Mountain Biking in Pemberton
Mountain Biking in Pemberton
Over the year's Pemberton has established itself as one of the premier Mountain biking locations in BC. The township of Pemberton is located in a low-lying valley surrounded by 360-degree mountain views of the Pacific Mountain Range. Along with spectacular views, these mountain ranges make for phenomenal mountain biking from March to November. The best time to ride in Pemberton is generally from March to June and September to November. During the summer months, the Pemberton trails generally begin to dry out and become harder to grip. However over the next month May - June Pemberton will be in peak riding condition thanks to milder temperatures and wetter conditions.
Pemberton is home to a diverse mountain bike trail system that loops around the local mountains and hilly terrain. Thanks to it's logging industry Pemberton has a number of easy access points (logging roads) where riders can switch-back up mountain sides. From here riders can experience a number of downhill trails varying in difficulty. Along with Pemberton's vast downhill trail system you can also find milder cross-country trails that ease across the valley floor and rolling terrain.
One of the coolest new tools to help riders explore Pemberton is the Bike Pirate Pemberton Valley Trail App. The app has complete maps, elevation profiles and trail descriptions for over 80+ Pemberton trails. The Bike Pirate app also suggests trails based on your riding preference and ability. You can even use the app with your 5G to track your location on a specific trail. This tool is a great feature for riders unfamiliar with the area and only costs $10 on your smartphone.In total, there are some 80+ mountain bike trails that run throughout Pemberton. The trails are maintained by the Pemberton Valley Trail System a volunteer based organization comprised of local biking enthusiasts. These volunteers spend countless hours every year maintaining and building new trail networks to help grow mountain biking in Pemberton.
If you prefer to get your advice the old fashion way from word of mouth then perhaps the Pemberton Bike Co is more your style. Bike Co is Pemberton's local bike shop and is home to some of the most experienced riders in the Valley. The employees at Bike Co are always willing to share their advice with visiting riders. Also, if you've forgotten something or need a quick bike fix the Bike Co is your one stop shop for all your biking needs.
The NIMBY Fifty
The NIMBYfifty Pemberton's premier mountain bike race makes its return this Sunday, May 26, 2018. The bike race is held during the end of May to coincide with Pemberton's best riding conditions of the year. The course is carved out of 37 KM's of pristine single track mountain bike trails. The NIMBYfifty is categorized as a technical marathon XC which will have riders combining climbing, cross-country and downhill components.
The race also caters to riders of every ability and age. Riders can choose from 22 race categories divided by age and gender. The following age categories include: 14-20, 20-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-69, 70+, Pro/Elite. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each category. For those looking to compete in the Pro/Elite category a prize of $1,000 for first, $250 for second place and $150 for third will be awarded to the top three males and females.
To learn more about this event including how to register head over to the NIMBYFifty website.
Photo Courtesy: Dave Steers
Posted: Monday, May 21, 2018
