Kamloops is long renowned as a mountain bike destination and with its distinct four-seasons, biking happens year-round. When the city is blanketed in snow, grab your fat bike and hit the trails. Choose from groomed tracks at Isobel Lake or snowy trails at Kenna Cartwright Park.
Fat biking is a mountain bike with fat or wide tires designed for low ground pressure in soft terrain such as snow, sand, and mud. Kamloops local Dylan Methot, owner of Mostly Mental Shuttles, shares insights into winter biking and his love of biking year-round.
Note: This interview has been edited and condensed.
What's your favourite part about winter biking?
The ability to ride bikes 12 months of the year with the use of a fat bike is great. It's a peaceful, relaxing, and low impact activity that gets you outside and staying active. The stoke builds as the day goes on when you're riding with friends. You'll likely crash, but the falls are softer and will have everyone laughing. Après beers also help.
Where can someone go winter biking in Kamloops?
There’s a great trail system located at Isobel Lake, roughly a 40-minute drive from downtown Kamloops. The 30+km of Isobel Lake Winter Recreational Trails are groomed and maintained by the Kamloops Performance Cycling Centre. Check their Facebook page for updates on appropriate tire pressure and current conditions. Kenna Cartwright Park is also an ideal spot for winter biking. Keep in mind the trails aren’t groomed so you will be riding on fresh snow across 40km of trails.
Are special winter bikes required?
Fat bikes are recommended as they have a wider tire, minimum 3.8 inches, that can run at a lower pressure, no higher than 8 PSI.
Where can you rent fat bikes in town?
District Bicycle Co. located in Kamloops, offers fat bike rentals starting at $50 per day. Spoke N' Motion located on West Victoria Street also offers fat bike rentals for $50/day.
What should you wear fat biking?
Layers are your friends. Start with a good moisture-wicking base and add some wind and waterproof gear. Hand and foot covers are also ideal - nothing takes the fun out of things like cold hands and feet.
Michelle is a Senior Marketing Strategist for Tourism Kamloops. Catch her mountain biking on Kamloops' trails or indulging in the wine and craft beer scene.
