A few word about Mountain Bike Vancouver Island second addition by the author
After producing the first Mountain Bike Vancouver Island book, I had planned to do a separate book of the areas that had been missed in the first run. Before I was able to compile this second book the first book sold out of its 800 copies and stores were asking for more. As I was going to update the trail maps and information in the first book, it seemed to make more sense to combine the two books thereby giving the reader more value.
Book fits nicely into a hydration pack
I have worked hard to improve the content by soliciting feed back and studying other guide books. I have added things like GPS reference marks on the maps (as many riders are now equipped with a GPS’), distance guides, loop time estimates, trail ratings, area history and local information, local group rides and trail days. I was fortunate to receive guest articles written by local mountain bikers or experts in their fields. Some examples include, previous SIMBS president Lorien Arnold writing a piece on mountain bike advocacy in the area over the last decade. SIMBS trail guru Chris Oman wrote two great pieces; Dressing for West Coast riding and Night riding. Local legend Kris Holm also contributed a small article with an awesome accompanying photo. Others include; Riding with dogs, Mountain bike camping, Trees of the Island, Riding with bears and what to do when you encounter horses on the trail.
Plenty of room
Revisiting all of the 12 locations in the first book I have mapped changes, adding more trails as well as combed 15 new locations. The result is the combination of a very comprehensive book of 60 detailed turn by turn rides, in each of the 27 locations on the Island as well as the Gulf Islands. The new book also includes a trail index of the over 600 mountain bike trails covered in the book. Along with the original areas in the first book; Broom Hill, Harbourview, Hartland Rd., Partridge Hill,Burnt Bridge, mt. Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain, Doumont, Port Alberni, Cumberland, Campbell River and Gold River are also included. The following new areas have been added; Terra Nova, Shawnigan Lake Quarry, Cobble Hill, Mt. Prevost, Salt Spring Island, The Abyss and Extension, Mt. Benson, Top Bridge Park, Qualicum Beach Middle School, Hammerfest, Sproat Lake, Forbidden Plateau, Hornby Island, Beaver Lodge and Quadra Island. I have also made an extra effort to include as many trails as possible in each area with more detail about wooden structures and signage.
Inside the book
This second book still has the same general look and feel as the first. While this book is larger and in fact has three times the content of the first, it is not too thick to fit in your pack. I have been able to keep the physical size down by reformatting the pages, using columns and a smaller font. The maps have also been revamped with softer color gradients to create less confusion and for easier reading.
Front cover of the book
It is my intent that everyone find the new guide book helpful and interesting. I welcome suggestions and feedback! Please feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or suggestions.