Biking
Family biking in grasslands (Picture BC photo)
Hornby Island is"a destination of choice for riders from across the Pacific Northwest," claim the authorities at US mountain bike magazine DirtRag.
All credit to the Hornby Island Mountain Biking Association (NIMBA) for building and maintaining the trails in collaboration with the regional parks committee. The association funds itself through sales of an excellent, satellite-view map of the trail system available at Jeremy Payne's Hornby Outdoors Sports (open May to October) in the Ringside Market. Bikes rentals are also available here along with pro advice on conditions and routing.
Mount Geoffrey
Since the mid-1980s, some 80km/50mi of fast and narrow single-track trails have been carved into the topography of Hornby Island's highest peak, Mount Geoffrey. Westside trails are best for climbing to the 330m/1083ft summit. Intersections are marked with good signage. Unlike many BC biking hotspots, the routes here are free of rocks and roots. Result: A smooth, flowing circuit with enough variety.
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The mountain can be accessed at various points around the island. Many riders zip along Central Road to the bike shop, pick up a map, and begin their climb to the top via Slade Road and the North Wind and Colt's Foot trails. Other access points include Mount Road (near the ferry terminal), Lea Smith Road (with the immediate challenge of a very steep grind), and the top of Strachen Road near Middle Mountain Mead.
Trails
Rookies can hone their skills on Bench Trail (with its views of Denman Island), Slade Connector, Beulah Creek Trail, Cold Deck, and Lox's Bagel. These are mostly lowland trails, several of which follow old logging roads.
Intermediate riders climb to the top on the 2.5km/1mi Summit Trail overlooking the ferry terminal. From here, Furry Freak, Mister Toad's Wild Ride and Four Dead Aliens (yes, trail names are a big part of the fun) wind along curving forest trails for a fast but not overly tough descent.
Experts, meanwhile, are faced with such aptly named challenges as Devil's Kitchen, Bitchin' Camaro, No Horses, and the stunt-filled Your Mom. (The latter two trails generate the most buzz among enthusiasts.)
Road Cycling
Circumnavigate Hornby's road system in a leisurely day by taking a clockwise route from the ferry terminal. A gravel bike/pedestrian path parallels Central Road beginning at the Cardboard House Bakery and extending to Ringside Market and Helliwell Provincial Park. Linger in "downtown Hornby" for coffee, lunch, beachtime and shopping, then head south on Central Road. After a steep descent down Ford Cove Hill to the marina, riders can then take the moderately easy Spit Trail back to the ferry.
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Island Joy Rides is a boutique, active travel company that believes the best way to experience an area is from the seat of a bicycle. We offer premium guided & self-guided single & multi-day bike tours that highlight the people, wineries, farms, spas, local food scene, culture & natural beauty of the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Quadra/Denman Islands, & surrounding region on Vancouver Island. Our commitment to small groups & personal attention to guests of all ages & fitness levels ensure an engaging & memorable experience. Signature tours include: West Coast Foodie; Weekend Getaway; Wine & Chocolate by Bike.
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