Langford adventure company active eco travel

Downhill Riding in BC

July 30th 2006

My 7 year old son, Ben loves to bike off -trail.  Throughout the spring, we had been enjoying single track rides together in Toronto’s ravine system. So when I was organizing a summer trip to British Columbia, I thought it might be fun to add a few days of mountain biking. Ben had never been to the mountains before let alone ride on any mountain trails.

I was super excited to ride in the mountains with him and experience some new terrain. We were heading to the Mount Washington area so I called ahead to order bikes. I was fortunate to get the mountain bike coordinator who recommended that Ben and I hire a guide to go along with the bikes - for our first day of “downhill riding”.

When the big day arrived, Ben and I showed up at the ‘tread shed” to meet our guide and pick up our bikes. I was surprised to see all the protective gear – shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin pads and full motorcycle helmet.  The super suspensions bikes looked more like motocross bikes then mountain bikes!    

Ben and I both suited up and headed out and up the chair lift with our guide Deb and our bikes on the chair ahead.  The runs turned out to be incredible. Narrow trials down ski runs and through forest and streams.

Steep drops, bridges and burms – big bank corners – the type you might see at a race track! It was like nothing I had ever experienced.  Very little actual pedaling and a lot of time up on your pedals looking straight down!!!  It was awesome – not for the faint of heart – perfect for my little rider and me …..Ben was smiling – ear to ear!  After a few runs, a little rain started which made the trails and especially the burms a little slick.  Big Ben was fantastic on the trail while Dad went over the handle bars 3 times!! All in all a fantastic day and a memorable experience!

Downhill riding and more sane types of Mountain biking can be included on Langford & Company’s Vancouver Island adventure.

Tagged in: Family Adventures