Bear Creek Off Road Riding Area Kelowna BC

[tomcycle]

July 2011

Stitting on the BoD and President of BCORMA (http://www.bcorma.ca) I get a lot of information on what is happening around BC, most of it is not good. Today its good news and its about the Bear Creek Riding area. I have been invited several times to check the area out and always have something on the go. I got invited up again and thought I better co check this area out while I have the chance.

http://www.okanagantrailriders.com/images/sweco_small.jpg

Bear Creek has quite a history that stretches more than 40 years back. The Area Stewards are the Okanagon Trail Riders Association (http://www.okanagantrailriders.com/index.htm) As you can see by the photo above they have been doing a lot of work. I hear lots of complaints about how the Government does nothing for us, well thats not true, its more like they could do a lot more. I dont have the fugures in front of m but I believe they have invested some 1.5 million in the last 4 years. This funding did not happen because the Govenment wanted it to happen, it was the members of the OTRA (http://www.okanagantrailriders.com/index.htm) that saw their riding area threatend with closure, it was through the efforts of BCORMA (http://www.bcorma.ca) and in my opinion the voice of Bear Creek has been Terry Burke.
[/URL]http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/medium/1SDC11162.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21655&size=big&sort=1&cat=500)
The first thing you will notice on your way to Bear Creek is you will know where you are going. The area is very well signed. I know a lot of you just want that in the bush by yourself experiance, but many are a little affraid of what they dont know and this is a safe fun way to enjoy the riding experiance.
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11165-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21654&size=big&sort=1&cat=500)[URL]http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/medium/1SDC11165.JPG
5977Strict enforcment of the rules and they are posted so if you enter the area you will know the rules. I know a lot of you out there dont like rules, there are lots of places out there for you, just not here. Compliance of the rules was very good, seems that everyone understood why the rules were in place and actually supported them. I found with the noise enforcement that there was not one annoying (http://youtu.be/-DHxfgdSJYc) bike, I look forward to camping here for a weekend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNnRGtVkr6E&feature=player_detailpage

Back to Bear Creek

I really wanted to see how the OTRA had did there signage so I could take that information back for the Tamihi Church project. Again very impressed
Below is a trail that they said could not be done, watershed creek, cattle grazing, unstable slope, the list goes on, they (the nay sayers) had all the excuses to close this trail, and certainly did not want a new sustanable trail built in its place. The OTRA endured and kept on hammering to have this trail rebuilt to have access to a big portion of their riding area. Huge amount of work and dollars got put into this trail, your dollars by the way. This is like a ride thru Stanley Park
Below is the enterance just past the Aspen Staging Area, they have the signs but I found that most dirt bikers once they put there helmet on somehow forget how to read, not all of them but enough to still create some problems.
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11172-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21678&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Check out the singage to warn of the road crossing. Safety plays a big part with the Government and besides who thinks crossing a road at 50kmh from a trail is a good idea?
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11169-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21656&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Not even a stop sign, just a yeild sign......perfect, everyone knows what yeild means.........?
Direction sign on the other side of the road to let you know what trail and difficulty.
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11170-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21672&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

directional sign at trail entrance, not the rock, keep the signs from hurting anyone
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11171-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21677&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

The bridge, I have reported on this bridge in the past, its now grown in and its a thing of beauty, after all the battles and road blocks everyone seems to be happy with the results, while it was raining in Vancouver this is what I had to put up with
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11173-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21674&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

out the other side and into the riding area. Note the snow fence, thats to stop the hill climbing, this was just intalled. The slope behind the fence is visable from Kelowna, its been scared by dirt bikes for years, now the OTRA has closed the slope and reabilitating the damage. Its going to take a few years but Im sure they will succeed, if the support for this area does not run out.
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11175-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21666&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

This is a old grade that is an entrance to a single track trail, you will notice a no quads sign. There are lots of quad trails here and this particular grade is a dead end for the quads. First Nations still wanted access to the grade so this is the solution. Again everyone is happy, nothing in there for the quads so they dont want to enter and the First Nations and Hunters still have access, they just move the barriers.

Solution could not have been simpler
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11177-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21667&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Another sign, it does not show this well but what OTRA has done here is to offer the quads and alternative route to the single track
I did not see many quads on the trails on my visit, but the motorcycle trails were clear of any quad damage, so the agreement must be working

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11176-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21668&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

[skidmark43]

The sign doesnt even have a BCORMA decal on it...

[Bora20]

This is cool. I assume that the small dozer is making quad tracks so they don't tumble down the hill.

[tomcycle]

This is cool. I assume that the small dozer is making quad tracks so they don't tumble down the hill.


working on posting some more on this area, this is a Sweco Trail Dozer, its cool and it make a really nice single track too

[Bora20]

Sounds like I need to get a hitch mounted carrier for my X3 and go visit the in-laws for some riding.

[tomcycle]

This is still under construction, but things are shaping up nicely

The Kiosk, its a little more that what I think is needed but its really nice and there is nothing wrong with nice. Its not finished yet and its suppose to look like a bear paw
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11167-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21653&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Trail Entrance just to the right of the Kiosk
Trail information sign is plain old coroplats and you will notice to the right is a box and its full of trail maps
All easy trails here perfect for beginners to novice and beyond all close to the staging area and campground
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11168-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21657&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

And just to the right of the trail entrace is the.............
Not for yahoos
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11166-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21658&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Turn around and this is what the staging area parking lot looks like
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11179-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21669&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Kiddie area and trailhead in the background
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11178-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21670&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11181-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21671&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

The dreaded Tech Check
96db and spark arresters strictly enforced, to date compliance has not been an issue. Everyone is buying into the program, if it means keeping the riding area they are for it
A side note, I found the whole morning I spent in the staging area very nice, little noise and not pit racing, how come we cant do this here? This is a place you can take your whole family and really enjoy your time there.
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11180-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21673&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

The campground
Only about 5 spots for now but with more funding more can be built, nice level pull thrus big site, no water or power (yet) I think they have room for 50 sites

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11182-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21675&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

[Bora20]

Is it free Tom?

[vexorg]

I go up to visit my parents in Kelowna fairly often in the summer and have ridden Bear Creek riding area a few times. It just gets better and better. It's free to ride there, but they expect you to have a trail pass. Haven't been to Bear Creek this year, but last year they were checking for it and saying that it would be mandatory in the future.

[tomcycle]

I go up to visit my parents in Kelowna fairly often in the summer and have ridden Bear Creek riding area a few times. It just gets better and better. It's free to ride there, but they expect you to have a trail pass. Haven't been to Bear Creek this year, but last year they were checking for it and saying that it would be mandatory in the future.

IS IT FREE?

The Government and OTRA wants to have user fees, what if free anyhow? You have heard the old saying "you get what you pay for" User fees will never pay for this area but if you are will to pay to use the area that proves to the people who fund this that the users are willing to do their part. For you non government types, who hate everything that government does (you probably hate the idea of spark arresters and beleive loud pipes saves lives) Bear Creek is what we call a "Managed Riding Area", Fees would only apply for these kind of riding areas, for now this is the only one. BCORMA,OTRA and others are discussing if and how user fees should be brought in. When that happens I will post on the DSBC site.

When the campsite is finished it will be like other goverment sites and I think thats about 13.00 per night

For now they are talking about a Day Pass, Week Pass and a Year Pass. BCORMA wants the year pass to be the BCORMA Trail Pass, some issues to work out with that but it looks like its going that way.

[caesarleigh]

Tom,Thanks for the pix & report,looks like a nice job that has been done so far. Not sure how well the "No Quads" sign & barricade will work in the future. Just seems to invite major poaching where I ride.

Here is my question: Isn't the future (next year?) ORV registration $ going to directly fund areas such as this as well as the necessary policing/regulating/red tape that will be required?

[tomcycle]

Tom,Thanks for the pix & report,looks like a nice job that has been done so far. Not sure how well the "No Quads" sign & barricade will work in the future. Just seems to invite major poaching where I ride.

Here is my question: Isn't the future (next year?) ORV registration $ going to directly fund areas such as this as well as the necessary policing/regulating/red tape that will be required?

Absolutly NO

You know the story, Its revenue neutral.

BCORMA is trying to get something like what the hunters have but we have been told no money from registration will go to ORV.



The "NO Quads" is actually been not problem, what you might have missed the sign directs the quads to there own trail(s) If you give quads the option they would rather ride their own trail than destroy a MC trail. I saw no quad damage on any of the MC trails.

T

[cactusreid]

Sweco Trail Dozer, its cool and it make a really nice single track too

i'm sorry,i'm a offroad rider as well as a dualsporter rider. single track trails trails are NOT built by a tracked machine!

[Bora20]

That's right Reid, they are built by deer and followed by MADMEN!

[tomcycle]

Sweco Trail Dozer, its cool and it make a really nice single track too

i'm sorry,i'm a offroad rider as well as a dualsporter rider. single track trails trails are NOT built by a tracked machine!

Im sorry too, these trails were not built for you, there is no doubt that this kind of riding area is not for everyone. I have attended, put on many events and over the years that have been attended by thousands and I would say that about 10 percent of the riders will not like what Bear Creek has to offer, but thats OK. Bear Creek was not build for the top 10, it was built for the other 90 percent of the riders, of which include kids and they are the future of our sport. Too many of you hard core guys have forgotten how you started.

I dont beleive that Darwins Theory of Natural Selection, is what most parents want when it comes to there only child learning how to ride a dirt bike, or motorcycle. Bear Creek offers a Safe and Fun place for Kids and their Parents.

I sorry I cant remember the name of the guy we rode part of Saturday with, but he was there with his son and buddy. We ran into them on the trail, they were having a great time. When we got back to camp later we talked about the area, his son loved the area, couldnt wait to get back out on the trail again. Bear Creek was an area that he could ride out 20kms with his son and he had a good time too. Turns out he was from Maple Ridge, takes his son up Blue Mountain. When he takes his son up Blue Mountain he has to bribe him, after 30 minutes his son always want to go home, he just was not having fun falling down and his old man picking up the bike. the trails on Blue Mountain are great single track but just too hard to learn on. After 4 weekend at Bear Creek his son has improved 10 fold and loves riding, no more bribes, and the Mother is happy too. I would have to say Bear Creek is a win win. Off Road riding will have a stoked advocate in a couple of years.

Bear Creek is not the future for all riding areas for all riders, its just an example of what can be done. So Reid dont worry we're not coming to a trail near you with a dozer.

Speaking of kids, I also was at Bear Creek for Mike Feterers (BCORMA) off road riding school for kids

Reid Bring back memories of you when you had your first little orange bike? Just about catching some air time, leading the pack (or so far behind you think your first?) It was fun, right?
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11188-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21685&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)
Oh I forgot KTM didnt make little bikes in those days, anyhow kids where having a great time
No this is not a race this is school, no parents allowed

Next post on the BCORMA riding school

T

[tomcycle]

My previous post I talked a little about the riding school. After riding all day Saturday I attended the OTRA BCORMA Riding School, Mike Fetterer is the driving force behind this initiative and he is doing a bang up job. (looking to bring him to the mainland in September for a day or two for little and big kids)

Parents cant move fast enough for their kids to get on the course and start learning to ride
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11183-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21689&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

All the kids given the rules before they start their bike
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11184-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21687&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Most kids here had no formal riding experiance
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11185-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21686&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Bear Creek has two learner tracks, this one is what they used for the morning, you can see the whole track, the other is a single track that winds thru the trees, pretty cool

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11187-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21688&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

The small track is easy for the parents to see if their kids get into trouble
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11207-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21700&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC111931-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21695&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

It wasnt too long before the kids started to pick up the pace with their newly aquired skills
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11198-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21698&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

Kal Tire came up with their Lunch Trailer and provide everyone with hot dogs and pop corn, no charge.
http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11221-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21691&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

There was lots of crying and complaining about having to stop for lunch, kid did not want to stop for a break, after a little food and drink they were back on the track for a little free time before the afternoon classes

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11186-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21682&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11194-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21681&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

mastering the humps

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11192-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21679&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11190-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21684&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)
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Looks like some freindly competition

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11189-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21690&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11219-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21696&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11205-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21697&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11198-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21698&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

A fun time had by all

http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/data/500/1SDC11220-med.JPG (http://www.dualsportbc.com/photogallery/showphoto.php?photo=21692&size=big&sort=1&cat=all)

[franhoser]

Ive never been but ive suspected it for the beginner rider

I'll enjoy taking my kids there in the upcoming years.

[tomcycle]

Ive never been but ive suspected it for the beginner rider

I'll enjoy taking my kids there in the upcoming years.

Your right this area is great for new and newer riders, your kids will love it. Then there are the Black trails when you want to break out

[rz35027]

Places like this will boost the motorcycle community and provide a start for alot of people into the dirt bike world. The more people that use and support this area will prove a need for more areas the same... hopefully, all over the place.

A users fee and a little govt support... maybe in the future they'll even have showers(!)

This is a huge province, with lot's of room for offroad vehicles...( maybe less in the Lower Mainland...), the greenies should not be be allowed to shut it all down.