March 9, 2025
The Coppermine Trail.
Another Great Trail!
Last night was a crisis. I logged onto the campsite WIFI but quickly maxed out my usage and then my data ran out simultaneously so I was stymied from posting or doing any worthwhile research. I got things sorted this morning buying both more WIFI and data while waiting for the camp cafe to open. Yes, the camp cafe. This is luxury camping after all. I don’t know how I’ll go back to not having kitchens in campgrounds. It’s such a game changer and great way to meet people.
I enjoyed a coffee and checked the forecast one last time before setting out for the trail. It was about a 20 minute ride from camp to the trailhead. I rode the same route along the water. Nelson has done a really great job at being bike friendly but this is one section to improve. They have car parking all the way along this stretch of road with the cars barely squeezed in against the curb. Then they slapped a bike lane right beside the cars, barely 10 cm of space. That means every car could open their door at any time right across the entire bike lane. Being ‘door-Ed’ is a serious cycling hazard and sadly led to a death in North Vancouver. I’m super vigilant so I just ride the road and force the cars to go around me.
I was at the trailhead by 9 and started the 850 m climb. As climbs go normally this would be a grunt but I’m in such great climbing shape it wasn’t a physical push at all. The only challenge I encountered was the fact that its rocks in dirt so it’s by bumpy and sometimes uncomfortable on a gravel bike. The climbing was very pretty. This trail was made for mining in one year’s time with 200 using pick axes. I can’t imagine what that work was like way back in 1880! One the rail line was in they used horses to drag the trolleys back to Nelson. Those poor horses must have lived short and tired lives.
I met a couple guys on e-bikes at 300 m (about 1/3) and chatted for a bit. I am starting to feel like regular mountain bikes are dead. This seems a bit sad that we are going to remove the effort from riding because that’s part of the whole experience for me. I hope that I’m wrong. They trailed me for a bit but eventually I had to give way as I can’t compete with a motor.
The forest was spectacular with giant ferns and a really nice view of Nelson as you ride away from it. I made 2/3 not that long afterwards and saw a few other riders but I kept chugging for the top. The trail passes through several small creeks that are running a bit with last night’s rain. As you approach the top the rainforest turns instantly to almost desert like scrub. It’s a dramatic and stark contrast that was unexpected but had its own beauty.
At the top of the climb I found a couple riders…everyone on full suspension mountain bikes as recommended. This trail is rated advanced which didn’t scare me because that’s what I ride back home. The riders were local so we talked about my riding. I have it down to a short and succinct 5 or 6 sentences now I’ve repeated it so many times. They were friendly but there was a chill at the top so we all slapped jackets back on and they took off. I enjoyed lunch on the picnic table before preparing for the descent.
The descent was fantastic! It’s this wild red dirt and gravel mix and just continuous graded cornering for what seems like forever. My hands were getting a serious braking pain from the bumps and also holding the brakes the entire time. Eventually I pulled to the side of the trail which wasn’t easy because there is really no place to stop. I lifted my bike off for a rest and soon another rider. He says there’s a group of young riders coming and they will be flying. Sure enough a train of 4 talented riders flew past me yelling in glee. It was sweet!
I kept riding the turns all the way to the end of them. It was fabulous, although definitely better on a mountain bike no question. After that the trail was back into the normal forest and it was beautiful again mostly on double wide. I hammered that section because my bike was more appropriate for it. Then I hit a clearing cut and soon I was dumped onto a gravel road. I followed the road but I must have missed a sign because I didn’t find the trail again. I probably rode 80% by that time so a bit disappointing but not hard to do when the trail doesn’t obviously start again.
I ended up riding the gravel and then pavement back into Nelson. I rode through a town centre area that was interesting and then back to the store for tonight’s dinner. The forecast is looking better again so the next 2 days on the Great Taste Trail should be a lot of fun. It’s only 188 km with minimal elevation so I’ll be able to take it pretty leisurely. I half considered doing it in one day but that would be a long day and not necessarily at this point in my journey.
Highlights:
-great riding on the downhill section, fast and a bit bumpy
-cool changes in scenery
-I agree it’s a ‘great trail’
Distance: 60 km and 1122 m
Today's ride: 60 km (37 miles)
Total: 4,303 km (2,672 miles)
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Yeah, e-bikes. In my local bike club's slow group, we now have more people on e-bikes than normal bikes. I can't keep up with the "slow" guys anymore. And the rides keep getting longer. Because they need the exercise, I guess?
I hate to have a negative take on e-bikes. I love that people are out riding. But it feels sad to me, too. This is probably the last year I'll ride with the local club. There's just no place for me on a normal road bike anymore. I don't know what to think about that. Doesn't feel good.
1 month ago
1 month ago