FVMBA

Dan — January 30, 2009 @ 7:04 pm

Ledgeview was very muddy today from the little bit of snow still melting and the warmer temperatures.

Steve — January 30, 2009 @ 9:20 pm

Probably softer when you hit the ground, though.

Doug — February 2, 2009 @ 8:18 am

Rode up Lazy Boy to Flintstones, Spawn of B-iash & Autobahn yesterday afternoon. Trails on the south side are in fairly good shape, though a little greasy.

Kudos to Matt on his bridge work along Lazy Boy. Way to strip that bark! And the skinnies are challenging, too. Also, a new jump!

Gary Harder — February 7, 2009 @ 10:06 am

Big Thank you to our newest memberships for 09
BG, KW & DM.

With no wages ever been paid out this money like all our cash raised go directly to our trails
direct action .
Thanks again.
Gary

Doug — February 16, 2009 @ 1:35 pm

I heard from some riders yesterday that Time Killer is free of snow, for the most part. Can anyone confirm this? What is the condition of the road to the gate? Is it free of snow? Thanks.

Steve — February 16, 2009 @ 4:43 pm

I was at the lookout just below the TK entrance on sunday. Snow all over the ground there. However - I did see bike tracks leading up toward TimeKiller

Gary Harder — February 18, 2009 @ 10:08 am

Newest member Jason Thiessen of Abbotsford,
Welcome to the club.
g

Wayne — February 18, 2009 @ 8:17 pm

Hello Doug,
Thanks for all the help with directions at Ledgeview this past Sunday. We would have been totaly lost.
Yes, Time Killer below the cabin was completely clear 3 weeks ago. Above the Cabin still had lots of snow but we have been up there 3 times since the snow last fell, so a path has been cleared. The road to the gate had no snow but was very icy last time up.

Doug — February 19, 2009 @ 8:22 am

Right on, Wayne! What a wicked day, eh? I was crazy enough to fight back up to the summit after I last seen you guys and rode XCelerator again. Then I went on to ride lower SOB to Le Bite Me Mike and finally the Lost Oakley. Awesome!

Drop me an email and I’ll send you some map info and maybe we can hook up again, duga@lycos.com. I ride Sumas (Big or Little) every weekend.

Jason T, if you see this, welcome to the group, man! Good to see you joined up! Let’s ride! Drop me a text message, I might go early Saturday, wife-willing!

wayne Aussem — February 22, 2009 @ 7:28 am

There were some (3) quads on Sumas yesterday morning. Only saw them on the road as we were heading back up . They slowed when they passed. I have the plate numbers if needed

Steve — February 22, 2009 @ 2:02 pm

Quads are ok, as long as they aren’t on the bike trails. This fall, some quads had been working their way up the new cut, doing some damage to the rebuilt TimeKiller. From what I understand, they appear to be making a trail toward Chadsey. It’d be nice to request they not do that.

cole — February 22, 2009 @ 8:55 pm

i was at ledgeveiw yesterday and we didnt come across any snow

guy — February 24, 2009 @ 11:37 pm

we were out on time killer yesterday, there’s still some snow (maybe a foot) on the trail from the top to the wood bridge (just before BBQ session). The rest down is all clear and surprisingly dry too. The road itself is good just a few patches of snow but not enough to stop me from driving grandpa’s car up to the 4k gate.

dwayne — February 26, 2009 @ 9:26 am

I guess all the questions about snow are irrelevant now, huh? Too bad, as Ledgeview was riding sweet all last week.

Gary Harder — February 28, 2009 @ 5:29 pm

Ledgeview has lots of snow,especially at the top (not really rideable), maples are down and a powersaw needs to do some work.
Seen a couple of XC boys pounding out a beat on tools of the trade and lazyboy,hardcore in this snow,but they seem to be having fun.
One track heading down xcellerator(crazyman obviously) still great view and the wind was howling. Winter in Abby.
g

Doug — March 2, 2009 @ 8:25 am

I guess I have always been obviously crazy, Gary! We thought XCelerator might have seen enough sun to melt most of it, but we were wrong. Some sections were fun despite the snow, however.

Much better on the second run, Lazy Boy to Flintstones and Autobahn. Thanks to the group ahead of us who pretty much ploughed the way!

Jason — March 5, 2009 @ 4:35 pm

Rode Paper Route, Lower Butt, Burminator and Flinstones today. The trails were in decent shape, but there was lots of branches and some new trees down from the recent winds. Cleaned up what I could.

Let’s hope the snow stays at bay. I wouldn’t want to do anything crazy like ride Xcellerator in the snow!

Dustin — March 15, 2009 @ 10:22 pm

Doug toke me up a few trail like flinstone, SOB, the Autobahn, and can’t remember the others. i was really impressed with these trails. my first time with anything like this. i had my hard tail Kona shred, it toke quit the beating, Doug had his Hard tail too, and looked like he was beat at the end.
The trails were really slick and hard to get goin’. not much snow. but i bet it’ll be gone soon, but what a day of weather though. rain snow and high winds at times.
Would really like to go again.
Thanx Doug
Dustin

Doug — March 17, 2009 @ 7:19 am

Right on, Dustin! What a day of weather it was on Sunday, we had it all. Trails are really in poor condition due to the frost heave and subsequent thaw, rain and snow.

Matt — April 6, 2009 @ 10:17 pm

This week the sun dried it right out at ledgeview! The road up is a bit wet but basically every trail is perfect, a bit tacky so you have tons of grip in the corners! Happy Trails everyone!

Doug — April 8, 2009 @ 10:15 am

Where is the snow line on Big Sumas? I’m hoping to ride there this weekend.

I assume Knob Gobbler is still under snow. What are the snow conditions at the gate? How is Holiday Sauce, Emma Peel, etc.? Noah Fear? Time Killer? Thanks.

Gary Harder — April 10, 2009 @ 3:34 pm

The K-man and I went and put in a big day of buffing today on EXtra Sauce,sweetness so much so I need to ride it bad.
At the start of Xtra sauce (the exit of Holiday sauce exits just above onto the road) is snow.
We cleared some deadfall there ,but right away it’s dry. While the east side of Sumas is XC ,I would still ride it with my big bike and enjoy it. Like a BMX track on steriods this section rocks!
Above is still snow but soon it will be gone.
XtraSauce to the prepeel to Emma Peel is great conditions.
Some of the tighness of Xtra sauce ,has been opened up enough so that ,those who have the skill to rip,will be happy.
The Oakley ,is in sweet shape with a lot of riders hitting up the Pedal2DaMetal.
Makes for a great combo, the Ledge to Oakley back up .
Come drier weather the Taco can be added ( We call it “The Trilogy”)

Riders don’t forget to send in your membership molla, we need our riders to show support for all the work being done on your behalf.
GARY

Vicarro — April 11, 2009 @ 10:05 am

On behalf of the owners of the land aka Road Gap City (RGC) we can no longer allow/turn a blind eye to bikers on our property.

With the increasing popularity of RGC the number of users has exploded in the past few years, bringing increasing numbers of jumps and bikers. What used to be neighbours and friends we knew by name is now 50-60 people from all over the lower mainland every weekend. This brings increased traffic on the ranch, with associated problems, but more importantly increased liability. Our family had tried to work with the city in covering us for the bikers, but this isn’t possible until the McCallum road extension is put in (beneath the power lines) and the site can be patrolled and have ambulance access. We cannot accept liability for bikers on our property, and so must ask that you move elsewhere. Signs are posted at all major entrances and at the jump sets. We are working our way to removing all jumps - scary how inaccessible some are.

With very few exceptions, we’ve found that bikers are courteous and respectful - a great group of people spanning all ages. We rarely find garbage or alcohol near the jumps. This isn’t personal. We know that you also love this land, and our family plans to continue working with the city to donate the use of land for biking use once the McCallum road extension is in and they will cover liability. Please respect this and help keep our impression and association with the bikers positive.

Thanks

brandon — April 22, 2009 @ 8:53 am

want to build a new trail at ledgeview
who do i ask to do this?

Tom — April 23, 2009 @ 7:50 am

You would need permission from the landowner. The land on McKee peak (Ledgeview) is almost all private property, divided among several landowners. Some of the landowners object to the public accessing the current trails on their land.

SOB is on city of Abbotsford park land. In the past, the city gave us permission to reroute a section of the trail from private property onto park land. FVMBA is not responsible for any trail building and maintenance on Mckee peak.

The situation with the current trails is fragile. Some landowners have had to remove jumps because of valid liability concerns. Building any new, unauthorized trails will only make the situation worse, and could threaten existing trails.

There are lots of trails at Ledgeview that need maintenance. The area is getting a ton of riders, with not many people putting love back into the trails. Maybe this is something you’d like to help out with?

dogwalker — April 30, 2009 @ 6:14 pm

Hello,

Just a reminder that we all need to share the trails. I live in the area and walk my dog daily on the trails. Today I had a mountain biker threaten to sue me because I was on a “bike trail”.

Many people use this private land for recreation use and that includes people walking with their pets.

Also have seen many deer recently in the area so watch for them as well.

Please remember to share the trail.

Happy riding!

Jason — May 2, 2009 @ 10:44 pm

Thanks dogwalker. Whoever that was… was an idiot.

I hike the Ledgeview trails as often as I ride them, but I have to say —hikers beware! Hikers need to realise that they are on a mtb trail. We are going to go as fast as are balls will let us. I nearly ran over a lady walking her dog who must have been 10 months pregnant … and she looked at me like I was crazy! (I was going around a blind corner at the top of Berminator)

Gary Harder — May 3, 2009 @ 8:17 am

Thanks to fvmb’s newest paid member
Dwayne Friesen of Abbotsford.
To the huge numbers of riders on the trails,remember to support those who
are supporting you,keeping our trails mint .
Supplies,organizing trail days, insurance for volunteers and the trails,it all costs money.
Going to more meetings than can be imagined, talking to landowners, and woodlot owners,Gov’t
representatives like Motsca,Mof.
We all lead busy lifes,but putting down $20 for a membership or renewing yours,is like a boost for the few who do so much to keep out sport growing and safe.
It’s not too much to ask.
gary

Tom Mackesy — May 3, 2009 @ 8:38 pm

Dogwalker,

It’s highly unlikely that any mountain biker who would behave like that on a trail is an FVMBA member or frequents this website. It is always unfortunate when one idiot can spoil the image of responsible trail users.

It clarifies that we all need to remember that the every trail in the fraser valley is multi-use and bikers should ALWAYS be in control and yield to hikers. If you want to pin it and not worry about hikers/pets/horses, etc., there are only two places to do it…on a closed DH race course (during a race or practice) or a lift-accessed bike park.

Steve — May 8, 2009 @ 7:36 am

As copied form a posting on NSMB by “MattBC”.
“Anyone riding with a dog, keep an eye on them on the south side. I was swarmed by 3-4 coyotes the other day. One tries to lure out my dog and the others waiting in the bush. From half way up Lazyboy, all of Tools of the Trade and then up to the Ranch gate they continued to fallow us. The pack would run a half circle behind us while the smaller of the pack kept taking a run at my dog. I have a mid size lab mix and the smaller of them is bigger than my dog. At one point I was stopped, off my bike with a big stick, thinking I was going to have to fight the pack. They were within 20ft of me. They weren’t too interested in my nor were they afraid of me either. A little eerie how comfortable they are with bikers up there.”

This is not the first time Coyotes have taken a crack at dogs up there, I too had a run in a while back.

So - be careful up there.

Dwayne — May 11, 2009 @ 2:53 pm

Gary - thanks for the welcome. Yes, I put in my $20 for the membership, as I had long been feeling guilty about riding all our beautiful trails and doing nothing in return other than the occasional stop for trail maintenance.

As far as the comments regarding hikers vs. bikers: it should be noted that while a lot of the Ledgeview/McKee trails have been specifically built by bikers - for bikers, there are many trails on the mountain that were there long before anyone thought of putting two wheels to them. I remember hiking those trails with my parents back in the early 80’s, and there weren’t too many people hitting them with bikes back then.

However, I did meet some hikers while on SOB the other day. I slowed down to let them by, and they were extremely nice and made a comment about how nice the bike trails were to hike. So I think we can all get along great if we all just respect each other and take a few minutes out of our ride to slow down and yield to them.

Yikes! I’m starting to sound like a hippy.

Gary Harder — May 13, 2009 @ 8:50 am

Sumas XC trails— a good rule of thumb on Sumas is , all trails E. of the access road are XC.
(W.side freeridish –TimeKiller etc,,)
This year has seen lots of work , on the XC routes. The goal is to make it singletrack all the way down to the gate at the bottom.
XtraSauce/EmmaPeel have new sections, from the KnobGobbler at the top down, Sumas has a lot of midlevel ,bmxy windage with a couple of climbs thrown in. I still ride them with a bigbike,
it hurts and slows the pace down on the climb but really pays off on the downside.
A couple of new bridging to come lower levels ,which will be finished by summer.
Add some new signage and an agreement with Motsca , followed by tourismAbbotsford ,maps and you will have it,what we all have been worked for.
g

Dwayne — May 15, 2009 @ 12:50 pm

Has there been any discussion of a trail day for Sumas? Now that the snow is all gone, it seems like a good time to do it.

Tom — May 19, 2009 @ 7:03 pm

Yes…stay tuned!

Gary Harder — June 1, 2009 @ 4:39 pm

Rode Sumas today,
the K-man and I put in a new bridge on Emma Peel.
The new bridge will hopefully imbede the quads which have been trying to destroy the peel .
The really good part of this is , we climbed the peel and didn’t have to get off the bike.
The one section before the logging used to mean getting off and climbing over a big rock section.
Now it can all be climbed, sweetness..
Those who remember the Peel ,it’s a old school trail which used to have a couple of sections where you just had to get off and climb over,well no more.
The whole of the peel can be done nonstop and even with a heavier pigbike ,successfully completed. Look for the new section at the exit,(above the yellow gate) where you now ,climb up a couple of hundred feet and re-enter the trail.
Rode Red Sunday as well, all trails in the valley are mint!
Get off the couch , shut off the TV and ride.
g

Dwayne — June 6, 2009 @ 6:02 am

Rode Sumas yesterday (Friday). After a good climb up we had planned to do Timekiller, but this was thwarted due to the biggest black bear I’ve ever seen. It was meandering around the lower lookout, and as we backed away, it followed us all the way down to the upper gate. Beautiful bear, but you might want to keep a bit of a look out for it.

Peter — June 8, 2009 @ 8:10 am

Tis the season…I was heading up the Vicarro ranch road to McKee peak and also had to change direction because of a black bear up near the Flintstones drop in. It was eating salmonberries and wasn’t very interested in me or my dog but I was surprised to find one up there.

Doug — June 9, 2009 @ 7:13 am

I spotted a bear in the Vicarro Ranch area on Sunday. He was not full grown and was sniffing around the backyards of Wells Gray Ave.

Dan — June 14, 2009 @ 1:38 pm

I’m looking to ride Sumas with a couple friends tommorow, But none of us have been to Sumas since the TimeKiller reroute. Is it still the same entrance? Is the gate open? Or how long does it take to ride up? and lastly where is best place to leave the truck.
Thanks in advance.

Dan

Steve — June 14, 2009 @ 8:05 pm

Same entrance.

The lower gate is open, the upper gate is closed. From the upper gate it’s about 10-15 minutes ride uphill. From the lower gate it’s about 40-50 minutes if you’re riding a slightly heavier bike. Add another 5 or so from the TK exit.

Best to park just after the start of gravel. You can easily ride from the TK exit to there.

Dan — June 14, 2009 @ 9:01 pm

Thanks Steve.

Grant — June 25, 2009 @ 8:50 pm

I have never done sumas, actually just moved to the valley, i explored today in the car…was wondering, after the upper gate is it absolutely obvious where to drop in? Also, where does TK end? Like i say, never been but look forward to it.

Steve — June 26, 2009 @ 9:38 am

No - definitely not obvious. You’re best to ride with someone. If you want to email me direct, we can discuss possibility of a tour. I’m riding Saturday and so far I’m not sure where. email me at ride@fvmba.com

TK exits at the intersection of Brown and Bakstad roads.

Let me know what kind of trails you normally ride.

(ps - FVMBA membership is now available online via Karelo)

Dwayne — June 26, 2009 @ 6:14 pm

Bring bug repellant. Skeeters have been sucking up on Sumas. Literally.

Steve — June 27, 2009 @ 7:50 am

Sumas this morning 9:30…..

Roy — July 15, 2009 @ 12:51 pm

Nice work on the Sumas south side. I rode it top to bottom yesterday. The switchback section is very well done.

For the races at Red and Bear would it be possible to solicit for FVMBA memberships?
Even a handout with the race package would probably get some new members or at least some renewals.

Steve — July 15, 2009 @ 8:48 pm

That’s tentatively the plan. Need to make sure we’ve got someone to man the booth.

Doug — July 16, 2009 @ 8:32 am

Hey Steve, I will help out with a FVMBA booth to solicit memberships. Send me an email or give me a call on my cell, Gary has my number. Cheers!

Tom Mackesy — July 18, 2009 @ 9:54 pm

Almost all of the FVMBA directors will be busy at the race, either organizing it, helping out, or racing. Our resources are stretched pretty thin.

In my opinion, the biggest thing FVMBA needs is some new blood in the executive. I encourage you guys who are gung ho to help out to come out to the AGM this year (It’s usually in December or January) and volunteer for a position on the executive. If you need more info feel free to email me at tmackesy@shaw.ca

Gary Harder — July 24, 2009 @ 9:49 am

One more sleep to 13th annual Bear mtn challenge race.
Those who don’t want to race yet would like to be a part of the scene and experience the fun aspects ,volunteer!!
Volunteers are always needed and welcome come to millpond in Mission and signup, ask for Maria.
One nice thing about the racing is in trail preparation,
all the trails are put into great shape. Even trails not used in the race,like crazy8 on Red and Sumas’s trails. Lower mainland trails are rocking this year, from regular maintainance to redo’s.
New bridging,trailsy routes redone to reflect the changing bar size’s to the new ” god of flow”.

All users take note — NO FIRES at the cabin on sumas and extra caution on anything which could cause a fire..
The Bear DH race on this sunday is really family friendly with great locations to come out and watch as Dhers put it all on the line .
Steve Smith has owned the DH record ,but I believe it could and should fall,we shall see if this is the year .
Past record holders and winners on Bear mtn challenge
Andrew Shandro/ Leon May / Shaums March /Steve Smith/ Chile’s– Maurice Quintano/Jack Redding that’s who I remember.
Chime in on past winners if you know.
Always a good time Bear weekend july25/26 see you there.
Gary
bearmountainchallenge.com

Kirtus DeFehr — July 26, 2009 @ 7:27 pm

Pictures from the 2009 Bear Mountain DH !

I will soon have all the race day shots I took posted to My Flickr Page for everyone to check out. Drop me a line if you see a shot of yourself you like!

defehr2004@shaw.ca or 604-846-3223

Here is the link to the pictures

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kirtusdefehr/sets/72157621725462633/

Cheers

-kirtus

Darren Smale — July 27, 2009 @ 9:53 pm

I would like to give up some Beefs and Bouquets from this past weekends Bear Mountain Challenge Race.

First off I would like to thank all of the volunteers who dedicated not only their time on the weekend but also, all of their time organizing and planning (which was many hours I am sure) before the event happenned.

I can see the sport is still in it’s infancy and must be flexible to try and steadily increase the participation.

Having the School Bus for the riders and trailers for the bikes was an excellent method for shuttling.

But to get down to the core of the BEEF is this. The sport is for people who love to ride, not for people who love to stand in line. 1.5 to 2 hours between runs is not what turns riders cranks!

Now there were plenty of reasons for why the riders had to wait.
#1 by a long shot - The road was not wide enough.
- There were only two trucks with trailers.
- If a third truck and trailer were used, that would not have helped as there was only enough room for two trucks and trailers.
- Mistakenly at the start of the event someone thought a two wheel drive pick-up could do the job, however, luckily they found another person who had a 4 wheel drive or it would have been a disaster.

Now please know that there is a reason I am pointing this out. I don’t want to have my son talk me into taking him here again next year and the same thing happening.

Also, I am not writing this as some people might think looking for an excuse why my son didn’t have a better time. I could give a hoot about that. My son is a participant who loves to ride, he isn’t fast, so there are no podiums he is missing.

We drove in from out of town and got a total of 4 runs in including the Race. That is not acceptable. Yes we could of arrived earlier on Saturday to get 1 additional run in. 5 runs in 2 days still is not acceptable.

If you are going to host this event you must, must, must get the roadway improved by any means possible to improve your access to get riders up the hill.

If this does not happen, you must, must cap your total entries into your event at approx 100 - 125 people. It was clearly obvious that your venue cannot host 250 riders on a single weekend.

If you want to run it the same way next year and the road is not improved, at least put on your website that we should expect to wait 1.5 hours on average for a run. That way, if people come anyway, you can tell them that is what was going to happen, so shut up!

I am sure you had at least 100- 125 riders enter ahead of time. Make it first come, first served like Softball tournaments, Golf & Tennis tournaments. You cannot sign up that day to play in those types of tournaments because they do not want to have an event where hardly anybody gets to do the one thing they all want, that is to participate in the event.

I kept hearing reasons why the road was like it was, but the bottom line is - Get it fixed and improve the amount of time the rider can ride.

Please know as well there were lots of excellent things going on, there was a good concession, portable toilets, first aid attendants available on the course, a ribboned trail to a good section to actually be able to watch. An announcer on race day letting us know who was coming down the coarse and some good tunes to listen to while we were out there watching on Race Day.

I am very hopefull that the BEEFS will be taken care of and there will be nothing but bouquets in the future for your event.

I will not be coming back with my son to this event unless there is information posted on your website that the Roadway has been improved to increase access for more runs.
Please note that this is not a threat, just a fact. I am sure many others will be looking forward to next year and checking your website to see how you guys have everything worked out.

Good Luck, I hope you take the BEEF as constructively as I have meant it to be.

I want to see the event succeed.

Tom Mackesy — July 28, 2009 @ 5:05 am

FVMBA doesn’t run the race. FVMBA is a supporter of the race. Feel free to direct any inquiries or comments to me personally at tmackesy@shaw.ca.

Gary Harder — July 28, 2009 @ 7:26 am

The Bear race committee worked real hard to put it mildly,literally months of planning.
Bear at one time attracted a race high of 420 racers the year whistler opened.
We used one ton vans and crammed racers and bikes in,it was ugly.
Allowed riders to follow in pickups with riders in the back,the local police where not impressed .
Had a beer garden.
The back road up Bear has always been the weak link in the chain,we know it ,Mission District knows it. MD allows the Bear race to continue as they administer the area under a TFLicense.
If MD would put out some serious cash and widen the road and pave it wow,we would be very happy. In times of low money I can’t see it happening ,but it is noted .
It all boils down to expectations ,if rider count was restricted to 125 entry fee raised to say $100+ min. yes all those riders would get more preruns. The rich would run.
Would this help grow the sport,I don’t think so. Whats the answer,sure spend some big cash and fix that road. Who has that money,got me.
Riders crashing on the preruns and laying across the course also caused problems, but that’s life.
There are few if any people who want to take over running this race ,that almost died three years ago. Think back to races like Vedder classic,Penticton and lots of others,gone.
The BRC donates all and any money made to the FVMBA,not one of us takes a dime.
We actually spend our own money and don’t ask for it back.(some booked time off work,actually losing money)
If this was a business it would of been long gone. Volunteers are the backbone of any event and we have one of the hardest working co-ordinators around.
The toilets were kicked over and monday you know what was shoveled up to clean the site.
It sure would of been nice to see thank you’s instead .
Gary

Doug — July 28, 2009 @ 12:11 pm

I have a solution for Mr. Smale, see link below:

http://bb.nsmb.com/showthread.php?t=124925

Only a million bucks and he wouldn’t have to pedal at all!

PS. Sorry, I couldn’t resist!

PPS. HTFU! Whoops, sorry, I couldn’t resist that either

Todd — July 29, 2009 @ 2:45 pm

this note is for Darren Smale. From reading your letter you sound like the typical person who likes it all done just ’so’ for himself and if there is any inconvenience to yourself you will just bitch and hope someone takes care of you. You actually made me sick reading your letter. There were hundreds of volunteer hours before the race from the race committee just so your son and others could have a race to go to. I was the only member of the committee who actual races so that gives you an idea of the commitment made from all the others, including race day drivers, trailer builders, trail mtnce., legalities with city, concessions, vendors, radios, and on and on and on…….Cycling BC only requires you to do 2 “mandatory” runs. That does not include free shuttle service for you to train all day. Make the effort to come a week, month or whatever for a day on your own and hike and ride the trail like so many others. I do not think licensed riders chasing BC Cup points want us to “cap” our race just so your son can get more free rides in. He probably isn’t even a licensed rider. Or a member of any mountain bike association for that matter,that builds and maintains trails for all to use. We used our own vehicles. Talk to the city or Forestry if you would like a double paved road up the mountain. People too days off work to put a race on because they love the sport Yes there were people down on the course many times on Saturday, hurt, that required stops on the trail. TOO BAD, THAT COULD HAVE BEEN YOUR SON TO !!!! Unless yo are willing to put ANY time into helping or give us money to make your day at the races fluffier, SHUT YOUR HOLE !!!

Bruce — July 29, 2009 @ 9:26 pm

I just recently joined FVMBA. I am a weekend warrior who has had the benefit of enjoying the hard work that members of our organization put in to keep our trails in good shape and to advocate on behalf of mountainbikers. This website is a regular stop for me on my evening surfing sessions.
I have heard the passion in Gary’s voice at council meeting and in the written word and know that he speaks on behalf of all cyclists. I want to thank all of you for the hard work you put in.
It can be thankless job when someone can’t see the forest through the trees. I did not attend the race this weekend ,but as a mountainbiker who travels the province looking for epic rides I have heard other riders talk about what a great race we have in Mission. Finally, as a new member I plan to tell all of my riding buddies to join and maybe even kick in a hand on a trail day.

Keep up the good work

Kirtus DeFehr — July 30, 2009 @ 10:00 pm

haha I can’t believe I just read what I read!

Go Todd and Gary! Last time I checked, I can hike a bike that course in about 20min…that equals a lot of runs on Saturday, if I had to…..

Jon — July 31, 2009 @ 6:55 pm

I would like to thank all the people who volunteered to put the race on. Good job & thanks for your effort & time. We practiced during the week while the volunteers were working on the course and missing out on some great riding. Too bad you can’t make everyone happy! Thanks!

Steve — August 3, 2009 @ 10:30 pm

Not sure where the two-wheeled vehicle comment came from. it was 4WD all along - in planning and during the weekend.

Darren - last year, we had slightly fewer riders, but not my any significant number. I heard of guys getting in 6+ runs. One kid did eleven over the weekend. The main problem was not the road, but the number of times the course was closed for injuries.

You’ve got to be kidding regarding widening the road. Do you have any concept of costs for such things, or of the finances involved in the race? I’d expect we’d need about 20 years worth of race profits to pay for widening the road. And since race profits are intended to be donated to FVMBA to support the other trails in the region, pushing all profits into the road would kill the whole reason the race is held.

So, you’re not coming back next year.

OK. Bye.

I wonder if you were the ass-hat that bitched me out regarding the method we had in place that attempted to ensure all registered racers got in their mandatory 2 practice runs? “Me, Me, Me”

Doug — August 4, 2009 @ 7:25 am

And now back to the purpose of this thread, “Sumas & Ledgeview: Current Conditions”. Big Sumas, big mosquitoes! Trails are buff! It’s dry as a popcorn fart out there, so be extra vigilant.

Todd — August 4, 2009 @ 1:12 pm

yeah, what Steve said………………..

Rick — August 6, 2009 @ 9:37 am

Ledgeview was great last night super dry and a bit dusty (watch your corner lines)

Gary Harder — August 8, 2009 @ 9:44 am

Clayburn area
Soft TAco riders
The big bridge in the middle must have a bee’s nest beneath.

Don’t stop on the bridge,or as I have posted before Bee sting Therapy will follow.
When time permits this will be taken care of.
G

Doug — August 11, 2009 @ 7:25 am

Right on! Big Sumas is in excellent condition and with this rain, the trails should be tacky and dust-free. The mosquitoe population has really decreased as well. I guess this rain will change that in due time, however. Oh well, the good with the bad!

Get on your bikes and ride!

Gary Harder — August 12, 2009 @ 3:02 pm

Welcome to our newest paid member
Don Sutton.
A blast from the past to those who know Don.
Thanks,
Gary

Doug — August 13, 2009 @ 7:24 am

Rode Lazy Boy, Tools of the Trade, XCelerator & Autobahn lastnight. All the trails were super-buff and tacky, just perfect conditions. Sun is setting earlier, though, and that twilight sure creeps up on you! Kudos to whomever has recently buffed up Autobahn (I assume it was Kerry), those touch-ups sure were nice in the dark! Cheers!

Gary Harder — August 26, 2009 @ 3:27 pm

TimeKiller,
is getting the love!!
Look to the next few weeks to see some much needed work being done .
As it stands the last while work has started and from power raking to cutting out a downed tree after the stepdown,its on..
The XC section of Sumas is mint and buffed,this is in answer to those e-mails and request to do more for our XC brethren.
Feeling like doing some work? we can always use the help.
The trail fairies are a little stressed but you can help,we welcome workers.
look to sundays as TK days ,we usually start at 10.
lets git her done.
Get rid of the guilt….
g

Dwayne — September 3, 2009 @ 6:56 am

Thanks Gary. We rode TK late yesterday afternoon, and could see the work that had been done. Last night’s rain will have helped a bit as well, as the loose dirt was getting ridiculously slippery in sections (especially below the cliff wall).
Speaking of the XC sections, I was talking to a young kid the other day and he was naming off XC trails on Sumas that I had never heard of. Can’t remember the names, but I’m assuming these are on the same side as Knob Gobbler, Holiday Sauce etc?
Maybe we should publish a current map as an FVMBA fundraiser, much like the Vedder crew do. I’d be willing to help out with this.

Steve — September 7, 2009 @ 7:43 pm

Be careful on Timeout. One of the roll downs near the bottom - it’s a longish plank - is no longer a ramp down. It’s been cut off just beyond where you can see it until committed. Either hit it at speed, or ride the crappy ridearound on the left. If you hit it at rolling speed, you’ve got a good chance of going over the bars.

I met and spoke with the guy that did the mod & he seems to now understand the danger of modifying trail features from easy to hard without any warning.

Dwayne — September 18, 2009 @ 8:48 pm

Be careful riding up the main road on Sumas. Since the upper gate is gone now (cut apart by vandals for those of you who haven’t been up there for a little while) there are vehicles screaming down that top section. Couple of close calls today, so keep your eyes and ears open.

Gary Harder — September 19, 2009 @ 1:22 pm

While working up there today a fourwheeler,with huge tires ,that sounded like a semi
with someone yelling out the window,chugged past.
While this fellow ,didn’t cause us any grief, it really looked like trouble.
Those who ride XtraSauce will now notice a new sitdown area to take a break.
A grove of cedars with a real nice dry area, just kept saying stop here.
The entrance to NoahFear is next on the list.
g
What a great summer it’s been.
Good news soon about Sumas..

John — September 19, 2009 @ 2:21 pm

Can someone tell me what the status of going up ledgeview? I see signs like NO BIKING or no trespassing where that yellow gate is (and guarded by raspberry bushes with big thorns).

Is it cool to go past the gate and up the mountain?

Steve — September 21, 2009 @ 9:44 am

It’s all private land. You are trespassing being up there. The whole mountain is divided into separate parcels, with a variety of owners. Some of the owners seem not to care, but there’s a couple that are bothered. Most generally seem to have accepted that there will be hikers, and bikers on their land, but when new structures or dirt jumps are build, the situation escalates. Not long ago, one land owner had all the dirt jumps plowed under.

All that being said, although it’s private land, there are ALOT of people up there on a good day with no-one chasing them off. If you do decide to ride there, please respect the land and the others you meet - slow down or stop for hikers; pack in what you pack out; build nothing new.

Doug — September 21, 2009 @ 11:41 am

Wow, Timekiller is so buff! The flow is gnarliscious! Kudos to Gary and the others who have been giving it the love. I have been riding Greg’s trails of late and yesterday I realized that I have been missing out!

When will the Sumas Upper Gate be reinstated? It’s like a freakin’ highway to the summit with all the traffic!

Dwayne — September 22, 2009 @ 7:44 pm

I have a feeling that the gate will not be replaced. There was a crew up there (the ones putting up the new distance signs on the way up) and they hauled most of the pieces away. My guess is that they won’t want to put more money into the gate when it’s so difficult to stop the vandalism way up there on the mountain. I can’t believe they actually used cutting torches and cut it up into small pieces. Must have taken those idiots a couple of hours to do it. Now it’s back to the way it was many years ago, when only the bottom gate was used. During the days on weekends it would be just like it is now, with vehicles screaming up and down (especially Sunday afternoons). I guess the shuttlers will happy though.

Tom Mackesy — September 23, 2009 @ 1:55 pm

Apparently BC Hydro will be replacing the gate soon.

John — September 24, 2009 @ 9:51 pm

“It’s all private land. You are trespassing being up there”

Ok, so where does one go to go mtn bike riding in Abbotsford?

Any group rides going on that I can be a part of?

Steve — September 25, 2009 @ 7:53 am

Sumas. I might ride there this weekend and could show you around if I go.

Tom — September 26, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

Lots of people ride Ledgeview, if everyone was sensible and courteous like Steve said there wouldn’t be any issues.

What sort of trails are you looking to ride?

Dan — September 27, 2009 @ 9:13 am

There was a new trail coming off Paper Route that was roughed in during the spring does anyone know if that trail is finished?

Dwayne — September 28, 2009 @ 7:05 am

Hmmmm… sounds like a lunch hour research session. I’ll have a look.

Gary Harder — September 28, 2009 @ 4:39 pm

We had a great ride on the Chadsey Lake trail sunday.
While there is some blowdown , Brian and I went in today and spent the day with Mr. powersaw clearing out the deadfall.
From the exit to the big ravine it’s now mint, we will be continuing to clear and fix up parts of this sweet old trail. Speak of natural and steep with a flow few riders check out this gem but it’s worth it. Beginners and those who like easy trails,chadsey most likely is not for you.
Parts of it you are hike a bike and the lake is now getting colder,but the Doug still had a dip .
Best rode with someone who knows the trail ,and rode from the very top down.
The lookout was clear and a view of the Wack and Elk/Thurston made it worth the little extra effort.
With a little more chainsawing and cutting back the vegatation this trail will continue to be so worth the effort to explore and enjoy.
We need to be looking at getting some maps , like the hikers we met today ,more would like to enjoy this fully canopied wonderland.
Whether you hike or bike Sumas rocks.
g

Dwayne — September 30, 2009 @ 7:27 am

I remember biking the Chadsey trail 15 years ago, and it was always an epic ride. I also remember it being especially muddy in a lot of places, especially the initial steep sections, but from Gary’s message it sounds like maybe things have changed? I’ll be sure to check it out, and maybe spend some time working on it if required.

I rode the new trail off Paper Route on Monday. Hadn’t been down that way in a while, so it was a nice surprise. Trail is still a little loose, but will be quite nice with good flow once it gets seasoned. I especially liked the log hit into the multi-trunked tree crotch. Had to do that one a few times.

Gary Harder — September 30, 2009 @ 8:08 am

There is really only one main muddy spot , and it’s always been there.
What it needs is a laddered section over it,and maybe this year it can be done.
A couple of the corners need some serious reworks and the middle of the trail has a big blowdown,that may be too much for my saw and talent.
Work will continue ,with the plan to keep this trail ,hiker friendly, and clear.
If we could make it work a work party with garbage bags for the lake would be nice.
(it’s really too bad that garbage keeps piling up??Oh well,we will just have to bag it and carry it out.) Make no mistake this trail is not for the timid,it’s steep,and very techy in places.
The end where you exit out onto the double track and go W. till TimeOut exit can make you forget the pain ,it is so flowy. Should you decide to give it a go, remember
it’s best in the dry….. Roots and steeps unless you are a bike god can be very unforgiving.
Am heading back in today with BB to try and clear it to the lake.
We will be needing to start cutting some serious rungs ,so those who ride and want to contribute.
Summer is leaving us fast,been a great year.
Happy riding ,lets all continue to keep our area’s clean do your part.
G

Gary Harder — September 30, 2009 @ 8:17 am

The end where you exit onto the double track should read EAST not W. oops.
(this takes you to Bakstad rd parking spot via TimeOut)

Chadsey trail lower from this spot has a skinny old bridged (carry the bike or hike carefully)
water crossing.
Twenty feet of this is ugly and non existant.
What it needs is a laddered meshed section.
This old section exits onto the lower sumas mtn road corner.
Just above Page road and the cities quarry.
Years ago we used to ride from Abby to the top of Sumas and down till here and home.
5 1/2 hours. Bikes were heavier ,brakes crap, and us we always were smiling…
Like the early days of the Mediocre cycle club,it all became hazy….
g

Doug — October 7, 2009 @ 7:06 am

Awesome work on the Chadsey Trail, Gary et al! Wow, it’s just getting better and better. It took us only two hours from the summit to Bakstad Rd on Sunday morning.

Dwayne — October 7, 2009 @ 10:28 am

We rode Chadsey last Saturday morning, but I think we may be riding a different entrance? We didn’t go all the way to the summit (radio tower) but started at the section of the main road where it’s got an enlarged area on the left where the main road does a sharp turn to the right (about 10 minutes past the lower lookout).

I remember there being a trail from the radio tower all the way down to the lake; is this where everyone is biking? I did notice some work had been done on the trail that we rode, so I assumed we were on the right one. Although it was extremely technical and rooty with some nasty wet stairs.

But it was a really nice ride from the lake all the way to Timeout etc.

Doug — October 7, 2009 @ 11:50 am

You’re on the right trail, Dwayne. We are riding the Centennial Trail from near to the summit of Sumas. From the entrance to Knob Gobbler, continue straight along the FVRD trail and turn left at the junction (right takes you to the viewpoint). Then down, down, down. Gnarlisciously technical with roots, rocks, reggae! Old school BC singletrack! Woo hoo!

Dwayne — October 9, 2009 @ 10:51 am

Sweet! Thanks Doug. I know exactly where you’re talking about. Gonna ride it tomorrow. This time I’ll be smart and not ride my hardtail.

Rob — October 19, 2009 @ 9:57 pm

Went up yesterday It was great, Very slippery and fast, Did paper route,butafuco and speedway. All great rides just have to watch some of the corners

Gary Harder — October 21, 2009 @ 8:01 am

Abbotsford riders this SAT. at 10:30 Mill lake parking lot off Bevan .
Come and join other riders as we ride, the bike lanes and Discovery trail approx. 16K.
Celebrate our ever expanding bike lanes.
Organized by the ACAG and www.350.org as the
International Day of Climate Change Action.
Bikers in action eh? sweet ,hope to see you there.
gary

Tom — November 12, 2009 @ 5:31 pm

Sumas - Nov 12/2009: I see snow from the highway

Gary Harder — February 7, 2010 @ 4:52 pm

feb 7th 2010 anyone looking for some trail work?
Kerry man and I as well as Ryan S. have been doing a reroute of the Emma Peel.
Quads and motorcycles have been trying to ride sections and with tree’s blocking their entry and a quad holes it has worked to a degree.
The quads are still trying to make it onto the Peel ,so a reroute taking out the muddy double track section is being done. Anyone wanting to help ,you are most welcome to come out.
Every sat/sun is up for work, as once started there is no stopping and it will really help out the Peel , flow…
Either e-mail me or Kerry if you’d like to help out.
G
bgharder@shaw.ca
Chadsey bridging coming up as well, recent chainsaw work has taken out the blowdown to the lake. A new bridge would clean up the stream,good for hikers and bikers and the stream.
G

Gary Harder — February 12, 2010 @ 7:33 pm

sat. most likely sun as well.
10:15 approx. from my place
Sumas mtn
trail work
git her done.
g

Doug — February 20, 2010 @ 9:09 am

Olympic Torchbearer Sumas Clean Up!

Come out and join us on February 28 and help to beautify Sumas Mountain by cleaning up the garbage!

My name is Doug Mossey and I had the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch on February 8, 2010. My application to join the Olympic Torch Relay included a pledge to somehow better Canada. I chose to organize a community event to clean up our much-loved Sumas Mountain!

So mark your calendar and come on out anytime between 10am and 4pm and let’s make a real difference to our local environment! We will be BBQ’ing as well, to help fuel the effort!

More details to come! Also, check out the FVMBA Facebook site for information! Woo hoo!

If you have a 4X4 or a large truck to offer, please email me at duga@lycos.com.

Gary Harder — February 21, 2010 @ 5:29 pm

The new XC section of the Emma Peel is done!
Lots of riders on Sumas today ,from shuttlers to XC riders riding up.
A horse has ridden on the Peel older section and litterally destroyed it.
Half a days work with a full crew to repair the damage and a new runged bridge built to try and dissuade horse traffic.
A sign will be put up at the entrance ,hopefully this will inform horse are not allowed on the trail due to the damage. (personally with the rock sections and soft ground why anyone would put their horse in such danger is beyond me?)
The HolidaySauce sign at the start of the trail has been taken,and the arrow sign informing riders of the dog leg jaunt on the Peel , it’s been destroyed.
I wish we could accomadate horse traffic ,but the weight of a horse seems to just destroy(bomb craters all over ) so much work.
Seen the Cranky cycle group ride through today and they got to ride the new section,so sweet.
G.

Dan — February 21, 2010 @ 8:57 pm

The trails on Sumas were in great shape today. Nice work Sumas trail builders.

Shawn — February 22, 2010 @ 3:01 pm

Thanks Gary and Crew!
The new section into Emma Peel is really great. Thanks for all the hard work!

Roy — February 22, 2010 @ 8:01 pm

Hats off to G and K for all the work done on the south side of Sumas. From the Viewpoint down Knobgobbler right to the bottom was all great. The Emma Peel reroute along with the switchback section you built last year make for a great ride. Where else can you go that the downhill part of your ride lasts the better part of 90 minutes. The forest near the top of Knobgobbler was so sweet today that I had to ride slow just to take it all in.

Thanks again
Roy

PS: Horses and quads (mostly) have done so much damage to the Trans Canada trail in the Chilliwack River valley that the builders are ready to give up trying to maintain it!

Gary Harder — February 27, 2010 @ 6:03 pm

Sat. Feb 27th
What a day, rain ,rain,rain.
Yet there were three crews working on Sumas trails.
JohnV and Cam redoing the Diva.( they are looking for rock bitchs and riders looking for karma points??)
The Trev and Kim working away on the TKiller and NoahFear.
Kerry and I and Ryan,and new rider Paul putting in a new cedar bridge over a creek on the Chadsey Lake trail. Twenty eight feet of runged pleasure ,no longer do riders and hikers have to walk through the creek,it’s done.
Three different crews working away on Sumas ,feeling the love,you just gotta love it
G

Steve — April 5, 2010 @ 2:25 pm

This was originally in another subject, but I moved it for Gary:

Well it’s done,the old TimeKiller exit leading onto TimeOut has been redone and it’s better.
It will be soft and still need a touch up, once the weather is better ,but from the entrance to ladder drop off ( rollable) it’s done.
Thanks to the stream this section was left untouched (not logged ), over the years a line was put to the side on a double track to reach TimeOut.
A beauty of a bridge (all yellow cedar ) ,through a pristine area , makes TimeKiller exit so much prettier.
Big thanks to the Kerry Man and Ryan, it took about 60hours work but so worth it.
I took some killer pixs but unless Stevie R puts them up you will either have to ride it or go to nsmb.com to see.
It snowed and hailed on us today ,only to see at the end of the day sunshine,crazy .
Mr.G

Steve — April 5, 2010 @ 2:29 pm

And, here’s the bridges he’s talking about - photos stolen from Tyler @ Pinkbike