If you seek the thrill of adventure this summer, mountain biking in BC should be at the top of your list. This fast-paced sport remains a hidden gem within BC’s cultural activities.
(Pexels / Daniel Frank)
I have been mountain biking one time before and I’m not sure if it’s for me. The thrill of experiencing the trails in the moment is one thing, but trying to avoid injury or damaging my bike was what I was most worried about throughout the day. Not only that, but the constant awareness that is required while mountain biking is ten times more than what you need when you’re driving a car on the road.
After my own first mountain biking experience, I figured it would be a good idea to research the origins of mountain biking in BC. When you think of popular activities to do in the summer in BC, mountain biking is usually not brought up. Most likely this is because it takes the right kind of person (and bike) in order to excel at this somewhat niche sport.
(Pexels / Darcy Lawrey)
Mountain biking began in Vancouver’s North Shore, but quickly expanded over the years to the trails of the interior and other mountainous regions like Whistler. The culture around mountain biking is shaped by BC’s landscape and the variety of locations that exist naturally in our province.
BC offers trails for all skills levels, making it an activity that anyone can try even if it is only once. The province is committed to keeping these trails well maintained while respecting the original owners of the land. All of these elements of mountain biking making it such a respected and unique adventure for those who want to experience BC’s natural beauty.
(Pexels / Dó Castle)
If you’d rather watch the mountain biking expects in action, there are several popular events each year that put mountain biking in the spotlight. One of these that I got a super quick glimpse at was the “Red Bull Joyride” in Whistler. If you asked the pros about Whistler’s mountains, they all seem to agree that it is one of the best in the world. When I was visiting Whistler one summer, I stopped for 5 minutes in the middle of the village, and I could see nearby the mountain bikes flying down the hill leading to the ending of their journey.
Mountain biking is slowly starting to gain the attention it deserves in BC and rightly so, as it is an electrifying venture both for viewers and those brave enough to try this peculiar sport.