[CptSydor]

Life has played some funny games on me lately, switching things up is a serious possibility. Looking like I might have a job to lose in Kelowna.

I'm an Ontario boy, thought I've done a bit of riding in the west. I like Enduro XC, not afraid of the technical stuff, but generally I like epic rides that take me interesting places (done my share of racing, including transrockies).

I've done a little skiing, but since I'm from Ontario, seemed anit-climatic. Always thought if I was in a place that had real skiing, I could see myself really getting into it. Been known to rock climb, backpack (spend time in the backcountry) and hunt/fish also.

So, from the non-professional perspective, is Kelowna for me?

 

[rockyuphill]

Here's some trail info...

MTBco | Mountain Bikers of the Central Okanagan

Lots of stuff to do in the area, Merritt is not far to the west for more trails, Vernon to the north for skiing in the winter. Revelstoke is pretty close for more trails. And you're less than 4 hours from Vancouver.

I expect that if you're a resident you'll likely hate the influx of tourists that make driving from one end of Kelowna to the other such a slow PITA in the summer.

Some shots of Crawford trails in the Myra Bellevue park.

 

[LeeL]

Ask on NSMB for more input. This forum lacks the traffic for decent insight. Kelowna is best in spring and fall - gets a bit loose and dusty in summer. Decent skiing, pretty good trails with nice variety. The area proper lacks alpine riding but there's some further south in oliver/keremeos/Penticton - just covering the highlights here though. There is xc, enduro, dh and many more outdoorsy people there than you can imagine

 

[rockyuphill]

It also gets very very warm in Kelowna the summer. 30C can be a cool day, and 39C is not uncommon - hence the dry and dusty in the summer.

 

[CptSydor]

Thanks for the replies.

Big decisions to be made. Will look for more info at NSMB.

 

[singlesprocket]

no shortage of trails in the area, did a small tour of some jems, barely scraped the surface. silver star is not to far away also. good jeep country to wheel in.

decent bike culture, lots of powder hounds in the winter, properties aren't cheap though...

if you have a decent paying job and are single why not, otherwise might be a tough go to settle yourself.

 

[anthony.delorenzo]

I'm sure Johnny Smoke will chime in here, that's his neck of the woods. Check out Bush Pilot Biking, he's got lots of ride reports from that area.

I haven't had a chance to mountain bike there yet but have done some amazing road rides / gravel grinders.

 

[JohnnySmoke]

1500km of singletrack, massive vertical, up to 7k' in one descent, some of the most progressive fr trails in BC, epic xc and all mtn routes galore...

But the traffic does suck.

 

[Bilirubin]

Plus short drive to Kamloops, where there is some awesome downhill riding to be had. Plus, wine and Tree Brewing.

I love Kelowna. Its why my Alberta plates contribute to the traffic there twice a year.