Home Human Interest Human interest Williams Lake mountain bike trail systems expanding

PostHeaderIcon Williams Lake mountain bike trail systems expanding

Human interest

060312_MTBBy LeRae Haynes

Thanks to a focused group effort by local enthusiasts, a second section of mountain bike trails have been mapped, and certified.

This project offers a unique opportunity for volunteers looking for an outdoor experience that will help promote the unique, exciting sport of mountain biking in the area.

The Williams Lake Cycling Club and the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium have been working with the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to get the Williams Lake bike trail systems legalized. The first one that reached that status was Fox Mountain, with trails that are signed, mapped and protected.

060312_MTB_1The same process is in place for the Williams Lake Westsyde Trail Network, an area bordered on three sides by the Fraser River, Bell-e-Acres Golf and the River Valley. Work is progressing on the ‘Snakes and Ladders’ trail, according to Thomas Schoen from First Journey Consulting, who is coordinator for the new Regional Signature MTB (mountain biking) trail. 

“Most of the trails are in place and legalized. We applied for funding from a variety of sources, have developed maps and have had many stakeholder meetings, and collected input,” he said.

“We got funding early this year to develop the ‘Snakes and Ladders’ trail. Part of the project is rebuilding a section of an old trail and adding a brand new section.”  

060312_MTB_3He said that they have received money for wages and material for the project and have a crew hired for the summer. “This will attract a lot of people to Williams Lake—movie makers, mountain bikers, high-profile athletes. They will come to experience our trails.

“Our goal is to raise the economic impact of mountain biking as a result of this project.

“One of the challenges we’re facing right now is that the money we got to build the trail is not quite enough to complete it,” he explained. “The Bike Club is contributing by building a section of the trail, but what we really need is volunteers.”

Tom said that you do not have to be a mountain biker to be part of this awesome project. “We need strong people who like the outdoors and who can help pack lumber to the area where we’re building,” he explained. He added that he is organizing a volunteer raffle sponsored by Red Shred's and First Journey Consulting.

060312_MTB_2“We purchased a brand new MTB (value $2,600) as our raffle prize. Volunteers working three days will get a chance to win the bike. For every additional three days of work you'll get entered into the draw again,” he continued. “Volunteers eligible for the raffle need to be 19 or older and the draw will be held during our Grand Opening in August.”

For more information about the raffle, including how to sign up as a volunteer, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and to find out more about the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium and the Williams Lake Cycling Club, including upcoming events like ‘Peddle by the Puddle’ visit ridethecariboo.ca  

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites



 

Welcome to Williams Lake is a real time news and events website designed specifically for the Williams Lake, BC area in the Cariboo Region of British Columbia.
We provide reputable, factual, non-sensationalized daily, breaking news, community events, sports,entertainment, weather, photo galleries, business listings
and more for residents and visitors in the Williams Lake, BC area.

If you have a news tip, see news happening in the Cariboo/Chilcotin or have an local event to promote,
email us at news@welcometowilliamslake.ca or call 250-398-NEWS or text to 250-398-0508