An Introduction to the Rilor Wilderness Experience
Source: David Peacock
The introduction is an essential component of establishing any relationship. For you, the reader, this paragraph will decide whether or not you finish reading; last week my introduction to Rilor Wilderness was essentially unprecedented. Driving in, rain pouring, we assumed that there wouldn’t be much riding to be had, especially given our 8 PM ETA. Contrary to our expectations, the first ultimatum proposed upon arrival was, “Dinner, or ride?” It is a decision that riders everywhere face everyday. Naturally, we opted for the latter, eager to get our first taste of Riley McIntosh’s summer playground.
More details and video by Andre Nutini inside,![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
“Tunnel Vision” was the wood-carved sign that stood atop the short hike-a-bike. Riley donned his lid, looked back to ensure we were all ready and willing, and stepped onto his pedals. The first 100 meters were enough to secure my already growing opinion of Riley’s operation, and brought about the eponymous sensation, tunnel vision. The trail as a whole was astounding; from precisely aligned S-berms to steep sections and wooden whoops sections, it had a bit of everything.
Rilor Wilderness: Spring Shred:
(Rilor Wilderness owner Riley McIntosh decided to start the guiding season off by doing the first Rilor trip with his good friends Mike Hopkins, Evan Schwartz and Garett Buehler.)
Filming the upcoming Rilor Wilderness video consumed most of the daylight hours over our short stay with Riley, but the preview we were afforded was worth every second spent hiking camera gear into remote locations. Nestled in the welcoming expanse of British Columbia’s Kootenay region, the trails are mostly reestablished mining trails, meaning that the pace is quick and the singletrack points down the mountain. It’s all there, whatever you are searching for. Rilor Wilderness is an escape from society, an escape from crowded bike parks, and a veritable transplant into a dream world for riding.
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
Our accommodation was first class: a massive wooden chalet atop a rocky outcrop, towering above Slocan Lake. While it was a bit early in the season for a swim (the snow is still deep in the mountains above the lake, which added to the views), we were treated to an advanced screening of the food services. Needless to say, we were all astounded by the amenities Riley provided, and we’ll be heading back for something more than an introduction as soon as possible. Look for a full ride report from Rilor in the future!
![photo]()
Rilor Wilderness is currently in the process of obtaining a commercial mountain bike recreation tenure license, and will be hosting riders throughout the year. For more information on Riley McIntosh’s nugget of mountain bike gold, visit rilorwilderness.com. We conducted an interview with Riley about his operation earlier in the year, in case you missed it, here are parts one and two.
The introduction is an essential component of establishing any relationship. For you, the reader, this paragraph will decide whether or not you finish reading; last week my introduction to Rilor Wilderness was essentially unprecedented. Driving in, rain pouring, we assumed that there wouldn’t be much riding to be had, especially given our 8 PM ETA. Contrary to our expectations, the first ultimatum proposed upon arrival was, “Dinner, or ride?” It is a decision that riders everywhere face everyday. Naturally, we opted for the latter, eager to get our first taste of Riley McIntosh’s summer playground.
More details and video by Andre Nutini inside,
“Tunnel Vision” was the wood-carved sign that stood atop the short hike-a-bike. Riley donned his lid, looked back to ensure we were all ready and willing, and stepped onto his pedals. The first 100 meters were enough to secure my already growing opinion of Riley’s operation, and brought about the eponymous sensation, tunnel vision. The trail as a whole was astounding; from precisely aligned S-berms to steep sections and wooden whoops sections, it had a bit of everything.
(Rilor Wilderness owner Riley McIntosh decided to start the guiding season off by doing the first Rilor trip with his good friends Mike Hopkins, Evan Schwartz and Garett Buehler.)
Filming the upcoming Rilor Wilderness video consumed most of the daylight hours over our short stay with Riley, but the preview we were afforded was worth every second spent hiking camera gear into remote locations. Nestled in the welcoming expanse of British Columbia’s Kootenay region, the trails are mostly reestablished mining trails, meaning that the pace is quick and the singletrack points down the mountain. It’s all there, whatever you are searching for. Rilor Wilderness is an escape from society, an escape from crowded bike parks, and a veritable transplant into a dream world for riding.
Our accommodation was first class: a massive wooden chalet atop a rocky outcrop, towering above Slocan Lake. While it was a bit early in the season for a swim (the snow is still deep in the mountains above the lake, which added to the views), we were treated to an advanced screening of the food services. Needless to say, we were all astounded by the amenities Riley provided, and we’ll be heading back for something more than an introduction as soon as possible. Look for a full ride report from Rilor in the future!
Rilor Wilderness is currently in the process of obtaining a commercial mountain bike recreation tenure license, and will be hosting riders throughout the year. For more information on Riley McIntosh’s nugget of mountain bike gold, visit rilorwilderness.com. We conducted an interview with Riley about his operation earlier in the year, in case you missed it, here are parts one and two.
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