The title for the ‘birthplace of freeride mountain biking’ could go to either Williams Lake or Kamloops. Both central BC towns have deep roots reaching back to the ’80s and ’90s pioneering this more extreme side of riding.
While Williams Lake focused on their steep, loose natural chutes and terrain features, Kamloops built inconceivably large jumps which—combined—set the foundation for modern freeride events like Redbull Rampage.
The former Williams Lake political slogan ‘Embrace your inner Cowboy’ was taken quite literally in regard to taking two wheels off road.
The rural region retains aspects of a wild west self-reliant ruggedness but is also developing a more refined culinary culture on the town side of the ranch lands as illustrated in the diverse craft beer scene. Kamloops supports four craft breweries all of which are refreshingly different.
Red Collar Brewing is the elder statesman of the club serving up traditional Trappist-style high-alcohol European beers.
The Noble Pig Brewhouse lets creativity fly with stand-out seasonals and four unique flagship beers.
Iron Road Brewing is the spot for lagers and if you want to have no idea what is on the tap list, new-kid-on-the-block Bright Eye Brewing pours hazy IPAs, fruited sours and other aromatic creations right out of the brewing tanks.
With no flagship beers, fresh is king with roughly 200 different brews per year so there’s guaranteed to be something new on tap with every visit.
Williams Lake has also joined the craft beer game with Fox Mountain Brewing. When Dave Reedman opened the brewery in 2020, he always had mountain biking in mind. As an avid rider himself, he conveniently located the brewery within easy riding distance of the trail network and the artwork and beer names are a tip of the hat to a few of the iconic trails.
Both Kamloops and Williams Lake’s trail networks have evolved and matured from their gnarly beginnings and like the diversity of beer, there’s something for each and every rider no matter what skill level. Both towns are developing infrastructure for beginner and adaptive riders to make the sport more inclusive but if you still want to surf down steep sand chutes or hit massive jumps… those are still there, too.
Learn more about Williams Lake and Kamloops on Mountain Biking BC and discover the ultimate road trip to vast and flowy trails in Central British Columbia.
Credits: Ben Haggar @benhaggarphoto and Mike Gamble @MikeGamble
Featured Breweries: Red Collar Brewing, The Noble Pig Brewhouse, Iron Road Brewing, Bright Eye Brewing, Fox Mountain Brewing.
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