Video: Exploring Vancouver Island

Jun 24, 2014 at 16:24
by Mountain Biking BC  
Views: 37,777    Faves: 281    Comments: 19


The Province of British Columbia has six distinct regions, all with an abundance of mountain biking and their own unique local flavours. Episode 2 of Mountain Biking Lives Here takes Rocky Mountain athletes Thomas Vanderham, Brett Tippie, Geoff Gulevich, and Andreas Hestler to Vancouver Island to explore some of British Columbia’s finest singletrack. (Previously: Episode 1 - Kootenay Rockies)

Photo by Margus Riga

Before this trip I had lived a large chunk of my life on Vancouver Island and had never been north of Campbell River” said former Olympic athlete Andreas Hestler. “Getting out and exploring is what it’s all about - even places you think you know well have amazing things to discover!

Photo by Margus Riga

The team travelled from Victoria on the southern tip of the island all the way to Alert Bay in the North. From Sooke’s ocean views to Cumberland’s legendary trail network to the North Island’s unique cultures and food, it was another reminder of just how deeply ingrained mountain biking is in all corners of British Columbia, and a trip none of the riders will soon forget.

Photo by Margus Riga

Next up, Mountain Biking Lives Here pays a visit to Rocky Mountain Bicycles’ home turf in Vancouver, Coast, and Mountains. Stay tuned, and happy trail shredding in 2014!

-Mountain Biking BC & Rocky Mountain Bicycles

Visit mountainbikingbc.ca for more information on riding in British Columbia, and visit bikes.com for more information on Rocky Mountain Bicycles.

Author Info:
MountainBikingBC avatar

Member since May 16, 2012
34 articles

51 Comments
  • 36 3
 All you Brits out there, stop talking, get yourself a one year working visa, get on a plane with your bike and move here to BC! No excuses, just do it! I did it 8 years ago and I'm still here in paradise :-)
  • 1 0
 Thinking about doin the same in the near future! Only I'm from Ecuador Smile
  • 1 0
 Did the same 2 years ago, working on my residency now.
  • 1 0
 What kind of work do you do?
  • 1 0
 I agree. I did the same almost 4 years ago.
  • 10 0
 No, don't. VI is awful. The hippies are unbearable, and everything is super super expensive. You've been warned, stay away. Wink
  • 2 0
 I'm an engineer, so it was kinda easy getting work here
  • 1 0
 Moaty, What kind of engineer? I am currently doing an engineering doctorate, I'd love to bin it off and go back to BC. Get me a job???
  • 2 0
 My folks moved to Maple Ridge about 10 years ago, I don't visit nearly enough! Definitely going to visit Vancouver Island next time I'm there!
  • 14 0
 Living in Nanaimo on the island, having gone to most of these mountains and places. (not trying to brag) Getting bogged down with regular life, job, bills, etc. can make you forget about the awesome that surrounds you. Sometimes its videos or stories like this that slap me in the face and say "Hey! You live in one of the most beautiful places on the earth! Now get out there and enjoy it!" I hope to see all of the people that are commenting/wishing they could be here, out on the trails. You've shown me once again how amazing it is here on the island. Thank you. Now, I am going to ride my bike.
  • 8 0
 Just looked it up - 3.2 hours from my front door to Victoria (taking the ferry from Port Angeles). I'm getting that tingling sensation of a road trip (or the peyote is kicking in); either way an awesome trip is just around the corner!!
  • 9 0
 Trails like these is every mountainbiker's dream
  • 3 0
 I live in Seattle and took a family vacation in Victoria and brought the bikes. I stopped off at the local bike shop and bought a trail map. Great trails in the area which are very accessible. I would go biking in the early morning and be back for breakfast with the family.
  • 4 0
 Nothing to see here keep moving people.....but really thats only a quarter if not less of the riding thats available on the Island. Almost every town has a respectable trail network some even have more.
  • 3 0
 There is a comprehensive paper guide book by Freakmaps freakmaps.com/shop/mountain-bike-vancouver-island-2012

and if you search Pinkbike you'll find some riding on the island areas profiled - Cowichan, Cobble Hill, Cumberland, Hornby, Campbell River. Of course there's a lot more. We haven't got around to profiling Quadra, Qualicum, Port Alberni, Nanaimo, Parksville etc
  • 4 0
 Wow. Moral dilema. The nothin' to see here line, or confirming that it's actually better than that video? Hmmm...Actually, it is way better. There's no sterile narrator's voice reading a cheesy script once you're really here. Y'all won't like it though. The trails are remote, slippery for 6 to 10 months of the year, and they're bumpy! Ick. Not your typical US Forest Service trails, nope.

I know lots of you are gonna make the trip, and that's great. You'll have a great time, especially if you're riding with someone who knows the trails. Many of the riding areas are trail networks rather than a loop or out and back on one trail. Local knowledge helps in figuring out a good ride from all the options in the trail networks.

Please be prepared, self-sufficient, and realistic. In the more remote areas your phone might not work, and even in Victoria, you're a long way from help if you get hurt on the trails.

Duncan's never looked so nice as that view of the Cowichan River delta from the top of Mt. Tzouhalem.
  • 2 0
 Thankyou, I love this video and your previous video and all the stories and photos. It's so great to see some footage of the trails. So helpful. We live in NZ and are working on a mountain biking road trip to BC in 2015 for us and the kids. There is so much great biking in BC that I can't stop adding places to the trip wish list.
  • 4 0
 Aw man that looks like a dream. I would love to move up there. Just need money, a new job and and...
  • 7 0
 Dude, you live in Norway, how can you complain? Smile
  • 9 0
 @ andreanselmi I guess the grass is always greener but that BC grass is so, sooo green.
  • 3 0
 SOLD!
Would move there tomorrow if I could just ride all day and not worry about things like mortgages & pensions.
  • 4 0
 What's up with the murder-documentary narrator?
  • 1 0
 This is a really bad coverage of what the island has to offer, its like they went and asked city officials where they could ride their bikes instead of people who actually know whats up
  • 4 0
 Brett Tippie sighting !
  • 2 0
 Arriving Canada next month. Will be in whistler but I would never decline an invitation to ride that. It's a dream.
  • 3 0
 Island life just love it here
  • 3 0
 tippie is a true ambassador - the good vibes are infectious
  • 1 0
 I've been here on Vancouver Island for all of June on a road trip from Colorado. It does *not* disappoint, on or off the bike.

instagram.com/p/pFal8CHRFu
  • 1 0
 heading up there in 3 weeks and gonna spend a couple of months. it's so cool how active Rocky Mountain is in supporting the area and the sport. love RM.
  • 5 3
 This is just as depressing, maybe even more, as the first video in the series.
  • 3 0
 Yes our trails are wicked but our conversation will put you to sleep.
  • 5 2
 VAncouver Island sucks! Tell your friends Wink
  • 1 0
 Loving these ads haha! Really though, gives a good insight into British Columbia!
  • 3 1
 Hey Everyone it's really not that good Big Grin
  • 2 0
 Never ridden there, but love the island. Must ride those trails.
  • 1 0
 Come and check it out and ride with a local.... www.islandmountainrides.com
  • 1 0
 Wonder how that lovely new pipeline coming from Alberta will affect the mellow island vibe?
  • 2 0
 The proposed Enbridge pipeline is a long way north. The Kinder-Morgan pipe goes through Greater Vancouver/ A tanker grounding is gonna ruin anyone's day. Not just here.
  • 1 0
 There is no way I could 'visit' BC - as once I was there is no way I would be able to leave.
  • 1 0
 My sister is moving to the Island next month, better start saving as I feel a holiday is in order. Bike is coming with me Smile
  • 2 0
 YO HOW CAN YOU FORGET NANAIMO WE HAVE THE BIGGEST HITS ON THE ISLAND
  • 2 0
 maybe one day... i´ll be rich
  • 1 0
 videos like these make ask the question (takes a deep breath)........sigh.
  • 1 0
 Yup life is pretty good here
  • 1 0
 more than 10yrs now since i've been up in bc. gotta find a way back soon.
  • 1 0
 Good stuff Martin and crew! Keep 'em coming!
  • 1 0
 I'm just one province over, but everything is flat here.....
  • 1 0
 Visiting Duncan next week but sadly had to sell my full sus bike!
  • 2 2
 Yeah, but are there any chicks there?
  • 1 0
 Home sweet home
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