Jay Sinclair aka Cap'n Bling sited at SP

Sun Peaks 2004
B.C.'s best kept secret just got better
Words and photos Cam McRae
For some riders Sun Peaks didn't need anything more; if you liked steep buff trails and high speed dh runs you were in heaven.  Add the technical epic Sugar, which can easily keep you busy for 40 minutes of skinnies, steeps and sweet singletrack and you have a formula that would keep most riders coming back for more.  The only riders who weren't well serviced by the great folks at Sun Peaks were A-Liners - those who are only happy when their bike is in the air as much as possible.  Fear not air gluttons because the machine operators have laid down the lines to make you happy.  Along with a new Paddy Kaye-designed and built biker cross course the mountain has invested in a tasty double track air trail dubbed 'Steam shovel'.  It was still pretty soft when I first checked it out but since that time it's firmed up and it's a great way to get your air fix.  There are step-downs, step-ups, creek gaps, berms and even some cool transfer opportunities. 

JP Paddison with his two machines.

That's the good news.  The bad news is that there isn't a really fun way to get down to Steam shovel from the top of the lift.  Cat Trax gets you a good portion of the way there but then you are stuck on Smooth Smoothie - a nice wide beginner trail - for the rest of the way.  The mountain has plans to address this but for now it's worth the sacrifice to get your bike off the dirt and moving skyward. At the end of Steam shovel you ride a short berm trail that sends you right into the bikercross warm, lubed and ready.

Variety has always been king at SP and now the spectrum is even broader.
Chris Roy - another of the machine operators who built Steam shovel - testing his handiwork.
If you like to go fast there are few places with better terrain than Sun Peaks.  If you take Hi Octane into Arm Pump you just might find yourself setting personal off road speed records.  Of course you'll be giggling so hard you won't care about much about your PB.

The blue train maching along. L to R nsmb team riders Colin Miller, Trevor Hansen and Ryan Newman followed by Cap'n Bling.

So why bother going to Sun Peaks?  There are great trails all over B.C. - and let's not forget Whistler.  A big reason for me is the people.  I was amazed at how many nice folks went out of their way for us without knowing us from Adam.  If you are used to big city attitude or resort snobbery be prepared to be amazed; the people at Sun Peaks truly rock.  Actual authentic smiles can be witnessed all over the village and on every run.

 
Ryan Newman twisting it on Insanity One.

T-Bone rolling the Biker Cross course.

This year there were more opportunities for air than ever before at Sun Peaks.  Ryan Newman pointing out a creek gap.


Ryan Newman laying down his Demo 9.

We are getting to know the mountain pretty well after going back year after year so we were pretty surprised to see all the new bridgework on Sugar.  Every year I forget how fun this trail is but I think it is finally indelibly etched into my memory because of all the new skinnies.  Sections that will have you on wood for long periods, with multiple direction changes abound.  Every time down it I discovered something I hadn't seen before or a new way to tackle a problem on the trail - the sort of riding that keeps you interested and begging for more.
Another great thing about a trip to Sun Peaks is the chance to live like rich folks.  You can rent a townhouse that sleeps 10 for $180 a night. Our place had a huge dinner table, a two car garage perfect for bike storage and big-ass hot tub. At the end of the day we would peel off our pads and leave them to steam and stink in the garage with the bikes while we enjoyed our nightly soak.

Living it up in our huge townhouse from Bear Country Lodging.

You know you are in the wilderness in these parts.  Aside from numerous bear sitings there was apparently a little black fox snooping around the bikercross course that everyone saw except me.  You are truly getting away from it all at Sun Peaks; lift lines, cars, (there is no need to drive anywhere once you arrive) attitudes and hype. 

If you want to do a trip on the cheap and still get world-class riding Sun Peaks is a great choice.  With a nice big group you could easily pay for your lodging and lift tickets for CDN$40 a day or less - assuming  you have a BroCard.  You'll save $8 every day you ride as well as 10% off the already reasonable townhouse rates from Bear Country Lodging.  If you are a smaller group the The Cahilty Lodge will hook you up with a nice room with a kitchenette for $75 (regularly $109). They have good bike storage, a bike wash facility and free underground parking.

 
Packing up for the 4 hour drive back to North Van. Check out our sweet digs!

We were all smiles after our meal at Masa's - except Annabella who passed out after too many breast milk shots.

There is a grocery store at the resort but if you're savvy you'll stop and shop up in Kamloops.  If you plan to eat out check out Masa's which serves tasty food in a low key atmosphere.  They also have a great patio for aprés an they'll give you a 20% off BroDeal if you flash your card.

For more info go to the Sun Peaks Resort Web site.