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Bike Recon - Sunshine · Sunday, June 4th, 2017

Warning: This is an old trip - it already happened

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Organized by: Ilia Capralov.

Start: Sunday, Jun. 4th
Pre-trip meeting location: Email faff

Description:

I had a dream for a long time to go explore the lower Sunshine area on a mountain bike. The problem is that there is not a lot information about the roads in that area and all information that is available from maps, satellite images and web folklore is extremely confusing and contradicting. So, to make it clear once and for all I want to go there myself. Before doing any serious steps, I want to make a small reconnaissance to the closest road with unknown conditions and see if the road is passable and it is worth organizing a multiday trip to the area.

The road in question is called Varley South Spur and the plan is to get there from Langdale through Powel River and Rainy River Road. It is only 24 km from Langdale, so I am planning to do a day trip. I know that the last few km of the access route is extremely steep and with poor surface so if you want to come with me and stay together all day you will need a mountain bike and good physical shape. (On the last attempt to get there I got a heatstroke.)  Although the road from Langdale to Powel River is paved and mellow. 

The last few tens of meters of elevation are under snow (the road of interest is right in the middle of the screen), so snowshoes will be required to explore the road as far as possible.

Also, consider bringing a bear spray and a bell (I will bring a banger), I expect the same amount of bears as mosquitos.

The plan is to wake up early morning, take a bus to Horseshoe Bay, take a ferry to Langdale and start riding from there.

Posted: 2017-05-26 17:30:30
Last modified: 2017-05-26 17:34:33