History of the Trail Network

The Mount 7 Trail network was built by local residents and encompassed into the Ministry of Forests Recreation program. In 2002 the Ministry of Forests deemed that the recreation program was not part of the core service. The Golden Cycling Club was formed to maintain the trails and to provide a unified voice to government concerning mountain bike issues in Golden and the surrounding area.

Our core initiatives can be categorized into 3 areas of work: Communication, Area Development and Events/Community Participation.

Communication

  • 2002 – In partnership with the Town of Golden, Golden Economic Development Office and Ministry of Forests Recreation department we developed and installed a comprehensive system of trail signage throughout the Mount 7 network. Utilizing the Human Resources Development Canada Job Creation Project work crew, the signs were installed at all trail heads and trail intersections. These full colour signs included a detailed map of the area and a description of the trail’s terrain and ability level. These signs have been effective in providing navigation throughout the network so that the trails can be safely accessed by anyone in the community.
  • 2002- Developed a black and white trail map with trail descriptions and information about riding etiquette for retail sale ($2). This revenue source brought in $500.00 last season and is expected to increase for the 2003 season.
  • 2003- Developing a new full colour trail map for retail sale with ad space sold to local bike related businesses and services. We received a grant from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District to complete this project.
  • 2003- Developing an information kiosk to be installed at the base of Mount 7. The kiosk will have a large map of the area, information about the Golden Cycling Club and a donation box for funds towards road maintenance. The kiosk will also have information about the local hanglider/paraglider association who utilize the area for a “launch site” and the Columbia Valley Climbing Association’s information about the ascent on Mount 7. This kiosk is being developed in partnership with the various user groups and has been funded by the Columbia Basin Trusts community initiatives fund.

Area Development

  • 2002- Human Resources Development Canada Job Creation Project trail crew, maintenance of trail network.
  • 2002/2003- volunteer trail maintenance days
  • 2002/2003- development of new trails and trail features by community members
  • 2002- Rehabilitation of trail at the top of Mount 7 at the request of the Hanglider/paraglider association. The trail head for “Dead Dog” was becoming increasingly eroded and was causing safety concerns for the hanglidger/paragliders. We re-located the trail head and rehabilitated the old trail.
  • 2003- Reconstruction of “finish area”. The old finish at the bottom of the network consisted of a small jump which was shooting riders towards the road. Out of safety concerns we re-developed this area and created a new fun “jump” and “berm” which directs riders onto the grassy area and away from the road.
  • 2002/2003- cooperating with the local Rodeo Association in clean up days.
  • 2003- Developing a trail between the finish area and the parking area so that riders are not on the road, out of safety concerns.
  • 2003- Working with the Town of Golden to develop a better parking area and effective signage.
  • 2003- Applying for funds from the Direct Access Program to build and install a public washroom at the base of the mountain to decrease environmental impacts.

Events/Community Participation

  • 2002/2003- Coordinate the annual Mount 7 Psychosis Downhill race which attracts riders from all over the province (112 in 2003). Riders from aged 10- 50 participate in the two races from the 5km start and from the “launch site”. Raise funds to go towards trail maintenance, road maintenance and other events.
  • 2002/2003- Operate a weekly race series called the “Toonie Races”. Open to all ages and abilities, this community event is a short race from the 3km start with a BBQ at the bottom. This event has grown steadily from 12 riders to 50 riders per week ranging in ages from 6-50+ years. It has also become a social event where many families come out to watch the race, help with the bbq and cheer on their local riders.