Three New Mountain Bike Trails in and Around Nelson, B.C.
By Vince Hempsall
Cover photo by Kari Medig and Courtesy of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism
Mountain biking wasn’t born in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, but some might argue it was perfected there. Just ask Nelson local and three-time Red Bull Rampage winner Kurt Sorge. Or Mike Riediger, a Nakusp resident and CEO of the Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association whose trail building guidelines are now being adopted around the world.
The city of Nelson and the communities surrounding Kootenay Lake are mountain biking meccas. They’re only a three to four-hour drive from Spokane, but they’re a world away when it comes to serenity and spaciousness. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to encounter more than a few bikers on the trail systems in the village of Kaslo or on the East Shore area near the tiny communities of Crawford Bay and Riondel. Despite this, the riding in the region is world class, especially in the fall months when trail conditions are prime, and three new offerings stand out as particularly inviting for bikers of all ages and abilities.
The newest trail is Tam O’Tiger and it’s located just north of Riondel off Tam O’Shanter forest service road, which acts as the up track. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy the first purpose-built, machined mountain bike trail on the East Shore that’s brimming with berms and bridges. Tam O’Tiger flows for about a mile and advanced riders will want to tackle the offshoot trail Shamrock with its long rock roll down. The ride finishes on the multi-discipline Lower Waterline Trail, which deposits you back at the parking area.
After riding the East Shore, take the 45-minute-long ferry across Kootenay Lake to Balfour. It’s the world’s longest free scenic ferry and offers beautiful views of the Purcell and Selkirk mountain ranges that are bejeweled in gold during the autumn months as the larch trees turn color. From the ferry landing it’s a 25-minute drive north to the quaint community of Kaslo where you’ll find one of the longest mountain bike trails in B.C.
Officially opened earlier this year, the Friendly Giant is well named because it’s a bi-directional green run that rises 4,400 feet over 11 miles. It has taken three years to complete this trail because, well, it’s huge! It’s also super fun. After reaching the summit and enjoying the views of Kootenay Lake and the surrounding mountains, ride back down the way you came and enjoy the buttery-smooth berms and rhythmic rollers. This is a great ride for the whole family as you can shuttle part way up in case little legs don’t feel up to grinding out the miles.
Once you’ve gotten friendly with the Giant, you can go soak your bones at the Ainsworth Hot Springs resort 20 minutes south of Kaslo or continue down the lake to the beautiful mountain town of Nelson. There you’ll find lots of riding options including the modern flow tracks at Morning Mountain, which boasts the city’s newest trail called Rhythm and Blues. Officially opened last spring, this perfectly machined intermediate run offers a mile of smiles because the tabletops, berms, and bridges are so manicured, you feel like you’re riding a giant playground slide.
For more information about mountain biking, and all other autumn activities to enjoy around Kootenay Lake, visit Nelsonkootenaylake.com.
Where to Pre-Eat and Aprés Drink
East Shore: Hit up the artisan hub of Crawford Bay where you’ll find potters, painters and broom makers as well as good eateries. Ladybug Coffee at the ferry terminal serves the best all-day breakfast sandwich and homemade chai in the region.
Kaslo: The Bluebell Bistro makes the best cappuccino in town. For post-ride drinks, visit the local brewpub Angry Hen Brewing or the recently renovated bar in the Kaslo Hotel.
Nelson: No less than 21 places serve coffee in the city and one of the oldest and best establishments is Oso Negro. There are also three craft breweries and plenty of restaurants serving everything from authentic tacos and wood-fired pizza to Tamil-style Indian and vegan fare.
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