According to Guy Epkens-Shaffer, President of the Burns Lake Mountain Biking Association, the “wild weather” seen in Burns Lake over the last few weeks has presented some challenges in the maintenance of trails.
Volunteers have been working to cut the winter accumulation of downed trees off the trails, but strong winds and snowfalls have made their work extra challenging.
Despite the setbacks, the snow on the trails is melting nicely and some of the lower trails in the bike park are ready to be enjoyed. The higher trails still need a little more time, said Epkens-Shaffer.
“Bike park is good to go, but the downhill/cross-country trails in the Boer Mountain recreation [upper] area are going to need a few more days before many of them are completely usable.”
The best early season trails are Learn From Experience, Porcupine, Pork and Beans, PT Cruiser and Razorback.
The new bike season is bringing a number of developments. The Burns Lake Mountain Biking Association have been given a conditional approval and funds to build 10 km of new trail, as well as a new structure - the Pierce Hofer Memorial Wall Ride. The wall ride will sit across from the Kager Lake parking lot, and its construction is expected to begin in early June.
“We are totally excited about the new wall ride and trail,” said Epkens-Shaffer. “It will essentially complete an unprecedented 30 km single-track perimeter loop of our current active area.”
The Burns Lake Mountain Biking Association is also getting ready for a number of events, including the ‘Babes in Balance female retreat weekend,’ scheduled for June 26-28; and the eighth annual ‘Big Pig Mountain Biking Festival,’ scheduled for Aug. 14-16.