Friday, June 4, 2010

Where to go Mountain Biking in Sooke

Sooke offers mountain bikers of all skill levels trails that will thrill and challenge. The primary locations are Broom Hill and Harbourview Rd. While it is legal to enter these areas, entering is done at your own risk. Please use common sense regarding your safety. Respect others using the area, and please respect wildlife.

Directions: Harbourview Road joins Sooke Road somewhere near the 5500 block of Sooke Road. Follow Harbourview Road to the end, where you will find a small parking lot. This land is maintained by TLC (The Land Conservancy) and the CRD (Capital Regional District). It is intended as a multiple use area, although the rules exclude motorized vehicles. Harbourview trails offer hikers access to the top of Mount Manuel Quimper, where there is an old fire lookout tower.

Directions: Broom Hill's best access is at the end of Blanchard Road. Starting at the Petro Can gas station in the Sooke town core, follow Otter Point Road to Burr Road. Burr Road will be on the left after Foreman Heights Road. Follow Burr Road to Petemar. Turn left on Petemar and go for a short block to Blanchard Road. Turn right on Blanchard and follow it to the end. Please respect the private property near the trailhead.

Sooke Mountain Cycle at 2075 Anna Marie Rd is your best source of information about Sooke mountain biking. A map is available at Sooke Mtn Cycle for the Harbourview trail system. Phone 250.642.3123.