In the summer I spend a lot of time on the road traveling to different mountain bike events coaching and running my ride camps. It is a rare treat for me when I am home on a summer afternoon with nothing scheduled. When this happens I make sure to have a memorable ride planned with my friends.

I have two favourite rides in Squamish. One is super technical and challenging and the other is incredibly scenic and beautiful.

If I am craving a technical ride I will take my Marin Quake, which is a 6.5” travel bike up to the top of Debecks hill, near Alice Lake and ride Rigs and Zen. This is a technical trail that follows the ridgeline down to the edge of the highway below the Garibaldi Highlands.

The climb to the top is steep and difficult as you have to navigate an old washed out fire road. Access to the climb is through the far end of the Alice Lake parking lot or a left once you get to the top of Jack’s Trail. Expect to earn your turns on this ride. Once at the top (30 minutes - one hour depending on your fitness), you will be rewarded with amazing views of the Squamish Valley.

Dropping in on this trail is steep - for expert riders only. I love this trail because is has great view points, it challenges me the whole way down and the trail has so much flow once you know the lines. There are log rides, steep shoots, nasty rock faces and baby head boulders. It is a challenge from start to finish and I always finish this ride feeling exhilarated.

If I am feeling more up to a scenic ride, I will ride my Marin Mt. Vision, which is a 5” travel XC bike up to the Elfin Lakes area. This is an easy ride technically, but you are rewarded with some of the most scenic riding in Sea to Sky country. To access this ride, drive to the top of Mamquam road and park in the top parking lot. This is a BC Park so be prepared to pay a couple of bucks for the parking.

After a day like this I like to chill out by the river and play with my dog or relax at the Watershed Grill or Brakendale Bistro.

Ahhh, a perfect day of riding and relaxing on a Squamish weekend in summer.