There is an important change to the Lower Seymour trail network. Mystery Creek trail was recently repaired by Metro Vancouver and will now be used for HIKING ONLY due to the unsustainable nature of the trail alignment for mountain bike use. Additionally, the lower exit from Ned[HTML_REMOVED]#8217;s to the powerlines will be permanently closed to prevent bikes from exiting the area via Mystery Creek Trail (see attached map). These changes will only have a minor impact on mountain bike users of the area if the following routes are used.
For Ned[HTML_REMOVED]#8217;s shuttle riders:
1) To exit to Riverside drive (which traditionally some riders do via Mystery Creek Trail), turn right where the powerlines exit will be closed and do the 10 minute ride/push up to bottletop trail (a mountain bike primary trail) to end up on Fisherman[HTML_REMOVED]#8217;s Trail only 100m from the regular exit of Mystery Creek Trail. This route actually increases the amount of MTB specific trails you get to ride, and the NSMBA TAP program has recently worked on bottletop trail and there are more improvements on the way!
2) As an alternative, shuttle groups can exit Ned[HTML_REMOVED]#8217;s to Hyannis Point at the top of Berkley Road. This exit is a LEFT turn immediately after the final log ride to drop stunt on Ned[HTML_REMOVED]#8217;s and is currently marked with a sign post and map. At the powerlines, turn left, cross the small bridge, and follow Hyannis Trail to the right which is a flat/downhill ride to Berkley Road. This route does not involve any significant uphill riding.
3) A second exit to Riverside drive is to use the same route as option 2, except to take a right turn on the Bridle Path which is a multi-use trail between Hyannis and Fisherman[HTML_REMOVED]#8217;s trail and will allow riders to exit to Riverside Drive again with very little climbing. Be sure to yield to uphill traffic and other trail users on Bridle Path.
For Lower Seymour XC/AM trail users:
1) These changes will have little impact on this rider group in the area, with the exception of those riders using Ridgerunner. There will be no downhill access to Fisherman[HTML_REMOVED]#8217;s trail via Ridgerunner. Instead, all riders must climb back up the trail, or use the powerlines to return to the Hyannis or Bottletop to access. The powerlines trail will be groomed to smooth the climb making it the preferred option.
Numerous kissing gates have been installed on Mystery Creek Trail to prevent bikes from using it and Metro Vancouver staff will be monitoring the area through the summer to implement these minor changes. Respect of this closure will leave more time for Metro Vancouver staff to work on other parts of the Lower Seymour trail network and not have to repair Mystery Creek again due to bicycle traffic.
Additionally, signage will be installed soon that will direct bicycle traffic to the appropriate routes around the area. Questions / comments / concerns for the land managers are best sent to [email protected]
Happy Trails,
Metro Vancouver staff at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve