South Cariboo, British Columbia
Bears, bugs and the Bayou
South Cariboo’s Quad Squad enjoys the first ride of the season
Rocky roads:The B.C. terrain can be as challenging as it is rewarding.—Photo courtesy of ATV/BC
We met at Womack Road at Deka Lake early on an overcast, cool day. Off we went with Walter Levick our guide, followed by the riders and Ralph Matthews as the tail gunner. At first, the ride was rather rocky but then as we reached Windy Mountain Forestry Road it became a freeway—it was so smooth we could open up those cc’s for some fun! We were astonished to see about a dozen riders coming towards us as they had already been out riding and this was before 10 a.m. We then turned onto Bowers Forest Service Road (BFSR).
Rugged terrain
At first it was interesting trying to adjust to the terrain of gravel with large rocks in it; however, the scenery was great and at times we had a glimmer of Bowers Lake through the trees. However, at the top end of BFSR we were in for a treat. This section of trail, about 7.8 kilometres long, was the most challenging ride we have had for a long time. Water puddles from inches to feet deep seemed to be every 50 feet, along with the logging we had to do to proceed down the trail. A total of seven logs had fallen across the trail the week before because of the bad windstorm that had occurred. We had lots of stop and starts. With the trail only 4.5 feet wide it was an interesting experience riding for kilometres with the trees brushing your quad on both sides of it and plowing through the puddles at the same time.
A wild experience
The next 30 kilometres were again forestry road riding, which was a relief. After those shoulders, we were saying thank you for a straight road again. Each time we stopped at the forestry campsites we met people camping out. At every stop the bugs were in full season but we had plenty of bug spray. Arriving at Coldscaur Lake we found the first campsite full and moved down to the second one where we just set up for lunch. Four fishermen came in to camp. We had lunch and headed out to see the natural rock bridge just across from the campsite—it must be thousands of years old. We headed home for Deka Lake on the No. 7 long-haul road, making our ride a circle route for part of the way. Coming back on Bowers Lake Forestry Road it didn’t seem as long or as hard as when we went out.
Our guide saw a female bear with two cubs plus four other bears both brown and black, as this was bear season. Or maybe we were the first ATVers out for the season and we were in their territory. Our special guests for the ride were Cpl. Barb Holly and friend Laverne. The corporal has just taken command of the Clinton RCMP detachment and she is learning the riding area of the Cariboo, as she is an avid ATV rider.
British Columbia key contacts
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Your Honda headquarters
At B&F Sales & Service Ltd., located in Grand Forks, B.C., we specialize in superior customer service. Our large supply of Honda products includes ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden wares, generators, snowblowers, walk-behind mowers and water pumps.
Equipped with a fully stocked parts department, we'll help you find all the accessories and dress-up items you've been searching for. Our qualified technicians are ready and willing to help with any question or concern you may have.
Let our friendly sales staff and competitive service be the reasons why you choose B&F Sales & Service Ltd. for all your recreation needs.
B & F Sales & Service Ltd. -
When you store start with STA-BIL
STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer is specially formulated to keep fuel fresh for quick, easy starts after storage. Normally, stored fuel can go bad in as little as 60 days, causing varnish deposits and corrosion to build up in engines; however, with STA-BIL's blend of scientific additives, fuel will stay fresh for up to two years (using twice the recommended dosage). It also cleans carburetors and fuel injectors, prolongs engine life and eliminates the need to drain fuel before storage. STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer can be used for all two- and four-stroke gasoline engines, including snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, boats, jet skis and other power equipment.
Gold Eagle Co -
HOW DOES SNOWMOBILING AFFECT CARIBOU?
As most snowmobiling occurs in high elevation areas, there is the potential for snowmobiling to disturb and displace these animals from their preferred habitat into areas less suitable and more prone to avalanches. Mountain caribou may also become stressed, which can affect energy reserves during critical time periods. In addition, snowmobile trails can provide easier access for predators into areas occupied by mountain caribou. Please take caution and be aware of, and avoid, mountain caribou in your riding area.
Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry Of EnvironmentPHONE: (250) 565-6135Email: e-mail this contact -
Revelstoke, BC
Real mountain life is closer than you think!
Revelstoke is home to some of the best adventure recreation opportunities in the world hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, heli-hiking, canoeing, ATVing and much more. With two national parks at our doorstep, we have everything from gentle hikes to challenging climbs, fields of alpine flowers, spectacular waterfalls and interesting interpretive centres.
The massive Revelstoke Hydro Dam and its self-guided tour is not to be missed. The beautiful Revelstoke Golf Club situated along the Columbia River is both scenic and challenging. Three area hot springs resorts are great places to relax and soak up some sun.
Tourism Revelstoke -
Kootenay Rockies
Create your dual sport adventure today!
Dual Tracks Inc. is a dual sport motorcycle adventure company with guides who have years of backroad riding experience. We would like to introduce you to a DS motorcycle experience as we ride through the spectacular foothills and mountains of southern Alberta and British Columbia.
Dual Tracks offers adventure tours and training for either multi-day or multi-week sessions, as well as both half- and full-day rides. We supply bikes if needed, and meals for full-day participants.
Let us provide you with an unforgettable, challenging and safe DS ride. We believe that a great ride is best shared with others, hence our motto, "Dual Tracks, ride with friends."