Untitled from Ken Perras on Vimeo.

The Queen's City

Not really what we wanted to hear, but somewhat what we expected after driving into town. Nelson BC is located at the tip of Kootenay Lake and is flanked on both sides by steep hills and mountains. The streets remind one of the view in San Francisco, but the upper reaches of the streets merge into more forest rather than the sky above. Historically termed the “Queen’s City” Nelson is blessed with many very beautiful heritage buildings and homes, grand oak trees and great views. What it doesn’t boast is easy fireroad climbs to cross country trails. Bring your DH bike!

So first project was to get some food before the one small section of XC riding that was offered to us. Even on these steep hillsides, rail grades and logging roads crisscross the land. Our ride was to take in part of Mountain Station. Just at the southeast corner of town.

Roots Rocks Rhythm

The one thing that Nelson does have is one of the most complete guide books for trails you will find anywhere. The book costs $15 but will give you all the information on the various riding locations around Nelson. From Powerslave, 49er, Baldface and many more.

What is not really easy to discern is how these trails compare to other regions of BC or for that matter the rest of the world.

The Nelson Cycling Club offers this preview of the areas and technical challenges.

“Here, deep in the Selkirk Mountains, the trails flow over a huge granite base. Spruce and fir stands thrive up high, while trails in the valleys cross through cedar, hemlock, and ponderosa pine forests. The heavily incised drainages provide the ultimate zone for Nelson’s trails to evolve. Due to the harsh topography of the area, riding is almost completely a downhill/freeride affair. Long travel forks and disc brakes on hardtails and full squish bikes are normal gear here. Riders get decked out in body armour and full-face helmets to survive the nastiness. But don’t be alarmed – every area possesses easier ways down. There are some fun cross country routes, but most people who come to ride get the biggest smiles from riding the downhill trails. Chocked full of steeps, roots, rock slabs, bridges, and airs, the singletrack here is the epitome of trail riding in the woods.

Trail Difficulties

(G) Beginner to Intermediate – Mostly mellow, fast downhills with the odd steep bit and some cross-country riding.

(B) Intermediate to Advanced – Good technical singletrack, with the some steeps and stunts too.

(BLK) Advanced to Expert – Long steeps, high bridges, gnarly rock rolls and big airs.

The Riding Areas

Nelson has many riding areas up for offer. The Mountain Station trails are closest to town, starting in the uphill neighbourhood and funneling down to the old BNR rail bed. The North Shore of Kootenay Lake’s West Arm is home to sweet single track and long, steep slickrock. Across the lake (on the Nelson side) trails in the Svaboda area pass through the West Arm Wilderness Park. Giveout Creek / Blewett is home to long vert, with a trail network that drops from the ridge line to the river.”

some flowing xc trails

As you can see, we might have been under serviced by our XC steeds and next time – armour, full face helmets and dh bikes will accompany our travels to this part of the province!

So we did our best to check out a few shorter trails in Nelson and headed up from the parking lot at the top of town. No warm up is permitted as the trail of course climbs right out of the gate. We headed up past the reservoir and met up with a crew of flat pedaled, dh huffing, armoured riders who were on their way up top. They looked at our bikes, but learning we were from the island knew we’d be fine. After 30 minutes of climbing they directed us onto Espresso which was a fun flowing and smooth trail.

Colin on 9 point

Along the trail we ran by a few other trails including Legalize it and kept running into interesting rock circles.

9 Point was our destination and it was as if the trail continued to become steeper as it worked it’s way to the rail line which perimeters the lower portion of this parklike area.

As a great example of what you find in Nelson, the trail was dotted with slabs of granite mixed with a few roots and some fallen trees ramped up to create some small to medium (1-2ft) drops. It is very similar to trails on Vancouver’s North Shore.

Had I been on my trusty DH bike and sporting a bit more padding the trail would have flowed beautifully, but for this day the Rockhopper and it’s 4 inch travel fork was overwhelmed and we slowly but safely worked our way down the trail.

We finished up our ride with a spin back on the rail line and then headed to town for a great meal. A few hours later we were off to our next stop and are already planning the next trip.

Two things that Nelson has in spades, great dh riding and great food!

Notables

• Signage was good but definitely grab a copy of the “Roots Rocks Rhythm” trail guide from the bike shops in town.
• Dining options in Nelson are very good
• Bring your DH bike trails here go up and then straight down!
• Camping available at Kootenay Creek Campground and the Nelson Municipal campground, although staying at one of the hotels or bike friendly locations in town might be preferred.

411

Nelson is located on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. The nearest major airport is 40km away in Castlegar.

Driving times:

• Vancouver to Nelson approx 8 hrs
• Revelstoke to Nelson approx 4:30 hrs
• Calgary to Nelson approx 7:30 hrs
• Nelson to Fernie approx 4 hrs
• Nelson to Rossland approx 1:15 hrs

Don’t miss

• Great local eateries
• Heritage buildings
• Oson Negro Coffee
• Nelson Brewing beer
• Ainsworth Hot Springs

Contact Info

• The Sacred Ride
• Gericks Cycles