Biking

Kamloops is renowned for its diverse terrain, semi-arid climate, and extensive trail networks, making it a mountain biker's paradise. The landscape, shaped by ancient lava flows and volcanic debris, offers a variety of trails suitable for all skill levels. The city's reputation as the birthplace of freeride mountain biking attracts enthusiasts from around the world.

Kamloops boasts over 270 bike trails, each offering unique experiences. Some notable trails include:

Kamloops Bike Ranch: As Canada's largest municipal bike park, it features professionally crafted jump lines and progressive trails suitable for various skill levels.

Pineview Valley: Offers a mix of cross-country and downhill trails, catering to intermediate riders.

Kenna Cartwright Park: Known for its scenic cross-country trails, it's ideal for beginners and families.

The Kamloops Bike Ranch is Canada's largest municipal bike park, established in 2005. It offers a variety of trails, including professionally crafted jump lines and pump tracks suitable for all skill levels. In July 2024, the park introduced the Kamloops All Wheels Pump Track Facility, featuring three new pump tracks designed for beginners, intermediates, and advanced riders.

Yes, guided tours are available from Kamloops Bike Tours. They offer guided off-road tours across various trails, including Harper Mountain, Pineview, Kenna Cartwright Park, and the Kamloops Bike Ranch. They cater to different experience levels and provide insights into the local biking scene.

Several organizations are dedicated to maintaining and supporting Kamloops' biking trails:

Kamloops Bike Riders Association (KBRA): Focuses on trail maintenance and development in areas like Pineview and Harper Mountain.

Kamloops Mountain Bike Trail Association (KMBTA): Manages trails in the Kamloops Bike Ranch and other areas, ensuring they remain in top condition for riders.

Wear Appropriate Gear: Always wear a helmet and consider additional protective gear like gloves and knee pads.

Stay Hydrated: Carry sufficient water, especially during the hot summer months.

Trail Etiquette: Yield to hikers and uphill riders, and be aware of local wildlife.

Check Trail Conditions: Before heading out, verify trail conditions through local biking associations or trail apps.

District Bicycle Co.: Offers a range of mountain bikes for rent, along with expert repair services and custom bike builds. Known for carrying top brands like Santa Cruz and Chromag.

Norkam Lock and Cycle: Provides bike rentals, sales, and professional tune-ups. A great option for riders looking for dependable service and a knowledgeable team.

Spoke N’ Motion: A full-service bike shop offering repairs, new and used bike sales, and accessories. They carry a selection of bikes for all skill levels, from road bikes to downhill models.

Riverside E-Ride: Specializes in electric bike sales and rentals. A great choice for those looking to explore Kamloops with pedal-assist convenience.

Yes, Kamloops hosts several biking events:

River Beaver Classic: An annual mountain biking festival held in April, featuring multiple events over a weekend, with proceeds supporting local trail maintenance.

Brewloops: A non-profit festival celebrating local culture with beer, food, and bike events through block parties on The Shore and Downtown.

Yes, Kamloops' semi-arid climate allows for year-round biking, including winter months. Fat biking, which utilizes mountain bikes with wide tires designed for low ground pressure on soft terrains like snow, is particularly popular. Local trails such as Isobel Lake and Kenna Cartwright Park are suitable for winter biking. Isobel Lake offers over 30 km of machine-groomed singletrack trails, while Kenna Cartwright Park provides approximately 40 km of natural trails. Local shops like District Bicycle Co. and Spoke N' Motion offer fat bike rentals starting at $50 per day.

Comprehensive trail maps and information are available through several resources:

Trailforks: An online platform offering detailed maps, trail conditions, and user reviews for trails in Kamloops.

Tourism Kamloops: Provides downloadable trail maps and guides, as well as information on various biking areas and amenities.

Local Bike Shops: Shops like District Bicycle Co. and Spoke N' Motion often have physical maps and can offer valuable insights into current trail conditions and recommendations.

Yes, Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on many trails in Kamloops. For instance, the Harper Mountain Bike Recreation Site allows Class 1 e-bikes. However, it's essential to check specific trail regulations before riding, as policies can vary between different trail networks.