If you want mountain bike adventure, and you're willing to endure massive climbs and long periods in the saddle in exchange for unparalleled single track riding and spectacular mountain scenery, this relatively unknown corner of wilderness is for you. Just under five hours from Vancouver is the tiny (population: 120) town of Gold Bridge. To get there head north up Highway 99, past Squamish, through Whistler, to Pemberton. From Pemberton take the Hurley Pass Road (gravel) to Gold Bridge. This area is best accessed by using Greg Maurer's new, comprehensive guidebook Mountain Bike Adventures in Southwest British Columbia. You'll find it at most bike and outdoor stores in Vancouver. One of the sweeter day rides is the Gun Creek to Spruce Lake ride-a classic.
VICTORIA A two-hour drive and a two-hour ferry ride arrives you in British Columbia's cap- ital, Victoria. This quaint little ocean-side city has some fine two-wheel action. Try the Galloping Goose trail or one of the province's first mountain bike parks, the CRD Hartland Mountain Bike Park. Both are accessed by short drives from the city center. Again you'll need a guidebook. Try Marty's Cycle (250-383- 3337) for more information.
