Comox Valley- from seams of coal to seams of singletrack.

Trip Report by Sharon Bader and Lee Lau

Rivers of loam bisect many a land.

But where can these rivers run so dense & deep and serve a community so

small that they draw in people to come and share the experience. The diversity

of trails in the Comox valley is vast; from fast flowy cross country trails

you can climb and descend, shuttle trails with stunts and natural features

you can ride on any kind of bike, the lift accessed trails of Mount Washington

and the island sanctity of Hornby Island, there are rides that will appeal

to all riders. You can ride here

most of the year. With a climate comparable to Vancouver this area offers a

year round riding destination. The trails are built for mountain bikers by

mountain bikers with the support of the landowners and community which results

in a great network and great community feel.

Located in central Vancouver Island

on the Eastern coast the Comox Valley is 2.5 hours from Victoria, 90minutes from Nanaimo, also served by direct

flights into Comox via Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. Protected from

the masses by the Georgia Straight Vancouver Island is accessed by the cheapest

ocean cruise money can buy. The trails of Cumberland are similar

to the trails in the lower mainland in that they are in forested

areas of second growth Douglas Fir and Cedar. The trails closer to Courtenay

differ in that they are more rocky and travel over rocky bluffs. The trails

in Hornby have escaped the effects of time and twist through the trees like

a snake in the grass. Mount Washington offers berms, table tops and tech

to keep the gravity obsessed crowd wanting for more. Add in the ocean views,

the Arbutus trees hanging from cliffs and snow capped mountains; the views

can easily distract from the seams of loam before you.

This area offers trails that can be ridden by all skill levels of riders and

best ridden on a cross country or all mountain bike. Downhill bikes are best

utilized on Mount Washington. While you can shuttle Forbidden Plateau, the

road up is an easy climb. Hornby Island is accessed via Denman Island. You

can ride over Denman Island in an hour or take advantage of the Island Mountain

Ride services and beach side accommodations on Denman Island.

At first glance, one would think the trails of Central Vancouver Island was

its most prized possession (from a mountain bikers point of view). After spending

four days riding, eating, drinking and sharing experiences we found that its

the people that are really its true treasure. Thanks to our gracious hosts – Island Mountain

Rides (Martin Ready) and Riding Fool Hostel (Jeremy Grasby) – for such a wonderful trip.

Our base of operations was the Riding Fool Hostel. With all your

living needs including Wireless Internet, Bike/Ski room, dining area, common area and

minutes from the trails, this is Cumberland mountain biking base camp.

Lunch at Tarbells which is in the same building as Dodge City Cycles and the Riding Fool

We set off from the Hostel on our first ride into the Cumberland

Trail system. Our first day took us 22km on the Cumberland network riding trails

including – 2 and a Juice -> Buggered Pig -> Over Skyes Bridge ->42nd

Street -> Steam Donkey -> Short Line -> up the Trent River Main to

Blue Collar -> Back up TRM -> Thirsty Beaver -> Tea Pot -> Railroad

-> Crafty Butcher -> Black Hole Space Nugget.

Thank goodness we had Martin and Jeremy to guide us! Sykes bridge on the Cumberland trail system.

Jeremy by the steam donkey on Steam Donkey.

Ripp’n Blue Collar!

Thirsty Beaver – built by the River Rats – T&A.

Crafty Butcher escaped the logging and skirts the clearcut.

After our hard day of riding we were treated with Tapas and wine at the Best Western Westerly Snookers Lounge. When burgers and beer just won’t impress.

Day two had us up for breakfast at the Atlas Cafe, a very nice restaurant in Courtenay that had some great Eggs Bennies! This provided ample fuel for Forbidden Plateau.

The ride to Forbidden Plateau had us start with a warm up on

the BC Hydro trails along the Puntledge River. Great trails for beginners and

for those XC minded riders to RIP.

The route today was ~32km and included the trails -> Bevan

-> Bear Bait -> Forbidden Plateau road -> Two Sheiks and a Dog -> Cabin

Fever -> Slither -> Transmission -> Cat Nip -> back along the Bevan

trail -> dip in the river -> back to the van!

Sometime after the river ride we climbed 400m above the river at the top of the Forbidden Plateau

road climb. Not bad at all! Really! This is the access road to most of the trails on Forbidden Plateau.

Two Sheiks and a Dog. Grasby being chased down by Ready.

View point on Two Sheiks and a Dog. Unfortunately the views were obscured by the BC Interior fires.

Martin railing Cabin Fever

Sharon railing not quite so fast.

The ride ended with a much appreciated dip in the Puntledge River as temps this day were in the high 20’s and humid!

As it was Wednesday we were treated to the Burger Special at the Waverley Hotel who was also hosting the apres for the UROC Women’s Only Ride.

Day three had us up at the crack of 7:00 to head to Hornby Island. We had to make sure we caught the Denman Ferry to get over to Hornby with enough time to take advantage of the goods.

First stop was at the beach front Cabin offered through Island Mountain Rides where we could time leaving for the ferry to Hornby.

Onto Hornby we rode! After climbing Mount Road – seriously that’s the name of the road – we gain half our elevation. The remaining climb is on a trail lined with Arbutus trees following the cliffs.

Riding the ridge.

A trip to Hornby can’t be complete without summitting Mt. Geoffrey at a whopping 320m.

Then we go down on Test Tube and continue the loop including

Chris and Brad -> No Horses -> up Colts Foot, North Wind and Cold Deck -> down

Hot Rims -> back up North Wind and Cold Deck to Toads -> C&B -> No Horses

-> back up Colts Foot to Jessies Trail -> Sawyer. Then to the bike shop and beach!

BC’s smallest bike shop run by Jeremy of Zucchini Cycle and Sport.

The white sands beaches of Hornby Island. Popular place judging from the many ships anchored just off shore and many people lying in the sun.

After debating on the fastest way back to the Thatch pub for a beer before getting back on the ferry we opted to climb back up towards looming Mt. Geoffrey and back down to the Ferry terminal.

Time for some beer!

This experience wouldn’t exist without BC Ferries who have been great supporters of the local island communities by supporting such events as the BC Bike Race and other tourism initiatives.

After our 38km ride we were back at the Cabin for some much appreciated tapas served by our guide Martin of Island Mountain Rides.

Day four had us up for breakfast served by Martin and Jeremy to fuel us up for some gravity assisted riding on Mt. Washington. Mt Washington hosted a very successful BC Cup race on the Monster Mile course the past weekend.

Doesn’t get much better then this! Breakfast by the beach! The sky was much clearer today as the smoke from the interior wildfires were abating.

Even the bikes were enjoying the beach.

Then it was off to Mt. Washington for some lift assisted riding.

With 16runs and ~500m vertical you will find something to challenge you.

The mountains of Strathcona park loom in the back as Martin rips the Monster Mile.

Sharon sending up some dust on the Monster Mile.

After a fine dinner at Fat Teddy’s in the Lodge of Mt Washington we headed back on the Ferry for the coast cruise home.

More Information of the area can be found below.

History

A historic coal mining town Cumberland is surrounded by private land owned

by two logging companies – Hancock Timber Resource Group and Timberland West.

There are two local organizations that are working together to ensure the trails

are protected in this area. One is the Cumberland

Community Forest Society – a charity set up to buy private land from the

logging companies in the area to preserve the forest for the benefit of the

community of Cumberland. Another organization – United

Riders of Cumberland or UROC works with Cumberland Community Forest Society

by being a voice specifically for mountain bikers, to put on events for mountain

bikers, to help maintain the trails and foster a positive relationship with

the private land owners.

If you enjoy riding in this area and agree with the intent and philosophy

of these organizations you can become a MEMBER or DONATE to

the Cumberland Community Forest or become a MEMBER of

UROC.

Island

Mountain Rides:

Many people, including ourselves, are reluctant to hire a guide for a weekend

vacation. While the allure of bumbling through the forests, riding up rippin’

descents or riding through trails decimated by clear cuts has its allure in

creating memories, perhaps there are better ways. One is offered by Martin

Ready, a Comox Valley native who has traveled the world and returned to the

area he feels is the best. He would like the opportunity to share his love

of this area with you and give you the best rides of your life in the Comox

Valley.

While maps are available, this area is diverse and wide & certain trails are

better ridden and linked in certain ways. Local knowledge will go a long way

to ensure you spend most of you day riding and your evenings over a beer, good

meal and even a massage or other local offerings Martin can provide.

Martin is the only guide with legal tenure to guide in this area. He is also

a member of UROC and the Cumberland Community Forest Society. He has also helped

out with the BC Bike race and other events and trail maintenance in the area.

How to get there:

BC Ferries Vacation

Center – Opened in May 2010 located At the Fairmont Pacific Rim (1010

Canada Place)

will help you plan this and any other trip involving BC Ferries. They will

also help you set up your reservation which is highly recommended to minimize

frustrating ferry line ups.

Where

to Stay and eat:

Riding

Fool Hostel – is a quaint hostel in downtown Cumberland that caters

to recreationalists and mountain bikers in particular. They have a room for bike

and ski storage as well as a large kitchen, private rooms and a games room for

socializing after your ride. Ennis is there most of the day to graciously take

care of your needs.

Westerly Hotel in Courtenay

is a Best Western Hotel offering more refined accommodations. With three different

restaurants – restaurant, lounge and pub, bike storage, games room, team locker

room, pool, and more luxury this is a place you might want if you prefer more

private time.

They are currently offering a One Night Mountain Bike Package

of $79.00 per person. This package runs from July 1st 2010 t0 Sept 19th 2010

and includes:

One Full Breakfast

One Mountain Bike Pass at Mt Washington

Overnight Accommodation in one of the Premium Guest Rooms.

Bike Shops:

Dodge City Cycles –

right below the Riding Fool – will take care of most of your cycling needs.

Of note, the owner of Dodge City Cycles – Dan Espeseth – along with the owner

of the Riding Fool – Jeremy Grasby – along with other active members of the

community can be thanked for many of the trails in the area and events that

highlight them.

Food can be found at:

Waverley Hotel, which hosts women’s

ride night on Wednesday with Burger and Beer specials. As well as live entertainment

on Friday and Saturday nights.

Tarbells serves great lunches, uses fresh herbs grown in their courtyard and