Mountain Biking in Canada's Mountain Parks by w-e-w

+ 13

pinkrobe (Jan 5, 2011 at 9:39)

It helps that the policy chief for trails in national parks is none other than Mark Schmidt, former executive director for IMBA Canada. Go Mark!

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+ 9

dazem (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:07)

Parks Canada should make the user`s liable for their own safety, Liability is the single most limiting factor in TTF construction and progression. if you get hurt its YOUR OWN FUALT!
you walk off a cliff is it the parks fault for allowing it to be there? you hurt yourself on a feature and lawsuits begin. If you dont have the ability to ride competently, that`d be as much the parks fault as you walking off a cliff, the danger is self explanitory, the Park should not be resposible for lack of skill or judgement. all legal public trails in my area are paved crusher-dust highway`s. we are asked to solely use theese walking trails, singletrack or anthing else worth riding is considerd off limits. I consider this unacceptable waste of my tax dollars

- 13

Budlee (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:23) (Below Threshold) show comment

I think it is their fault if the feature is not usable but not blocked off or shown as unusable

+ 14

jumpslut (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:34)

Look before you leap! Everyone is always responsible for their own actions.

+ 5

dazem (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:34)

the word judgement come to mind. look before you leap. Mountain Cycling is dangerous. YOU are responsible for the consequences of what you decide to ride.

+ 3

MeAlex (Jan 5, 2011 at 11:01)

Unfortunately due to the constant assault of ambulance chasers liability is a constant and unavoidable threat to anyone responsible for trails, i cite the example of haldon hill where people getting a bo-bo caused the closure of one of south west England's best trails and the forestry commission to put great big lumps the whole way down making the trail totally un-ridable. however haldon was aimed primarily as a family center and you would often see people with totally inappropriate bikes and no helmet on the trails so accidents involving people who shouldn't be there was unavoidable. however i would also like to cite the case of Betws-y-Coed, Sherwood pines etc etc where government run centers work, haven't had to be shut down because they are aimed at bikers and not families, and bikers (as a general rule) know the risks and aren't the type to sue.

+ 10

Rigaud (Jan 5, 2011 at 14:12)

Yeah but it's different in Canada and don't mistaken us for the U.S. which will sue anything and anyone.

+ 3

hoolydooly (Jan 5, 2011 at 18:32)

I think the best way to avoid injury is to take the first run slow. check if all the landings and everything is how it was last time you rode it. then on the second run, ride it like you stole it! people that sue just because they can give me the shits! you are on the bike, you're in control, take some responsibility.

rant over Blank Stare

- 1

IH4LIFE (Jan 5, 2011 at 21:32)

What about the job of bike park emt does that sound intresting to anyone sounds intresting to me

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+ 7

dwdw (Jan 5, 2011 at 9:24)

This is pretty awesome that they are looking at this. I think they are finally realizing that mountain biking is a decent revenue stream. It's too bad it has taken this long, but better late than never.

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+ 5

stever (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:08)

Glad to hear the Parks are finally getting on board. Now if only we could get them to allow the ski hills inside the parks to operate bike parks in the summer months, we'd be set.

+ 1

franky78 (Jan 6, 2011 at 17:01)

totally agree !

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+ 2

Pointit (Jan 6, 2011 at 16:56)

Mt Norquay would make a serious Bike park. Its an hour from Calgary minutes from Canmore, seconds from Banff and its one of the steepest ski hills in North America. But Parks Canada won't allow it to operate year round do to the environmental impact being open year round. I say close that ski hill down as its bullet proof conditions make for below average conditions and nobody goes there (It was bloody $0.85 for a full day ticket there today!). Plant trees were the ski runs have been(as a reclamation project) build trails with sick stunts and DH Courses on the south & east side of the mountain for longer runs and slap in a couple of highspeed chairs and it would be one of the best Bike Parks In North America!

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+ 2

BCBikeDre (Jan 5, 2011 at 12:15)

I was in Newfoundland this summer and the National Park there, Gros Morne had opened a 14 km section to mountain bikers. Much of what will be opened will be lesser used trails, but what I'm saying is the precedent has been set and things are changing. Cross your fingers that the trend continues west.

+ 2

BCBikeDre (Jan 5, 2011 at 12:16)

That's 14 kilometers

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+ 2

vr6ix (Jan 5, 2011 at 17:06)

Liability concerns? I'd be more worried about Ecoholics writing "reports" with a *slight* disdain for people riding bikes in woods:

http://www.counterpunch.org/horejsi10292010.html

"From within this cesspool of corrupted internal machinations, a non existent public hearing process, and critically flawed and prejudicial public consultation claims, has oozed the latest in what has become a mountain of threats to Canada’s National Parks; mountain biking."

No, really, I think this guy likes riding bikes in woods almost as much as we do! Okay, maybe not...

Props to Parks Canada and IMBA for getting the (other side of the argument) word out. I took the survey... I live in Ontario... woot

+ 2

jdm-dsm (Jan 5, 2011 at 17:21)

Yikes. That is quite the rant.

+ 4

kevindv10 (Jan 5, 2011 at 18:40)

Wow. The author of that article sounds like a nazi!

+ 0

coop3422 (Jan 5, 2011 at 21:59)

im in ontario too, and I as well did the survey. Planning to move west this summer Smile

+ 2

Academy (Jan 6, 2011 at 12:53)

Wow, quite the article took a while to read.
Highlight - "Contrary to claims by the IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) and bikers, mountain biking is largely driven by speed, aggression, thrill seeking, idolatry of gear, and competition"
Thats not really what mountain biking is all about.

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+ 2

usedabused (Jan 6, 2011 at 18:17)

its not in the national parks but nakiska would make an awesome bike resort. detachable quads,not too steep[better for building stunts/jumps], lots of treed sections, close to calgary/banff/canmore, and a struggling resort, good vertical. if it was in bc it already would be. albertans need to get with the program

+ 1

mountguitars (Jan 7, 2011 at 0:29)

i heard nakiska had a mountain bike park before (early years of mountain biking/bike parks). they stopped the mtb operations coz a lot of accidents occurred (poor mountain bike technology back then). or i maybe talking of a different ski resort though, hehe.

+ 1

Pointit (Jan 7, 2011 at 14:15)

It was Winter Green ski resort in Bragg Creek not Nakiska.

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+ 2

trailchef (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:31)

i lived in lake Louise in the late 80's before all the trail bans started, it was spectacular. i would love to be able to ride to the giant steps again on a bike that doesn't still have cantilever brakes. if they let mountain bikers on the trails it would probably cut their maintenance costs in the long run. if parks Canada would work with groups like nsmba our national parks could be much better for everyone.there would be no shortage of people willing to donate their time to to give a little love back to the trails.

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+ 2

Pointit (Jan 7, 2011 at 14:14)

Usedabused this article is about National Parks and Nakiska is K-Country but it would be a great spot too just the demand is not there in this sport....yet. Mt Norquay is also a struggling resort it would make more more money as a bike park than a ski hill.

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+ 2

jitenshakun (Jan 5, 2011 at 15:05)

I did my part and filled out the survey. I tried to be clear about the value of engaging experienced trail builders and local progressive riding clubs.

Having 1980's people set trail in the 2010's won't improve things a whole lot.

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+ 1

aniyn (Jan 5, 2011 at 20:48)

I would love to see biking in our national parks. I try to go camping/hiking at the Illecillewaet site in Glacier NP every year, but I'm pretty sure bikes are/were prohibited there - even on the old railgrade. It would be great if that changed.

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+ 1

usedabused (Jan 20, 2011 at 13:54)

pointit i think i know where the national park is. i lived in banff/canmore for over 20 yrs. as much as i would like to see resort riding on banffs door step. norquay is too steep for good bike trails. off the access road below the resort sure, but the lift serviced terrain is not the right angle. the demand is there for nakiska[i raced a can cup there yrs ago]. in banff/canmore you can watch, all day , trucks with dh bikes coming from the east going to bc. most of the riders at kh,fernie, pano are from cowtown. alot of calgarians have passes to silverstar,sunpeaks, and whistler. if alberta wont to give all there $ to bc and restrict there businesses and citizens go right the f%$k ahead, i moved to bc so all you wanks can keep fighting and debating. you dont know s%$t. i am going to ride some sick trails now. suck it

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+ 1

Salehe1 (Jan 8, 2011 at 11:31)

I think we need new/more trails cause some of the ones ive been on are shitty like reallly really unsafe. So i think some new ones would give bikers a safer choice cause i dont wanna be going down a space thats a foot wide and hit a rock then fall off a cliff.

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+ 1

mountguitars (Jan 6, 2011 at 0:22)

im done with the survey. they're raffling off hydration packs for those who's done with the survey. i do a variety of cycling from XC, FR and road cycling. best XC trail for me would be the one in lake minnewanka in banff. its like heaven!!! . i do FR/DH at mount norquay too but i find that i find that its a bit short/limited. hopefully, they can make more FR/DH trails there.

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+ 1

markw Plus (Jan 5, 2011 at 21:38)

Survey done, well worth the time. I hope more people take the time to fill this out. I've been wishing for downhill style trails in Banff and Jasper since I started riding 15 years ago. I hope this is a step closer to making it reality.

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+ 3

hardyk (Jan 5, 2011 at 16:07)

i say canada need more parks in the east beside bromont and MSA theres not a lot of cool stuff but a bunch of mountains with big potential :s

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+ 3

jerome (Jan 5, 2011 at 11:17)

I dream of riding Mount Assiniboine again, the last 5 kms of singletrack to Magog Lake is one of the best section up or down.... someday maybe.

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+ 1

Academy (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:49)

I currently live Canmore and there a lot of trails around Banff, Lake Louise and Canmore. But the majority is cross country A LOT of cross country, dont get me wrong there are still some donwhill trails. But its doesnt compare to the West Coast. If Parks Canada steps up their game and starts building more exciting trails with features it would deffinatly attract more DH/Freeride bikers. And a decent DJ park would be nice as well.

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+ 1

usedabused (Jan 5, 2011 at 13:08)

good post Rob. the national parks have a lot of untapped beauty for mt bikers. years and years seemingly wasted butting heads with parks canadas narrow minded forsight. although this post will surely lessen my chance to win the draw prize
ski ya later
grinch

+ 1

w-e-w (Jan 10, 2011 at 9:32)

thanks grinch - look forward to ripping in the Parks again in the not-so-distant future.

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+ 5

TAridingMTB (Jan 5, 2011 at 9:22)

canada is one of the best places there is to ride. cant wait to go!

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+ 1

jonbath (Jan 5, 2011 at 13:54)

I do believe that pic is from Valley of the Five Lakes, one of the few trails open to biking in Jasper. Great trail for new riders (this is the toughest section and that is the entire rock garden) --- but it would be great if some more technical terrain could be opened up.

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+ 4

kenny-m (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:37)

trail from revvy to golden!!

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+ 1

widowmaker (Jan 6, 2011 at 6:18)

I've been Riding in the Jasper area for 20 or so years, there's lots of awesome trails there, that is of course unless you guys are talking about just FR/DH trails.

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+ 1

franky78 (Jan 6, 2011 at 16:54)

It's a great idea ! But why doing it only for western Canada ?? We do have great parks too in Qc... Frown

Just can't wait to go west !

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+ 3

schnetzler (Jan 5, 2011 at 12:51)

Thanks for posting this. I had no idea we could ride in these parks

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+ 1

moolay (Jan 5, 2011 at 18:51)

Forward the survey to everyone you know folks. We deserve to enjoy the mountain parks in our chosen venue as much as any other user group. Way to spread the word Rob.

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+ 1

hustler Plus (Jan 5, 2011 at 10:11)

I was just in Banff last week, and thinking that there must be good riding available there.

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+ 1

Nshore3 (Jan 6, 2011 at 7:29)

the environmental impact of all the mtb trails be be equivilant to cutting like 2 ski runs

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+ 2

sexley (Dec 19, 2010 at 17:39)

Thank you for taking the time to take this survey. Done....

+ 1

austin2112 (Jan 5, 2011 at 9:01)

ye

+ 3

mike-gillespie (Jan 5, 2011 at 19:19)

they should let mt. norquay have a bike park! or have at least one place to shuttle, right now the biking is not very good there for freeriders or downhillers, i really hope they can improve!

+ 2

faultlinetv (Jan 5, 2011 at 23:39)

Really stoked to see Parks Canada looking at this. I think them developing more mtb specific trails would be a huge benefit to both the public and the parks.

I personally didn't know you were allowed to ride in National Parks at the moment. They made it seem like you were? Anyone know the rules on National Parks and bikes?

+ 3

hazdxb (Jan 6, 2011 at 12:31)

C'mon Canada! I gotta decide if i'm going to university this september in the US or Canada, bike parks are always a bonus Wink

+ 1

mike-gillespie (Jan 6, 2011 at 16:55)

@faultlinetv im pretty sure you can ride on any marked trail unless it has a no biking sign, your also not allowed to build any thing in the park or else you get a massive fine.

+ 1

Mitchelf (Jan 7, 2011 at 22:08)

Man I took this awhile back Im so glad they listened to our suggestions of advertising it on pinkbike!

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+ 1

westton (Jan 5, 2011 at 23:27)

i hope one day i will be able to go ride up there!!!

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+ 1

Liquid-Sunshine-Media (Jan 5, 2011 at 18:40)

Legal trails in Jasper would be rad

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+ 1

crazymonkey123 (Jan 5, 2011 at 19:13)

THATS A LONG ASS SURVEY I TOOK IT AND f*ck ITS DETAILED

+ 2

ShaunathinShavis (Jan 5, 2011 at 20:29)

The more detailed the information they gather, hopefully the better they can implement their plans. Think about it as an investment dude!

+ 1

crazymonkey123 (Jan 15, 2011 at 18:27)

yea its worth it for sure, but its long

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+ 2

sgsrider (Jan 5, 2011 at 19:30)

survey done.

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+ 1

freerider-max (Jan 5, 2011 at 11:14)

ye!

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Mountain Biking in Canada's Mountain Parks

59 Comments