Biking
Family biking in grasslands (Picture BC photo)
Biking, especially mountain biking, has become an increasingly popular sport in Terrace. A core group of riders have been building and maintaining trails in and around town for years.
The best part about riding in this region is the likelihood that bikers will have the trail all to themselves. Also, during the summer, daylight lasts sometimes until 10pm, so it's possible to ride late into the evening.
Where to Bike in Terrace
Both Terrace and nearby suburb Thornhill (on the east side of town, across the old bridge) have hundreds of small trails that loop and curve through its neighbourhoods and parks. Bikers could spend a whole day exploring both areas.
One popular cross-country biking route that's good for intermediate riders and, in some parts, kids, is the Pine Lakes loop. The trail circles through the bush around small, connected and isolated lakes. It's muddy and mostly flat, but is also narrow and technical. It takes approximately two hours to complete the loop.
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Another easily accessible place to ride is the very central Terrace Mountain with essentially two main routes. To ride from the top down, bikers must hike up, either pushing or carrying their bikes. The Terrace Mountain trails are advanced and best enjoyed by experts on single or dual suspension downhill bike.
Biking on Thornhill Mountain
Thornhill Mountain, about a 15-minute drive from downtown, is where freeriders and downhillers head for adrenaline-pumping rides. The mountain is criss-crossed with downhill single-track trails, loaded with jumps and structures, which should only be ridden by experts with single or dual suspension bikes.
To access the Thornhill Mountain trails, drive there then hike or shuttle. A four-by-four vehicle is necessary for shuttling.
The parking lot and trails are not marked so ask at the local bike shop for directions. Ideally someone from the shop will go too!
Bike Park
For fun and practice, check out the town's new bike park in a forested area off Tetrault Street in the south side of town opposite the hospital. The park challenges riders of all ages and abilities. The bike park has jumps, bridges, rails, teeter totters, pump tracks and a variety of other features.
Most mountain biking in the Terrace area is on single- and double-tracked dirt trails in naturally beautiful, forested areas. The city has many beginner and expert trails, but is somewhat lacking intermediate ones.
Practical Points
- Terrace has two bike shops, one targeted at women. Both stores are great sources of information and gear. During the summer, they each lead regular rides a couple nights a week.
- Riders are best off bringing their own bikes though the stores do rent them.
- Terrace's biking season usually lasts from May until early October.
- For safety reasons, especially because of the lack of activity on many trails, riders should always go in groups.
- For a list and description of biking trails around Terrace, stop in at the Visitor Centre or go to the city's Kermodei Tourism website.
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