Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25122
column: urban access_ vancouver TEXT: MITCHELL SCOTT PHOTOGRAPHY: STERLING LORENCE BRITISH COLUMBIA COULD BE THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH TO RIDE A MOUNTAIN BIKE. dirt culture is a veritable is we illed a so you ride off-road. ride here. The holy land surrounds the metropolis of Vancouver. located in the south- western comer of the province. Vancouver has more hard-core mountain bikers per capita than India has sacred cows-well. maybe. Regardless. mountain bikers are everywhere and a vast work of trails of varying difficulty has grown in the city and surrounding regions. But be forewarned. what makes this area so good is the challenging nature of its trails. The ecological and geograp stew is one of rain. mud. rocks. roots. trees and dramatic changes in elevation-ingredients will challenge you and your ride. Carry tools. a spare tube and lots of water. Be in good shape. b prepared for all kinds of weather and get ready to bleed. HOU R RADIUS The Shore is a place of masochistic infamy. The forests above North and West Vancouver are the epicenter of technical riding in the known uni- verse. Trails like The Reaper, The Crippler and Severed Dick conjure hor- rifying images. The riding here is sick. But if you like near vertical descents, narrow log rides and bridges that span nausea-inducing appari- tions, it's the place for you. Start with a North Shore staple, Ladies Only. Then, if you're feeling bold, tackle trails like The Coiler or Bookwus. Ride with someone who knows the area or get a map. Head to Deep Cove Bikes (604-929-1918, www.covebikes.com). or On Top Bike Shop (604- 990-9550, ontopbikes@theglobe.com), both in North Vancouver. They're great guys, gnarly Shore riders, who will provide you with Shore-specific maps and deliver the goods. Words of caution: the Shore is a dangerous- ly fun place. When you're out there in the woods, keep in mind a local say- ing, 'Know Fear'. BURNABY MOUNTAIN, PITT MEADOWS If you're looking for something a little more mellow within Vancouver, try either Burnaby Mountain or Pitt Meadows. Both areas have a well- established network of trails in the interrnediate ability range. Check out the map on the Burnaby Mountain Biking Club's website: http://rnembers.xoom.com/ BMBC/ 72 PEMBERTON ...;...;..;~---==--=== An hour and a half north past Squamish, on Highway 99, is another killer rid- ing region- Pemberton. With steep descents and beautiful views of Mt Currie, this little town is worth the trek it takes to get there. Stop in at High Line Cycles (604-894-6625) for a map and head out to local classics like Overnight Sensation or the steeply angled Mackenzie's Cruise. Just over an hour north of Vancouver on Highway 99 lies another mountain bike Mecca, this one not nearly as pain-orientated as the North S ore. Squamish is a relatively small town of 14,000, where riders, climbers a d windsurfers abound. With over 120 miles of single track in the surrounding wilderness, you could easily spend months here without ever crossing your tracks. One of the sweeter trails is Powers mart, accessed by heading east off the highway on Mamquam Road, two miles past the town center. Follow this road until it changes to Garibaldi Park Road at Mashiter Creek. Park your rig here. A relatively easy eight-mile climb will transport you to a beautiful alpine environment and stunning views of surrounding peaks. From there you'll enjoy a smooth, windy, Single-track descent back down to your car. Don't get lost. Take a guidebook. SquamishIWhistler Mountainbike Trail Guide by Rob Cocquyt and Dave Kelly is the best. Stop in at Tantalus Bike Shop (604-898- 2588) to pick one up. Tantalus is located on the north side of Squamish just off the highway. Take a left at Garibaldi Way and then a right. Their address is 40446 Government Road.