Elkford, British Columbia
Manitoba flatlanders, the alpine and 1,225 kilometres
On a Yamaha 700 Rhino, these riders took a nine-day ATV ride in Elkford, B.C.
Exploring Elkford: Spectacular views and riding awaited this group of ATVers —Photo courtesy Andy Brandt and Sharon Jonas
With our $10 Elkford Trail Pass plate proudly displayed on our Rhino we were led by Gordon Galloway, David Galloway and Peter Cunningham to see spectacular mountain views and rode the most awesome ATV trails in wicked mountain terrain.
These members of the Elkford ATV Club really went out of their way to show us their awesome ATV area with all the spectacular mountain views and trails. They met with us every day guiding us out of Elkford by ATV and even trailered us with their own vehicles and trailers. They are a unique group who are very proud of where they live, where they ride their ATVs and their accomplishments in keeping ATVing a big part of their community.
We rode elevations of up to 8,000 feet and were rewarded with spectacular views of mountain peaks and wildlife. We saw a total of three bull moose, one of which was absolutely big and beautiful, one black bear and a lot of elk. We even had the opportunity of witnessing two wolves preying on a deer. When we stopped to watch, the wolves ran up the mountain and the doe ran towards us and then headed off into the forest.
The views they showed us included overlooking the town of Elkford, Weigert Creek, Race Horse Pass, the Crown Mountain scenic overlook and Deadman’s Pass. We enjoyed lunch at the B.C./Alberta border at the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park boundary in Kananaskis Country, then headed up to Big Weary Ridge where we stretched out on our stomachs looking across the valley to watch the elk. We rode over the KoKo Claims area and over Crossing Creek Pass to Whiteswan Provincial Park, trailered to the Atlas staging area in Coleman, Alberta, and rode our ATVs back to Elkford. Then we trailered to Fernie, B.C., and with Dan Rotella’s guidance we rode some really rugged terrain overlooking Fernie, Sparwood and the Elk Valley towards Elkford.
The longest ride was just over 2,000 kilometres and the sights we saw on all of our rides were absolutely awesome. We had some really rugged terrain to cross over, lots of creeks to ride through and awesome scenery. They showed us the Elkford Snowmobile Club shack as well as the Crowsnest Snowmobile Club shack. The most impressive of all was how our guides took care of us, making sure we were always with them and teaching us the history of their province, town and the three coal mines in the area. These guys really showed us what ATV/BC is all about. They gave us all kinds of maps of the areas and showed us the time of our lives.
Of course flatlanders riding in the alpine does not come incident free. The first incident was when we had to cross a bit of a mudhole. One quad got stuck and had to be winched out. Next it was Andy’s turn with our Rhino. I asked if he wanted me to take any pictures of him and he replied, “Only if I get stuck, so you won’t be taking any pictures.” Well, he was right about not getting stuck, but what he didn’t realize was there was a big rock under the grass and when he hit it with the passenger side front tire it caused the Rhino to slowly roll over on its side and ended up with a white crease on the fender of the box. Hearing Andy laughing, Gord ran back to his quad for his camera. During the second incident, we were coming down a steep hill in the KoKo Claims area and hit a rock and damaged the front skid plate. The third incident involved coming down Todd Hunter Mountain. We were slowly crawling over a rock when all of a sudden there was a sound like paper ripping and I looked down at my feet and this rock actually broke through the plastic floorboard. With all the kilometres we travelled the minor damage we got was all worth it.
The mountain folks here really worried about how us flatlanders would survive the mountains with our Rhino. On our ride to Fernie we showed them how we get around fallen trees across our trails. They wanted to help us get around one, but we showed them that we just ride over them and don’t need chainsaws or axes. This is when the mountain folk told the flatlanders to lead the way!
We had such an awesome time riding here and could not take enough pictures. Even though we forgot one of the battery chargers at home and had to buy another camera, we did get a lot of awesome footage of all of our rides.
A great big thank you to Gord, Dave and Peter as well as the other members of the Elkford ATV Club and ATV/BC. Your province rocks!
British Columbia key contacts
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.”