GIANT trees
surrounded me as I wove along the dark ribbon of rich single-track soil.
On a sharp turn I eased over a log and started the steep ascent, constantly shifting my weight to adjust to the challenging trail. As the trail got steeper I tried to convince my brain that my tires would grip onto the crazy terrain.
Welcome to the world of trials motorbikes!
Many years back, Kim and I made our way out to Ioco in Belcarra to try trials riding for the first time. Initially, it was very awkward as the bikes have no seat and are set up very different than the dirt bikes we ride. After that gorgeous afternoon of riding, we both declared that one day we would have trials bikes.
Fast forward to August. I once again had a trials bike on my mind, the result of seeing some amazing photos and video taken by my friend Anthony at 7,500 feet in the Shulaps Range near the Chilcotins. I just had to join in the fun.
I picked up a 2008 Sherco 290 from my good friend Ted and off I went with Anthony to Britannia Beach, where there are incredible trials trails. I was blown away at what I could get up and at each outcrop there was a magnificent view of Howe Sound. I spent the whole day in awe and after one more ride, I bought another bike for Kim so she could join us.
Trials bikes are powered by a compact two-stroke engine, which makes very little noise. They're designed to be lightweight and nimble enough to tackle almost anything. They also have a tiny footprint since the tires are run at four pounds per square inch and don't spin but rather grip anything and everything. It is for this reason that trials bikes are allowed on all trails throughout Britannia Beach, Squamish and the Sea to Sky Corridor.
After spending several days in Crumpit Woods and Britannia Beach, it was time to explore the trials trail up Rainbow Mountain, which is located across from Whistler Blackcomb. Our good friend Spencer led the way on this arduous technical climb to 2,032 metres. After we ascended the technical forest section, we were spat out into the alpine with the flowers in full bloom. The smells and scenery were incredible as we ascended to 1,800 metres. The alpine single track turned to open rock and the trail zigged and zagged through the rugged terrain.
At the top, we were surrounded by mini lakes filled with glacial melt and, with the hot sun beating down on me, there was only one thing to do - swim! The water was perfectly clear and it cleansed my soul as I dove in. What a perfect day.
We spent the afternoon riding through the beautiful landscape with the Coastal Mountains all around us before descending back down the trail to our vehicles. We were all high fives as we packed up for the beautiful drive back to North Vancouver. Check out our trials epic at www. noronalife.com/blog.
Adventurer Dave Norona loves trying new sports and is always amazed at the cool people and places new sports introduces you to. His escapades are supported by PowerBar, Mountain Hardwear and Troy Lee Designs.
