I’ve been trying to hit a few certain local trails ever since I moved up here, but due to a relutance to pedal exhibited by most of my riding partners, I haven’t managed it. There’s also the issue with weather. If I’m going to do a 13 km climb, I don’t really want it to be 35C out.

Luckily, Geoff Pendrell was in town this weekend and he called me up for an XC romp. Geoff is one of the more talented all round racers in Canada, able to win in any discipline, so neither his skills or fitness were in question. Compared to that guys resume, I’m the one to be in question., but no matter, I was determined to hit up the McDougall Rim today.

Oh and it was raining slightly, and George (who will be joining us o the Wade Tour later this summer) was also coming along.

The climb wasn’t too bad. It started off with one really steep pitch, but for the most part it was steady middle ring stuff.

A few extended granny ring efforts for sure, and it got a bit tougher up higher, but with the cool weather it was actually a pretty decent climb of about 90 minutes or so.

Near the top, the trail switched from double to singletrack, and the first view was a true eye opener.

We could just see Bear Creeek below us, and the ridgeline extending off to the east. The big trees and misty conditions made me feel like I was back on the coast. Here’s George, a bit awestruck by the experience.

The singletrack that followed was spectacular. Nothing tech, just great flowy smooth trail with some uphill sections that were actually fun. Yes, you heard me, fun uphill. Really.

After another 20 minutes of rolling trail that was slightly more up than down, we kicked over into the descent. Lots and lots of descent. It hardly ever got steep, so it rolled for a long, long time. Excellent singletrack, the kind that would be a bit more fun on a DH bike, but that you can go stupidly fast down on anything.

Oh and also tons of clifftop viewpoints on the way. The final descent was a wide open blast down some bermed up hyperspeed. I haven’t gone this fast since Prevost on the Island earlier this spring.

Totally wicked ride, a true classic. I doubt I’ll be up there until after summer, but I’m definitely doing that one again.