I have a friend visiting from Cali next weekend and she wants to try mountain biking. She is a total noob but is really eager to give it a go. She does triathlons and does back country boarding/skiing so I think she will be tougher and more adaptable than your typical beginner. I was thinking about heading over to Roberts creek or heartland on the Island. I have never ridden either of these places so I don't know what the trails are like. The plan is rent her a bike Saturday morning then do some riding then find a nice place to camp that's hopefully scenic and a bit remote but also not really far away. Does anyone know if there is something alone those lines?
Basically looking for a place not crazy far away from Van. withing 3 hrs. with easier mountain biking options and some spectacular camping close by, and somewhere to rent a bike.