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Squamish Trails: As busy as you make them

Poking Spokes columnist A.J. Barlas takes a look at the ongoings on the trail
Chief File Photo Trails in Squamish are hopping, but locals can get crowd reprieve simply by heading to Valleycliffe, according to columnist AJ Barlas.

The word is out and with the improvements in the quality of riding in Squamish many a local has likely altered their mountain bike habits a little – consciously or not. It’s not uncommon nowadays to hear of individuals choosing to ride throughout the week and early or late in the day on weekends. 

But is it really necessary?

From quite a general observation, its pretty clear that the majority of visitors keep to the well-known trails. Rides that include Half And Full Nelson, Psuedo Tsuga and a couple others in that area are generally the most sought after. That leaves a great big selection of trails available, regardless of the time of day. Its true that the Alice Lake network has gotten significantly busier, but even so there is many a jaunt that will leave you on your lonesome, chasing down loam in these woods we call home.

Some may have the freedom to pick and choose to ride at alternating times throughout the week, but for those that do not, opting to really mix up the ride is the solution. Despite this awareness, many keep it within the same networks that the popular trails exist among (and for good reason, no doubt), but there is another solution to getting quiet trails, which also involves some adventure for the Squamish resident.

The trail network in Valleycliffe is frequently forgotten though incredibly easy to get to. For one reason or another this area suffers from a bad rap, while in all reality the trails add great variety, boasting different rock – more of it – and somehow, a different flow and ambiance.

Many a resident mountain biker can share a tale of getting lost in Valleycliffe, even after having ridden the trails in the area for years. Nevertheless, this is more of a sign that we don’t spend enough time there sampling the goods and riding the different terrain, rather than problems with the trails. One event that has run for years, and just went down again this past weekend, is the Beyond the Valleycliffe of the Dolls (BVOD). The event sees a smaller, but good, mellow crew of people participate and most importantly, a lot of smiles. So if getting lost in Valleycliffe’s trail network is a concern, perhaps next summer the BVOD is an event you want on your calendar.

It’s no secret that some are not so excited about the increasing popularity of our amazing trails. However, thanks to progress with local authorities and ambitious, selfless individuals in the community, we also have more variety and quality of riding available that exist outside the regularly ridden. Next time you want to ride and you’re concerned about crowded commonly ridden trails, give the old neglected network in Valleycliffe consideration. There are some great loops to put together and its good for riders to force themselves to ride different terrain and trails.

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