just a bit of snow this year

Update for Jan 16th, 2010

We’ve really had quite a different winter this year. Last year there had been snow on the ground in the higher Valley areas for upwards of a month and the local trails were mostly unrideable.

The recent pineapple express did a good job of clearing most snow under 800m with mostly rideable conditions on most Forbidden trails. Standing and flowing water on the trails is very common as the ground is saturated, but most trails should be clear of snow. Be cautious to minimize braiding on the trails making them wider than they need to be. We’d rather have you ride through and make a mud hole which can easily be repaired vs a wider section of trail.

For more info and discussions check out the Trail Conditions forum.

Find new copies of the map for sale at local bike shops shortly.

Minor updates include new trails on Forbidden Plateau, notations of recent logging and a few new trails in Cumberland.

Comox Valley Mountain Biking

Come out to the Comox Valley mountain bike trails and enjoy what this time of year has to offer. The Valley boasts some of the most varied on Vancouver Island, with XC, DH, Shuttle Runs and Lift accessed riding.

Check out local hot spots such as Forbidden Plateau, Cumberland and Hornby Island. Bring your friends and stay at The Riding Fool Hostel. Check out some great pub food and live entertainment at the historic Waverley Hotel and in the summer check out the lift accessed riding at Mount Washington Alpine Resort.

Be sure to bring your friends, a selection of bikes, spend the weekend and have some fun.

As a refresher, I’ve added the following information to help you understand interactions with Cougars.

If you live in or near cougar habitat:

1. Keep pets indoors or in secure kennels at night, and never leave pet food or food scraps outside.
2. Bring farm animals into enclosed sheds or barns at night.
3. Closely supervise children playing outdoors, and make sure they are indoors by dusk, when cougars are more active.
4. Light walkways and remove heavy vegetation or landscaping near the house.
5. Store garbage in secure containers so odors do not attract small animals or other wildlife. Remember, predators follow prey.

While recreating in cougar habitat, you should:

1. Hike in small groups and make enough noise to avoid surprising a cougar.
2. Keep your camp clean and store food and garbage in double plastic bags.
3. Keep small children close to the group, preferably in plain sight just ahead of you.
4. Do not approach dead animals, especially deer or elk; they could have been cougar prey left for a later meal.

If you encounter a cougar:

1. Stop, stand tall and don’t run. Pick up small children. Don’t run. A cougar’s instinct is to chase.
2. Do not approach the animal, especially if it is near a kill or with kittens.
3. Try to appear larger than the cougar. Never take your eyes off the animal or turn your back. Do not crouch down or try to hide.
4. If the animal displays aggressive behavior, shout, wave your arms and throw rocks. The idea is to convince the cougar that you are not prey, but a potential danger.
5. If the cougar attacks, fight back aggressively and try to stay on your feet. Cougars have been driven away by people who have fought back.

Additionally if you see cougars again, please contact the authorities with information on time and location, as they may need to be moved to a new location further from people.