Why couldn't this block of forest be allocated to mountain bikers? It's mostly steep. Eagle Lake Rd zigs and zags through there for access/emergency medical.
Cypress Upper Lands Development
Top of it is BC Parks
Bottom of it is potentially sensitive forests
Only very small amount of parking available outside of Cypress Ski - and its already full of forest walkers!
Eagle lake is a water reservoir and is a firm do not trespass area with surveillance
If you hike up to Eagle Bluffs from the area of the ferry you'll see just how steep it is! Much of it is more cliff than ride able steeps
My guess is its probably much easier to go with an established zone and existing trails. The headache associated with getting any recognition for trails that are ALREADY cut, maintained and popular is unbeleivable - new stuff would be a life long project.
Folks, things seem to be going a little slower than expected and we are still waiting for the District to release the initial outline for consultation (survey, etc...) that will tell us how to communicate with them as well as provide an initial mechanism for communication. I believe that this is going to be released in the very near future; watch this thread for updates!
In the meantime, Id like to remind everyone that the voice of bikers on Cypress will be limited to those who take the time to respond and to get involved. It is up to us as a community to make sure that EVERYONE (DWV, DWV Parks, the landowner, perhaps others?) knows that there is a massive community of persons riding in the woods on Cypress. Right now their belief is that riders are a small user group - it doesnt mean that they wont listen but the more voices the more power. Their consideration for our requests/recommendations/needs will be defined by how many people are speaking up! In the past we have gotten hordes of Cypress riders to voice their views and it mattered, a lot, that you all showed up. If you care about the riding on Cypress, you will want to show up again.
Also, I think that we should all set our expectations reasonably. We need to speak up on all things related to riding on Cypress but the first actionable zone is likely to be the eastern zone (Mystery, JS, MS, etc...), and its not clear to me what, or if, there will be public consultation on that. There is clear communication from the community to DWV and to the landowner (Ive had multiple discussions with each myself), but my guess is that it will be outside of the scope for the Cypress Village discussion.
Aside, the path forward in the Eastern zone will likely be treated as a pilot project, so instead of broad and sweeping changes, expect discussion to involve 2 or maybe three higher traffic trails. Also, remember that this is give and take and everything is a compromise. Authorized trails, should any be authorized for biking only, will likely be coupled to maintenance and trail plans that are appropriate for everything that comes along with a legal authorization. Its also very possible that while a trail or two might be authorized for biking only, that one or others (which are currently ridden) might end up HIKING ONLY and require a change in riding patters from us all. This will be give and take; our goal is to secure a path forward that is optimal (under the situation) for the MTB community.
Its no secret that I like Cypress as it is, but change is coming. We are best to influence that change. Please watch this thread for updates on how you can get involved. If you dont, Im going to tell everyone that the world wants super jank on Cypress and that everyone riding there is on a hardtail!
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