Vernon is situated in the North Okanagan, 50 km’s North of Kelowna and 120 Km’s south of Kamloops. Vernon has a long history of mountain biking, but has been often overlooked by travelers passing through on their way to larger destinations. Recent trail expansion and the growing popularity of the Silver Star Bike Park have given riders a reason to stay and experience the local trails. Over the past few years the North Okanagan Trail Society has more than quadrupled in membership size showing that the the mountain biking scene is alive and healthy. With over 100 trails, including Silver Star, there are styles and difficulties of trail for everyone from beginner to expert. The system is broken up into four main zones, Kalamalka Provincial Park, Ellison Provincial Park, Sovereign and Silver Star Bike Park all of which are within 20 minutes of downtown Vernon.
To really get a feeling for the area we joined up with local photographer Robb Thompson, local riders Bas van Steenbergen, Steve Critchlow, Mark Dowhaniuk, Noah Brousseau and threw in NorCal shredder Tyler McCaul and what a trip it was. Hitting up all four riding areas was a total treat (the post ride lake time never hurts either) and the crew crushed it, so sit back and take in all the single track that the Vernon area has to offer.
The Coldstream Valley is home to some of the best single track in the North Okanagan, found in Kalamalka Provincial Park.
Sunrise on the Look Out trail, one of the premier rides in the area with gorgeous views and fun, flowy single track. Steve Critchlow leads Noah Brousseau up to the top.
During World War 2 this part of the Coldstream Valley was used as an intensive military artillery training ground. Greenery thrives in the old pockmarked landscape.
Gingerly is one of the main access trails into Kal Park and has spectacular views of the Coldstream Valley.
Mark Dowhaniuk riding classic Kal Park single track with the jewel of the North Okanagan in the background, Kalamalka Lake.
The extremely dry, hot summer has turned the green vegetation into premature fall colours.
Mark Dowhaniuk is the president of the North Okanagan Cycling Socety - NOCS, and is one of the most knowledgable riders in the area. Mark's riding one of the newer additions to the North Okanagsan trail network, Stone Free, a new school climbing trail that leaves some gas in the tank to enjoy the descents.
This section of 36DD has claimed no small number of flats and blown wheels over the years.
When planning your ride it's always important to factor in time to enjoy the views.
Local wildlife.
Bas van Steenbergen rolling a section of Rock Is The New Berm found in the Sovereign Lake area on Silver Star Mountain.
Noah Brousseau dropping into Hammered Cow
Dropping into the Dark. One of several rock slabs on Hammered Cow
While up at Silver Star Mountain shooting and riding on the mountain, Tyler McCaul, Bas van Steenbergen and Noah Brousseau took a break from their downhill bikes to sample the xc network the hill has been working hard to develop.
Flowing along Silver Shack
This little line is actually two smaller jumps that Bas likes to double it up. The landing is off to the right side of the picture.
One of the best parts of having an xc network on the mountain is the ability to mix in the downhill trails if you want and have a DH pass. The guys couldn't resist sending it in formation down Jedi Mind Tricks.
Even on an XC ride the boys can't help but style every little feature.
Cruisin' on lower Ellison trails gives you great views of Okanagan Lake.
Ellison Provincial Park is another key trail network for Okanagan riders. With numerous trails at an easy and intermediate level, it's a perfect place to get your flow on before a dip in the lake.
The down side to a dry hot summer is the number of forest fires that have been popping up.
The best way to end a day in the Okanagan.
That's a wrap, time for a dip.
We've explored the XC trail networks in and around Vernon, now it's time to put on our full face helmets, some armour and grab the downhill bikes for part two of our North Okanagan adventure. Stay tuned as the crew airs out the downhill trails in the area next.
MENTIONS: @SilverStarBikePark / @robb / @Basvansteenbergen / @TMcCaul / @noahbbrousseau / @markeed / @critch / @GTBicycles / @deityusa
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dv65 0.064038
To me, a bike paradise is not a place where you cant ride a bike for over half a year.
(btw - we ride year round at the coast)
You simply become a traitor and go on to do other sport such as writing comments on pinkbike.
We also have a cell phone app that has all our local maps of trails and 2 dollar group rides thursday nights. this is how we fund trail development in the area.
www.okcycling.com
The most commonly used riding area is Kal Park, and we have a few group rides coming up there.