Mountain biking in British Columbia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

1 The North Shore
2 Whistler
3 Vancouver Island
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] The North Shore

The North Shore suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia are a world-renowned mecca for mountain biking. Situated on the steep terrain comprising the north shore of Burrard Inlet, there are trails on many of the local mountains. These include Mt. Fromme, Cypress Mountain, and Mt. Seymour. While it is not considered part of the North Shore, Coquitlam's Eagle Mountain offers riding that is similar if not more intense.

The mountains all are populated with mountain bike trails that are known for their extremely difficult and dangerous mountain terrain. These trails contain numerous natural challenges like fallen logs, giant boulders to drop off, ravines to jump across etc. Most of the trails also contain man-made obstacles like skinny bridges, twisting "ladders" raised above the ground, and teeter-totters to ride on. This style of trail building and biking is sometimes referred to as "North Shore", describing trail systems that incorporate natural and man-made features of terrain. One of the most popular of these trails is CBC, which has recently been rebuilt and upgraded.

Trail riding on the North Shore has been the source of some controversy. Residents in neighbourhoods bordering on trail areas complain of bikers going across their lawns and other disturbances. On the North Shore's neighbouring mountains, the expansion of residential areas calls for the destruction of some trails on Eagle and Burke Mountain An advocacy group called the North Shore Mountain Biking Association ("NSMBA") seeks to help promote biking. They negotiate with property owners, organize volunteers to maintain the trails and hold races.

== Frequently Asked Questions about biking on the North Shore are as follows. ==

Providing answers to these questions is an ongoing project about the North Shore Mountain Biking Association. Contact Lee Lau Lee Lau or info@nsmba.bc.ca if you want to contribute:

1. Where is the North Shore?

2. What is "North Shore" biking?

3. Who maintains the trails?

4. How do I find the trails?

5. Are there maps of the trails?

6. Are there guided services?

7. What kind of bikes, armour or gear do I need?

8. Can I rent bikes? Can I rent armour and gear?

9. Where can I buy bikes, armour or gear?

10. What are good trails to ride?

11. What are beginner trails to ride?

12. How do landowners, trailbuilders and users deal with liability issues?

13. Why are the trails armoured with rock?

14. Why is there so much woodwork on the trails?

15. What are examples of trailwork?

16. Are there any schools or courses on riding "North Shore"?

17. Are there any resources for kids?

18. Are there any resources for women?

19. Where can I stay?

20. Are there any races?

21. How is the NSMBA organized?

22. How did the NSMBA become a registered Canadian charity?

23. What other areas are there to ride in the area of Vancouver?

24. What is the history of the NSMBA?

25. What is the history of North Shore biking?

26. Are there group rides?

[edit] Whistler

The Whistler-Blackcomb resort in Whistler, British Columbia is one of the best known places in the world for Mountain Biking. Both downhill and freeriding are popular there. The Fitzsimmons ski lift and Whistler Gondola are used on the bottom of Whistler Mountain. The Garbanzo lift is used in the middle. Biking opens around the end of April and is open through the summer. Numerous mountain biking events are held annually including Crankworx and the Joyride Huckfest.