Sea to Sky Series: The Sunshine Coast

The Sea to Sky region of coastal BC is widely known as one of the best mountain bike destinations on the planet, and even during the depths of winter, there is almost always good riding available. Other than in Whistler, of course (and to a lesser extent, Pemberton), which will be a winter wonderland between November and April, give or take a month on each end.

However, the most temperate regions of the Sea to Sky area - the North Shore, Squamish and the Sunshine Coast - are your best bet for riding when the rest of BC and Canada are under snow. For that reason, this Sea 2 Sky series commissioned by MTB BC is starting with the true 4-season riding areas. First up, the Sunshine Coast.

*fat biking, anyone?

Sprockids

Many riders are aware that you enter the Sunshine Coast riding area as soon as you exit the ferry at Langdale, because the Sprockids trail network is at the top of the hill you encounter as soon you leave the ferry terminal. Indeed, lots of riders will park at Horseshoe Bay and ride onto the ferry, and straight off in Langdale. They'll get a ride in, maybe pop over to Persephone Brewing for lunch and a drink (plenty of non-alcoholic options available) and pedal straight back to the ferry. It's a great pocket adventure.

Roberts Creek / the B&K

Take on that hill and you'll be nice and warmed up by the time you get to the trails. Despite the name, Sprockids is not just a kids' riding area - there is plenty of variety there and you can climb up and through that network and connect to the next - and best known - trail network: Roberts Creek. This zone is known to many as the B&K, which is the name of the logging road that helps define the riding area. There are plenty of trails you can use to climb up, but shuttling is in play here, too, which adds to its appeal for many.

Coast Gravity Park

If the B&K network is classic Sunshine Coast riding, Coast Gravity Park created a new centre of gravity when it came on the scene over 10 years ago. Open almost year round with a distinctly coastal vibe, it is like no other bike park you've ever visited. From flow trails to big booters, it's paradise for those who like to get airborne. Unlike other bike parks, visitor numbers are capped each day, and you may need to reserve your spot in advance in peak periods. You can also, however, rent the park out privately for a big group outing during certain times of year - pretty sweet way to celebrate a birthday or plan the best corporate outing ever.

Powell River

If you're coming from Vancouver's Lower Mainland, Powell River is a bit further away, but for those who make the trek, it's well worth it. Drive past Roberts Creek and Sechelt, all the way to Earls Cove and catch the ferry across to Saltery Bay. From there, it's just a short drive to Powell River, where you're set to enjoy the good work being done by the QRCA - the Qathet Regional Cycling Association. They handle the trails in four distinct areas, but visitors are most likely to want to check out the Mt Mahoney area, where some great new trails have been built recently (and more work is going on all the time).

Responsible Tourism

Traveling to ride in new areas is one of the best parts about mountain biking, and the communities listed above in the upper and lower Sunshine Coast are ready to welcome you with open arms. However, it's always good to remember that you're visiting trail networks that are only made possible through lots of very hard work, mostly by volunteers, and almost entirely by local residents. They love and care for their trails just as much as you and the people in your home riding community, so please take a second to stop and reflect on how you can make your presence a positive one. Here are a few reminders:

1. Acknowledge the locals - the lone rider you encounter in the parking lot may have helped build the trail you're about to ride. The parents of the family of four gearing up to ride may have all attended the last four trail days - or mom or dad might be on the local board of directors. Give 'em a wave or say hi. Let them know how much you're enjoying their trails. They might even reward a little friendliness with a nod and a hint about a new trail that isn't on the map yet.
2. Don't be afraid to ask for tips or help - one of the best ways to discover a good local loop or find out which trails are running the best? Just ask. Go to the local shop, say hello to someone in the parking lot, or watch for one of the many (many!) vehicles all over the SSC with bike racks and MTB-related stickers plastered all over them. You'll be surprised how friendly your welcome will be and you never know, you may be about to meet a local legend. In Gibsons or Sechelt, hit up Elphi Cycles (Santa Cruz, Specialized, Giant, Cannondale). In Powell River, check out Suncoast Cycles (a Trek bike shop) or Taws Bike Garage (Norco, Santa Cruz, Ibis, Juliana, Transition).
3. Support local businesses - your tourist dollars are a huge help to smaller communities, and that extends to restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, and obviously bike shops, too.
4. Remember you're in someone's community - the Sunshine Coast is full of families, but this is true of many riding areas. Best to act as if there are kids around that can hear or see you. Be discreet about where you change, clean up after yourself, drive carefully on the roads...it's all common sense but it really helps to respect the local community.
5. Support the local trail organization. This is vital, and it doesn't take much to make a difference. If every visitor pitched in 5 or 10 dollars every time they visited a new riding area, there would be a lot more budget floating around for building, tools, maintenance, and infrastructure to help support these local riding areas. You don't have to become an annual member, but you certainly can if you want to! Every member contributes not only through their membership fee, but also as another number in an association's ranks - and this helps with things like advocacy and local lobbying for government support or grant applications.

On the Sunshine Coast, the are two MTB Trail organizations are the Coast Mountain Bike Trail Association (CMBTA), which covers the lower coast (including Sprockids, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, and Halfmoon Bay) and the Qathet Regional Cycling Association (QRCA), which covers the Powell River area (Suncoast, Duck Lake, Mt Mahony, and Powell River Bike & Skate Park). They would really appreciate your support!