The Creston Community Forest (CCF) retained Cabin Resource Management to complete a suitability study of a possible network of mountain bike trails on Mt Thompson and Goat (Arrow) Mountain. Phase 1 of the study has been completed:

  • Using LIDAR (Laser imaging, detection and ranging) as their main tool, a network of trails was located (or digitized)
    on each mountain. A number of factors were used to determine trail location including existing infrastructure,
    constraints related to slope (steepness), wildlife habitat, old growth, unstable terrain, other uses and general trends
    in mountain biking.
  • Goat Mountain was determined to have fewer constraints and better and more suitable terrain for mountain biking.
  • The digitized trails on Goat Mountain include a mix of green (beginner or novice), blue (intermediate) and black
    (expert or advanced) trails and both technical (narrow single track with natural features such as rocks, roots and
    logs) and flow trails (wider, smooth trails with banked corners).
  •  Trail access is by the Goat Mountain Forest Service Road (shuttle by vehicle) or climb trails to the top of Goat
    Mountain. A second access point is possible from the Okell Road off of Lakeview-Arrow Creek Road. The main
    staging area would be at km 1 on the Goat Mountain FSR.
  • Designed for loop riding (climb trail up, technical or flow trails down) with a variety of options from 2 km loop for
    beginners to an epic loop of 22 km from bottom staging area to top of Goat Mountain and then back down.
  • Designed to be built in stages, starting at the main staging area on the Goat Mountain FSR and working up the
    mountain in 3 or 4 phases over 3 to 5 years.
  • Compared to hiking trails, mountain bike trails and climb trails are more technical to design and layout and more
    costly to build. However, there are opportunities to reduce cost by using local contractors, summer students and
    small excavators.
  • The objective is to build a network of mountain bike trails (approximately 45 km) on Goat Mountain that would be
    suitable for riders of all ages and ability including families and all types of mountain bikes including ebikes. The trails
    would also attract riders from outside of Creston (bike tourism).
  • Although not included in Phase 1, there would be opportunities to include at least one cross country bike trail.

This is a large project. Before proceeding, the CCF will be engaging the community for their input and feedback. If there
is support from the community, the CCF will go to Phase 2 and develop a final plan by the end of summer.

There will be an open house on June 27 from 12 noon to 7:00 p.m. at the Creston and District Community Complex. You can also participate in a survey by scanning the QR code or clicking on the URL link below. And you can always call the CCF office (250 402-0070) to talk to us, leave a comment or provide a comment by email.

 

 

The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/RTUWYuirBBm8GVAU8 or
it can be accessed by scanning this QR code.

 

 

 

 

The full Feasibility Report can be found here: Creston Community Forest Mountain Bike Feasibility Report (rev).pdf or by scanning this QR code.

 

 

 

Creston Community Forest
121 Northwest Blvd.
Creston, BC V0B 1G9
250 402-0070
Email: admin@crestoncf.com
June 2023