Written by: Daniel Shaw
Race Recap
This summer, I competed in two rounds of the Canadian Enduro Series at Harper Mountain and Sun Peaks. Both races felt like the perfect match for my Chilcotin 170, which thrived on the fast, hero dirt conditions that highlighted each event.
Confidence in Every Corner
The Chilcotin 170’s slightly slacker head angle and longer chainstay length compared to the Chilcotin 167 gave me unshakable confidence. The bike felt planted and stable, even as I pushed harder into corners and delayed braking to shave precious seconds off my runs. At no point did it hesitate—it thrived on riskier lines that tested my limits and delivered pure excitement.
Riding for the Love of It
Despite the thrill of racing, my approach this year was different. Without the structured training and focused preparation of past seasons, I found myself riding for the simple joy of it. Racing became less about chasing podiums and more about celebrating the connection to the bike, the trails, and the people.
Enduro racing today is at an insane level. The new generation of riders is fast, focused, and fiercely competitive. It’s inspiring to watch their drive and skill, and I hope to support or coach these young athletes as they chase their goals.
Bikepacking in the Chilcotins: A Summer Adventure to Remember
This summer was filled with countless wild adventures and local hot laps, but one ride stood out: a multi-day trek in the stunning South Chilcotins Provincial Park. Fun fact—the Chilcotin bike is actually named after the Chilcotin River near Williams Lake, not the park itself! For this adventure, I rode my bike set up with the Flight Attendant system, which turned out to be a solid choice for the rugged terrain.
Day 1: The Climb to Lorna Lake
Our ride began at Tyax Lodge on the shores of Tyaughton Lake, with the first day’s goal being Lorna Lake—a 60 km trek with about 2,000 meters of elevation gain. On paper, it seemed manageable. As the day went on, trail conditions deteriorated, and our pace slowed to a grueling 4 km/h.
The Chilcotins are known for their active grizzly bear population, which added an extra layer of tension. Signs of bears were everywhere—scat on the trail, uprooted trees, and damaged ladder bridges left over swamps. Combine this with fully loaded bikes, scorching 30°C heat, and tough climbs, and we were in for one exhausting day.
Despite the challenges, the reward was worth every drop of sweat. Arriving at Lorna Lake, we were greeted with jaw-dropping views of pristine water surrounded by rugged peaks. A hearty freeze-dried meal under a blanket of stars was the perfect way to cap off the day—a surreal moment of peace in the wilderness.
Day 2: Fast Descents and Alpine Meadows
Day two brought the payoff: incredible descents through deep alpine meadows, with breathtaking views at every turn. The trails flowed beautifully, making the hard work of the previous day feel like a distant memory.
A highlight of the day was an unexpected stop at Tyax Adventures' Bear Paw Camp, where we were treated to fresh lemonade and stories about the area’s history. The energy boost was just what we needed to tackle the remainder of the 60 km ride.
By the time we returned to Tyaughton Lake, we were filled with a mix of joy, exhaustion, and pride. Smiles, sweat, and maybe a few scrapes summed up the adventure perfectly. A refreshing swim in the lake was the cherry on top before we loaded up for the long drive back to Vancouver.
Reflections on the Journey
This ride was everything we hoped for: challenging climbs, thrilling descents, stunning landscapes, and a few moments that pushed us to our limits. It’s adventures like these that remind me why I love bikepacking. The Chilcotins delivered an unforgettable experience—one that I’ll carry with me on every ride to come.
Looking Ahead
As I look to next year, my plans are wide open—but I know it’s going to be exciting. Bikes have reached a level of refinement that makes every ride a joy, and the North Vancouver community continues to foster incredible experiences.
For me, the focus is shifting toward more multi-day alpine adventures, where the essence of riding comes alive. These trips push the limits of endurance, skill, and connection to the environment—reminding me why I fell in love with biking in the first place.
Here’s to more adventures, more incredible trails, and more memories on two wheels.
