I was in SoCal for 15 years and I am currently in Co Springs so I have been spoiled for ADV riding.... how is the riding in the Vancouver area? On par or better? Any opinions are appreciated cuz the quality of riding is one of the most important factors in a relocation for me....
Hi there. We are close to a bunch of good rides here either towards Whistler or into the interior. Another advantage of Vancouver is we are friendly! Dont ask about our house prices here you might think twice...
Epic ADV and Dual Sport - mountains, elevations, forests, high-speed gravel - single track too but not as much as the other stuff.
We have all of the above. This is mountain country seriously great riding in reach of Vancouver. I am surprised not more have chimed in. (I ride an Africa Twin with knobblies)
Any opinions are appreciated cuz the quality of riding is one of the most important factors in a relocation for me....[/QUOTE] You will be all good for ADV day rides for a couple years out of Vancouver then you will need to do overniters for new ground. Dualsport single track on the coast is steep and gnarly a couple hundred kms east and you will find more flowing trails. The forest service roads here are not as maintained as were your coming from heavy rainfall makes for washout and potholes being part of most rides on the coast.
you can be on your own back there, quite often. literally thousands of km's of logging roads, with off-shoots, within a day's ride. Vancouver island 1.5 hrs away. another 10000 k's of logging roads, etc. lotsa free fsr campsites, as well, if so inclined. usually in glorious locations. being close to the water - too much heat is not usually an issue. - you may require proper rain gear.
BC is the Mecca of riding, on or off road. Biggest downside is the weather. Some of the best does require a couple hrs ride from Vancouver, depends what type of riding moves you.
As has been stated, lots of variety. If you head north, Squamish has some great areas - the ride to Indian Arm has most if not all of what you're after, as an example. East has lots of opportunities - I've had lots of fun down in the Chilliwack area, but more recently, I'm keener on the mountains and lakes around Harrison Lake, Lilooet Lake, and Chehalis Lake areas. Maybe paradoxically, but another area to consider if you've got a few days in WA; riding in the Wenatchee area is fantastic - high and dry, like some of the terrain you may have had back in CA. And it's fairly close. Leavenworth is a great little town to put in for some Bavarian pretzels and a quick drink. If you end up here, pipe up and there'll be lots of us in the region who can show around.
I like the way you do business Jackie. BC = epic, endless, diversity with trails of every type, and to echo what others have already said - we're a friendly lot that loves sharing the trails.