05/20/2008

Backcountry Taxi Riley McIntosh

I just spent the weekend riding Mt. Prevost (near Duncan on Vancouver Island) and have never had a riding experience as closely linked to riding at Whistler. In one day I managed 7 runs down a series of trails that descends 2000 vertical feet, and every run, we were shuttled up in style. 14,000 feet of descending in one day, on well maintained, flowing trails. What a life!

My awesome weekend of riding was all thanks to Scott from Backcountry Taxi, a young guy who has taken a dream and turned it into reality. Scott has completely rebuilt a Ford 15-passenger van into the most badass shuttle vehicle I've ever seen. Not only can his 'taxi' hold up to ten people (with bikes), the addition of his giant bike racks makes the van look like a charging bull.

Scott is a truly positive and inspiring guy; check out his customized manual transmission (it uses a stock e-brake pedal as a clutch), or the dozens of smooth berms he has added to classic local trails. Scott's taxi has become the main reason riders are flocking from all corners of the island to hook up for shuttles on the weekends.

Speaking of trails: I've ridden all over BC, and I'm as stoked about Mt. Prevost as I am about Whistler and Nelson. Some of my particular favorites are: Cleavage - a steep, twisting masterpiece that descends between the two summit mounds of the mountain, Memphis - a fast, smooth old timer, Patch Work - Scott's own handiwork that consists of smooth berms, an amazingly steep section, nice airs and bridges, and the infamous "stump drop", Graceline - a trail that lives up to its name as a long, extremely high speed rip that makes you feel smooth and graceful, and Daisy Duke's - a big-boys' trail with large jumps and drops. The riding on Mt. Prevost is truly world class, with its beautiful views, long descents, dialled trails, and wicked shuttle service.

If you are heading to the island to ride, and want a wild weekend adventure, I highly recommend heading to Duncan to hook-up with Scott for a bunch of runs on Mt. Prevost. You won't regret it.

Scott can be reached at 250-744-0241, or try his website, www.backcountrytaxi.com