Mount Work Mountain Biking Trails
Wheel Life column - 12 June, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Today's map shows some of the mountain bike trails at Mount Work Regional Park. It is also called the "Hartland Mountain Bike Park" because much of the land was previously part of the Hartland Landfill site. But don't let that scare you away. The garbage dump is on the other side of a hill. You wouldn't know it is there unless a north wind carries the landfill aroma to the park.

The most common way to get there is on Hartland Avenue, off West Saanich Road. Just follow the garbage trucks. At the landfill entrance you'll see a parking lot, complete with washrooms, and a hose for washing down muddy bikes. On the other side of the road are the trails, beginning easy and becoming more difficult as you climb the hillside.

Another access route is from the McKenzie Bight parking lot, on Durrance Road (called Millstream Lake Road if you approach from the south) near Willis Point Road. From there you will find a good multi-use trails which takes you to the mountain bike trail network. This is a more difficult route with steep climbs.

There are lots of single-track (narrow) trails in Mount Work Park. You will probably become lost for a while, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and a rain jacket in case the weather changes. Just keep riding and you'll eventually find your way back. That's part of the fun.

For more information get the Mount Work/Hartland Mountain Bike Trails Map available at most local bikeshops, visit the South Island Mountain Bike Society (SIMBS) website at http://www.simbs.com/, or call their hotline at 477-2455.

Another invaluable source of information for both road and offroad riding is the Davenport Victoria Cycling Map, available at bikeshops and other retail outlets. It shows recommended cycling routes and trails from Sidney to Port Renfrew, and includes information on cycling activities, bike parking and even ferry schedules. Keep one in your panniers.

PUT IN A BOX

Mountain Bike Courtesy
Please observe the following rules when riding on trails. For more information visit the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) website at http://www.imba.com/.

1. RIDE ON OPEN TRAILS ONLY.
Respect trail and road closures (ask if not sure). Avoid possible trespass on private land.

2. LEAVE NO TRACE.
Practice low-impact cycling. This means staying on existing trails and minimizing damage to trial surfaces. Pack out your garbage.

3. CONTROL YOUR BICYCLE.
Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

4. YIELD THE TRAIL TO HIKERS AND EQUESTRIANS.
Make known your approach well in advance. Show your respect when passing by slowing or stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots.

5. NEVER SPOOK ANIMALS.
Animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders.

6. PLAN AHEAD.
Be prepared, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions.