Through the forest, amazing views of the valley and the scenery of the canyon itself combine with some great, entry-level, intermediate and advanced cross-country trails to create some fantastic riding.
For more info about the bike club, trail conditions and specific directions to any of the local mountain biking hot spots, stop by Columbia Cycle or Rob’s Bicycle Works, both located in Invermere.;