Great Explorations introduces its new mountain biking adventure exploring coastal BC
For those of us that live and play in British Columbia, there is a lot to be grateful for (including great beer, but more about that later). For the mountain bikers among us, we have the world’s best trails at our doorstep. In this writer’s opinion, Moab doesn’t come close. Full Disclosure – Years ago I cycled from Grand Junction to Moab along the famed Kokopelli Trail. The group called me the ‘shrub dweller’ because I was so over-heated from riding in the Utah heat that any shrub I passed, I hunkered down in its shadow to get some respite from the sun. The riding was good but didn’t wow me as expected and it was just too much vitamin D!
The mountain biking in British Columbia should definitely WOW (capitals intended). Spring, summer and fall are pleasantly warm on and near the coast – in fact many of us mountain bike here year-round. BC also has a ton of variety in riding, with purpose-built trails and unending classic cross-country riding through ancient forests and scenery that is truly spectacular. And, thanks to the many local clubs and trail building initiatives, the trails are well maintained with new trail and infrastructure added all the time. We were an early supporter (we created two premier mountain bike events in BC beginning in 1996), and have donated in excess of $10,000 cash to trail building and maintenance. This trip will generate additional funding for local clubs in the areas in which we ride*.
Our favourite riding destinations in BC include the north shore of Vancouver, Vancouver Island’s Cumberland, Hornby Island, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Squamish and Whistler. We got to thinking it would fun to combine the best riding in each of these destinations in a BC Superweek of mountain biking. We are offering small group (4-12 typically) tours staying in premium hotels (including the luxurious Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler, Howe Sound Inn in Squamish and other properties). Most days we will offer a morning and afternoon ride with options, and other activities that might include a hike to an amazing view or SUP on a pristine lake and some chill time – hey it’s a vacation. Each evening, we’ll dine at the best restaurants in each of these towns.
Craft beer aficionados, it just so happens that in each of the mountain biking destinations we’ll visit, there are cool craft breweries to visit, taste and celebrate in. Does it get any better?
Join Great Explorations founder (and mountain bike enthusiast) Robbin McKinney on the inaugural Superweek of Mountain Biking June 13-19, 2021.
Details:
Trip: British Columbia Superweek of Mountain Biking
Dates: June 13-19, 2021; custom trips available on request
Trip Size: 4-12 participants
Total Days: 7 days/6 nights
Land Cost: CAD$3,250 pp.
Participants should be able to ride intermediate cross-country trails with good fitness/stamina. We will endeavor to provide options (and shuttles where possible) to cater to different fitness and ability levels.
*For each departure we run with a minimum of 8 participants, we will donate $100 to each of these clubs: United Riders of Cumberland (UROC); Powell River Cycling Association (PRCA); Coast Mountain Bike Trail Association (CMBTA); Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA), Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA) and North Shore Mountain Bike Association (NSMBA).
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