Its remarkably varied terrain of mountains, foothills, forest and lakes automatically brands the Cumberland area a mountain biking destination that's both challenging and accessible to all levels of cyclists. Cumberland biking trails are renowned across a global fraternity of riders. Stunning scenery, wildlife and unpredictability pump adrenalin for mountain bikers and adventure seekers.
In fact, biking is a way of life in these parts. A kid on a bike doing wheelies, endos, back spins and bunny hops in downtown Cumberland doesn't rate a second glance from locals.
The Comox Valley is famed with mountain bikers for its Comox Lake-Puntledge River Trails, a network of nine moderate-to-difficult starting from the dam on Comox Lake just out of Cumberland.
Trails begin just west of the dam. The first road north, B21, after 15 minutes of uphill cycling, brings adventurers to the scary-sounding Puntledge Plunge.
Those who accept the challenge discover why it's called "plunge" as they soar into near-vertical descent. But most trails are moderate and accommodate all levels of riders.
Buggered Pig Trail
A uniquely Cumberland - and uniquely named - trail is Buggered Pig w Bucket of Blood, a decidedly difficult, 6km/3.72mi, 6-hour ride starting at the Riding Fool Hostel. The Buggered Pig segment ranks as a signature BC trail with dips, climbs and mountainous foothills. Bucket of Blood is all downhill, but with great views.
Grub, Stub, Pity the Fool Trail
Cyclists who find Buggered Pig a tad tame should consider Grub, Stub, Pity the Fool, (who names these trails, anyway?) an extreme, summer-and-fall-only, 12km/7.45, 3-hour trail. It follows a long, heavy-duty ride up with a triple downhill run - not for the faint of heart.
Mountain Biking Stunts
Other trails to look at include Short n Curly, Spanker, Black Hole, Matt's, Space Nugget and Soggy Biscuit. Biking stunts such as log rides, ladder bridges, drops and gap jumps are all part of Cumberland's take on mountain biking.
Chinatown Trail
The easy-riding Chinatown Trail connects with Cumberland's mining history and the thousands of Chinese workers who toiled in the coal mines. The converted rail deck runs through what used to be one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, now a scenic marsh with abundant waterfowl.
Mount Washington
For a long, gentle alpine ride, 1590m/5,216ft-high Mount Washington delivers the goods. Mountain biking seasons usually begins by July 1 and extends through August. Catch the Blue chairlift to the top, opt for leisure and spend the day on a gradual descent into the Comox Valley.
Mountain Bike Guides & Rentals
Island Mountain Rides can custom-build a tour to suit all biking levels. For rentals, head to Dodge City Cycles, 2705 Dunsmuir Ave.
For more information, pop into the Comox Valley Visitor Centre in nearby Courtenay.
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