There’s a mountain bike trail for everyone in the Rockies
by Rob Alexander
With only the clatter of the chain against the frame, you squeeze the brake handles to slow your momentum just enough to round a tight corner on a smooth piece of single-track heaven. Then you’re opening it back up and letting gravity and a few pumps of the pedals launch you into the next section of trail as it disappears into the forest.
Sound good? Anyone who loves to mountain bike will tell you that life looks better from the back of a bike, and in the Bow Valley, Canada’s Rocky Mountains most certainly look better from a bike.
The Bow Valley is home to hundreds of kilometres of trails readily accessible from Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis Country that range from old fire roads to paved asphalt trails, hard, grunting climbs, and tight, technical single-track that suddenly turns into a ripping fast downhill. And in between, mountain bikers find the rolling cross-country for which the Rockies are famous.
Those who have little to no experience mountain biking can take relief in the fact that the Rockies are an ideal place to learn the skills necessary to take on some of the more challenging, and often more rewarding rides.
Another advantage to learning how to mountain bike in the Rockies is that no matter where you go, you can’t beat the view!
Mountain biking for the first time usually introduces adults to the feeling they once had as kids — it’s fun to get dirty!
If you have your own bike and are ready to hit the trails, it’s just a matter of finding an appropriate trailhead. Keep in mind that not all trails in the Rockies, especially in the mountain national parks, are open to bikes. Some trails have seasonal closures, so check first at bike shops or information centres to get a better idea of what is available.
Here’s a quick rundown of a few of the areas in the Bow Valley region that do allow mountain bikers to get two tires on the dirt:
You’ll find if hard to wipe the grin off your face after a day of mountain biking in the Canadian Rockies.
Banff National Park:
Lake Minnewanka — The Lake Minnewanka trail is a mix of easy cruising to tricky handling on steep, rocky terrain. However, it is possible to walk and push the bike through the hardest sections. This trail follows the western shore of Lake Minnewanka from the dam to the back of the lake about 25 km one-way. Overall, it’s a rough trail with a few creek crossings (spring) and short, steep hills. Best described as an intermediate ride.
Goat Creek Fire-Road — One of the all-time local classics, the Goat Creek trail connects Canmore and Banff. As a result it is easily accessible and one of the best rides for beginners. The terrain offers some climbing and descending, but none of it falls into advanced terrain. The trail is 18 km one-way on a gravel and dirt road. Giddy Goat Adventures offers a shuttle service from Banff to the trailhead in the pass above Canmore.
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Fantastic Rocky Mountain scenery adds to the thrill of a mountain bike adventure. There’s a trail for every level, plus rentals and tours to get you out there quickly and safely.
Canmore:
Canmore Nordic Centre — In the winter of 1988, Canmore played host to the Nordic events for the Calgary Olympic Games. The Nordic Centre is Canmore’s legacy from the Olympics and a veritable haven for mountain bikers come summer. The Nordic Centre includes a vast trail system of double- and single-track of all levels and an on-site day-lodge and bike rental shop.
Kananaskis:
Kananaskis CountryKananaskis Country — K-Country offers beginning riders a network of paved trails, fire-roads and single-track throughout much of the 4,000 square kilometres that make up the Kananaskis region.
A few tips to help make a day of mountain biking easier:
- Plan ahead and be realistic. Find out what to expect, and set reasonable goals. Many of the trails are out and back. If you’re exhausted half-way through the ride, getting out could be a slow and difficult task.
- Watch for bears, and give a hearty bellow or your best bear greeting when you come to corners or any place that doesn’t allow you to look down the trail.
- Don’t lean forward over the handle bars or you could go flying over the bars. Keep your weight towards the back of the bike, or over the pedals.
- If you fall, try not to put a hand out to stop yourself. It’s a good way to break a wrist. Instead, let your shoulder, arm or thigh take the impact. If you go over the handle bars, try to tuck and roll onto a shoulder or back. Usually, a crash happens so quickly you won’t have time to think about what you’re going to do, which can actually be helpful.
- Walk, walk, walk! if something looks like it’s too much. Stop and walk it. Mountain biking is a focus sport. Lose your focus and you up your chances of crashing and getting hurt.
- Full-suspension vs. hard-tail. It’s a debate that has raged for some time now, but as far as rental bikes go, full-suspension bikes appear to be taking over. Full-suspension bikes (shocks front and back) do offer more comfort on the roots and rocks.
- Mountain bikes guides are available in the Bow Valley. Guided trips can be the safest and most satisfying way to discover mountain biking in the Rockies.
Rental rates generally run from about $8 to $10 an hour and $30 to $45 a day, depending on the type of bike.
Gear Up: rentals, 1302 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, www.gearupsports.com
Trail Sports: rentals, lessons, guiding, Canmore Nordic Centre, www.trailsports.ab.ca
The Ski Stop: rentals, tours with Canadian Rockies Trail Tours. Banff Springs Hotel and 203-A Bear Street, Banff, www.theskistop.com
BacTrax: 225 Bear Street, rentals and tours, Banff, www.snowtips-bactrax.com
Peregrine Sports: Kananaskis Village Centre, rentals, 403-591-7453
Giddy Goat Adventures: Rentals and shuttle, www.giddygoat.com
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