Very quietly, the North Shore of Vancouver has set the standard for world class mountain biking. Resorts in Europe, the U.S. and Australia now advertise “North Shore Style” trails.

On any day a rider on the North Shore can start on a mountain top and follow carpet-like trails down to the beach. From Bowen Island to Cypress Mountain to Deep Cove there are routes for beginners and ultra experts, many with banked turns and smooth, easy riding tracks.

For more than 15 years the trails have been built and maintained by dedicated riders and volunteers who groom the trails and build the bridges, ramps, ladders and log rides that would make Arthur Erickson stare in wonder. Only trees knocked down in windstorms are used.
 
The trails themselves are pristine. There is no garbage, no vandalism, and your biggest worry may be avoiding the gift a bear left on the trail after a feast of blackberries. With luck you may see a deer quietly watching from a distance, only to disappear in the blink of an eye.

In North and West Van bicycle retailers serve downhill and cross country riders. Front suspensions, rear suspensions, disc brakes, bikes built for spending far too much time airborne; bikes that will cost you a few hundred dollars and bikes that retail for more than your grandparent’s first house. Many local shops rent mid-range to high-end mountain bikes, so a major investment is not required before getting out on the trails.

Maps of mountain biking trails are available at almost every bike shop on the North Shore, and are the key to starting out on the right trail on the right mountain. A short car or truck ride to drop off points on Cypress Bowl Road, Mountain Highway or Mount Seymour Parkway will start your ride off at the top, or close to it. Whistler Mountain took the plunge a few years ago and opened trails for riding that could be accessed by ski lifts, and hasn't yet stopped expanding the accessible terrain and trails.

The helmets, goggles, knee pads and body armour will make you think you’ve stepped into a scene from a Mad Max movie, but the riders are friendly and welcoming .They will not hesitate to offer help or expertise wherever needed.   

Some downhill riders have taken advantage of business opportunities by starting mountain biking classes for beginners, escorting groups, and transporting riders to drop-off points. A downhill ride could take an hour or an afternoon. It all depends on the route you take and your skill level.

The spectacular mountain scenery and the mountain biking scene on the North Shore have also generated many first rate film productions that showcase the trails and the riders. It's hard to find these DVDs outside of bike shops but watching just a few will give the viewer a good sense of what is going on locally.
 
The North Shore has developed world champion competitive riders, and if you want to watch the best, take in a local downhill race. For spectators, the place to watch is just off the trail and out of the way. You'll be amazed at the skill level and speed of the serious racers. To find a good viewing spot, start at the finish line and walk uphill, but walk well off to the side of the race trail.

Local websites provide a wealth of information about bikes and safety equipment, trail condition updates, who to look for and race schedules -- whether it’s the local weekend race scene or the World Cup races that have been held at Grouse Mountain.

Bill Hutchon lives, works and writes occasionally on the North Shore

Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Oct - Nov 07