It's not really clear whether winters in the Sea to Sky region are getting milder 鈥� and you might see that as better, if you're more enthusiastic about mountain bike riding than skiing鈥� but it definitely seems that there are more people on their bikes through the cold months of the year. During the cold, dry spell of January-February last winter, it seemed as though spring had arrived early, judging from the number of people on the trails at that time. It's no secret that a number of local mountain bike fanatics ski in the winter more out of necessity than desire, so when the winter is 鈥榖ad' (too mild), then of course they're going to take advantage of it.聽
This active attitude often motivates others and is something unique to a few select areas in North America. After spending a good couple weeks escaping the grasps of winter to ride bikes in California, this has been reaffirmed for me. The weather during this recent trip was perfect most days, yet there were only a few other people seen out on the trails. When the Sea to Sky region has the same weather, you are guaranteed to see a huge number of people enjoying it on their bikes. Heck, when its a full blown winter day, there are close to as many people on our trails.聽
Nevertheless, once November rolls around and we've spent some decent time in the depths of what is normally a miserable, wet autumn, many begin dreaming up trips south of the border to get more time on their bikes in nicer, drier weather. Trips commonly include California and Arizona, with some of the more adventurous heading down into Central America to ride and/or surf with a bit of culture thrown in for good measure. Come December, the departures become more frequent and continue right through to March; residents from Vancouver to Pemberton ditch the planks or wet weather gear to head south just like our feathered, squawking friends.聽
In the past, I typically escaped in the middle of the winter by heading to Cali for some February funshine. It was an attempt to break the winter up more evenly and reward myself for sticking with it for as long as I did. However, this draw and the opportunities have become so tantalizing that the itch needs to be scratched much earlier in the season. This sounds familiar for those who fly south for winter fun in the sun; like any addiction, the desire to experience new locations, meet new people and spend quality time with some old favourites is just too hard to deny.聽
I'm a big fan and advocate of Squamish. The loamy trails, the people, the feeling when the dirt flies off your shins as you whip through massive wooded forests in search of satisfaction 鈥� it's sick on a bike, even in the winter months, and having more fun people willing to ride is a bonus. Despite this, getting a break from the damp cold and slop for a couple weeks of drifting dusty corners and riding unknown terrain with a different group of friends are the ultimate ways to reinvigorate one鈥檚 enjoyment of riding and living in the moist corner of the globe that we call home. So now that the initial escape for this winter is complete, the question is, what is next and when?
