Penticton is a cycle-friendly city with scenic paths for easy rides, mountain trails for more extreme thrills and road courses tailor-made for triathletes in training.
The Okanagan River Channel connects Okanagan Lake with Skaha Lake. A mostly paved pathway provides a level 8km/5mi (one-way) ride along the raised bank. During summer, check out the people gliding by on inner tubes and rafts as they "float the channel."
The KVR Trail, which is part of the Trans-Canada trail, is the best-known bike touring area near Penticton. Gentle two per cent grades on the former Kettle Valley Railway line make it an easy ride for everybody from Granny to tots with training wheels. The section from Chute Lake above Naramata to Penticton is extremely popular since it's all downhill with terrific views of Okanagan Lake, orchards and the vineyards of the Naramata Bench wineries. Several companies offer tours along this stretch or shuttle service to Chute Lake for riders with their own bikes.
From Penticton, ride the west side of Okanagan Lake to Summerland. Here the KVR Trail tops spectacular clay cliffs, with more wonderful lake views, and crosses the historic Trout Creek trestle bridge before veering westward among the orchards of Prairie Valley.
Road Race Training
Cyclists training for grand prix, triathlon and iron man races are a regular sight around Penticton. Naramata Road, which runs northeast above the shoreline of Okanagan Lake - and Eastside Road, which follows the contours of Skaha Lake between Penticton and Okanagan Falls, are ideal for working on speed and endurance.
Three Blind Mice Trails
Riders looking for more extreme action with steep climbs, straight down runs, jumps and stunts, check out the 121ha/300ac Three Blind Mice trail system. Located northeast of Penticton, partially within the city limits - this area boasts 11 named trails on three main routes with lots of sub-trail options. Keep an eye on direction, with so many trails, it's easy to get turned around. Maps are available at local bike shops.
Peat Bog
Intermediate riders looking to improve their skills can find lots of air, skinnies and speed at Peat Bog. The complex network of intersecting freeride downhill trails includes some rocky sections and a vertical drop of 1219m/4000ft.
Rock Oven
The loop trail to Rock Oven demands some steep climbs on the last 152m/500ft to the summit on a single track marked by rock cairns. Take time for the views over Skaha Lake and Penticton before tackling the nearly continuous drops, turns and steep rock of the downhill.
Campbell Mountain
Cross-country riders check out Campbell Mountain, northeast of downtown Penticton. From the trailhead on Reservoir Road, head for the two radio towers on the summit. There are lots of trail choices for the downhill run.
Staff at the Penticton Visitor Centre (on the corner of Elkhardt Avenue and Highway 97) can provide directions to popular bike paths and mountain biking areas along with information on tours and bike rentals.
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