Tyax Mountain Biking South Chilcotin Mountains

Category: Mountain Biking

Posted on

Float Plane Biking in the Chilcotins

Tyax Mountain Biking South Chilcotin Mountains

What makes mountain biking in the Chilcotins so alluring? Is it the magnificent views, the thrill of riding the most remote single track in the province, or the time spent with those you’re riding with? Maybe it’s a combination of all three. A bike trip in the Chilcotin Mountains is definitely something special, particularly when the beginning of your adventure begins lifting off of Tyaughton Lake in a floatplane.

Our partners at Tyax Adventures have been operating guided floatplane-accessed mountain biking and self-guided MTB trips in the Chilcotins for over 20 years. They know the region like it’s their own backyard. There are myriad reasons for planning a guided floatplane trip this season, here are just a few.

5 day overnight deep in the coast
  1. Access to remote and challenging terrain
    One of the major benefits of floatplane mountain biking is that it provides access to some of British Columbia’s most incredible terrain. With a floatplane, you can access areas that are not reachable by truck or would take days to access by pedaling from our lodge. With a drop at Spruce Lake, for example, you can take in all the majesty of the South Chilcotins during your ~25km ride back to the lodge.
  2. Stunning views
    Floatplane mountain biking offers breathtaking views that you won’t get anywhere else. As you soar above the range, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the region’s mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. Your pilot might pick out some notable peaks along the way, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot some wildlife during your flight as well.
  3. More time on the trails
    Floatplane biking allows you to spend more time on the trails and less time getting there. Rather than pedaling up endless kilometres of logging roads and horse trails, climbing hundreds of metres of elevation, a floatplane bump will get you high quickly. Climbing is an inescapable reality in the Chilcotins, but with a lift from Tyax Adventures, you won’t have to do quite as much of it.
  4. Customizable experience
    Booking with our partners at Tyax Adventures means a customizable experience that you can tailor to your preferences. You can choose your destination, length of trip, and difficulty level. Whether you’re out for a day ride or a multi-day epic, there are charter options that can accommodate your needs.
  5. Absolute Tranquility
    Once you’ve been dropped off at your destination, the floatplane has lifted off, and the hum of its engine has faded into the distance, the only sounds you will be left with are birdsong and the wind blowing across the lake. In the Chilcotins, you can be quite certain that you and your group will be the only people for miles around. It’s not uncommon to go an entire day without seeing another party. And if you do run into fellow riders on the trails, it makes the encounter all the more fun – another group to share stories with in the backcountry! It’s quite likely that at the end of the day, you’ll see them again on the Tyax Lodge patio, enjoying a cold beer and reliving the day’s adventures.

Float plane accessed riding is the best way to explore the legendary Chilcotins. If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to experience BC’s incredible mountain biking this summer, consider a stay at Tyax Lodge and a floatplane mountain biking tour with Tyax Adventures.

Lodge Reservations
Posted on

Bikepacking at Tyax Lodge

Tyax Lodge Mountain Biking Activities

Tyax Lodge and the South Chilcotins has been attracting mountain bikers for as long as we can remember. The sheer vastness of the area and epic trail network means this place is on the bucket list of riders all over the world. For a lot of riders, the trails here are all about speed and fast, flowing trails. However, year on year, we find more riders coming here to go bikepacking.

Bike Packing South Chilcotin Mountains
Photo: Blake Jorgenson/Scott Bikes

What is bikepacking?

Bikepacking, in it’s simplest form, is combining cycling and camping in one. Everything that you need to go camping is loaded on you and your bike and you set out into the wilderness for an overnighter.

Bikepacking differs from regular mountain biking and hiking as it allows you to go on long bike adventures out into the backcountry for days on end. You’ll experience a connection with nature and a much more substantial journey than a regular day of riding. Not many bike rides end with sleeping under the stars and waking up to the sunrise over epic mountain ranges. And most camping trips don’t venture so far into the wilderness so quickly. Bikepacking lets you access remote places to camp that would take much longer to reach otherwise.

Where can I go bikepacking at Tyax Lodge

The bikepacking route around Tyax Lodge is a 130km long loop that crosses Tyaughton Creek and loops around Eldorado Mountain and Cardtable Mountain. The singletrack trails in the South Chilcotins are generally quite flowy, open and fast. The loop can be ridden in either direction – clockwise for those who want the long and tricky climbs and anti-clockwise for those wanting a more balanced ride. The trail is unpaved in all parts and over half of it is singletrack. There’s a good amount of climbing on this route. The ride will have an elevation gain of almost 2,900m with the highest point being 2,225m. The trail usually takes about 3 days to complete.

What do I need to go bikepacking?

Bikes

In truth, the best bike for bikepacking is the bike that you already have. In saying that, there are some bikes that are better suited to bikepacking than others. There are dedicated bikepacking bikes, but most mountain bikes, and even some gravel and cyclocross bikes, are perfect for a bikepacking trip around Tyax Lodge.

Chromag Surface Mountain Bike
The Chromag Surface

Chromag Surface

This Whistler made bike is ideal for bike packing at Tyax Lodge. This hardtail frame is made from steel, which soaks up trail vibrations much better than aluminium, it’s also incredibly durable. The Surface has front suspension so when the trail points downhill, you’re able to ride any line you want. The trails around us at Tyax Lodge are fast and flowy, perfect for the Chromag Surface.

Surly Ogre Mountain Bike
The Surly Ogre

Surly Ogre

Surly makes a wide range of bikes. They have city commuters, cargo bikes and rigid bikes. Their fully rigid Surly Ogre is a great choice for bikepacking. Because it has no suspension at all, the frame is very efficient, which is great for long days pedalling out in the backcountry. Surly also design their bikes with lots of handy mounts for racks, bottle mounts and frame bags.

Marin Four Corner Mountain Bike
The Marin Four Corner

Marin Four Corners

You don’t need a mountain bike or something that looks like one, to go bike packing. Marin has been making off-road bikes for a while now and their Four Corners is their most adventurous off-road bike. Again, it’s made from steel and is designed with a much more relaxed geometry than most road and cyclocross bikes. It is much more efficient and quicker on the climbs than other bikes mentioned here, but will need more care and guidance on the descents.

Racks & Bags

Bikepacking rigs are usually outfitted with racks and bags to help carry all the equipment. Frame bags fit inside the frame of the bike and are attached with straps. These bags are great for storing clothes and camping equipment. Saddlebags attach to the rear of the saddle and extend backwards. Saddlebags come in a range of sizes and are great for carrying a tent, extra clothing, or any other larger structures. Handlebar bags attach to the handlebars in front of the bike. Most riders use these bags for carrying sleeping mats or sleeping bags. Finally, you might want a top tube bag. This bag sits just behind the handlebars and is easily accessible at all times. This is the ideal place to keep some snacks, maps and other things that you will be using often.

Camping Gear

Bikepackers tend to run a light or ultra-light camping setup. Instead of large, spacious tents, most riders opt for a lightweight one-person tent or even a bivvy bag. A bivvy bag is basically a more robust sleeping bag that is suitable for outdoor use without a tent. On a multi-day trip into the backcountry, you’ll need to pack your own food. Freeze dried food has come a long way in the past number of years, these will tide you over until you get back to Tyax Lodge and treat yourself to a fantastic, well-earned, meal. Don’t forget to pack your coffee though, there’s no Starbucks out here!

Posted on

Backcountry Mountain Biking – Gear Check!

Santa Cruz Mountain Bike

The Scandinavians have a trusted saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”. This mentality can be transferred to outdoor adventures, with most terrain and trails being conquered with modern equipment and gear. Mountain biking has come a long, long way since it’s early days of rigid frames, v-brakes and lycra-clad riders. Advancements in material technology and geometry have allowed us to ride trails that the pioneers of mountain biking could only have dreamt of.

Backcountry Mountain Biking
Photo: Blake Jorgenson/Scott Bikes

Here we take a look at some of the best and most essential gear needed for some backcountry mountain biking. Having a suitable bike for the terrain, and your riding style is of utmost importance. We’ll also be looking at essential safety equipment and gear.

Bikes

Every year there is a new trend in mountain biking. The once laughable 29-inch wheels have now become a must-have for aggressive trail riders and enduro racers all over the world. Here we take a look at enduro, trail and hardtail bikes and discuss the benefits of each for backcountry mountain biking at Tyax Lodge.

Mountain Biking Equipment Enduro Bike Commencal Meta

Enduro Bike – Commencal Meta

The Commencal Meta is one of the most popular enduro bikes on the market right now. Whistler local Yoann Barelli races this bike in the Enduro World Series, and it’s easy to see why he chose this bike.

With 160mm front and rear Rockshox suspension and 29er wheels, when this bike gets up to speed to plow through whatever obstacles that are unlucky enough to be in its way. Commencal has chosen to make the frame from triple-butted aluminium rather than carbon. This gives the bike an extra bit of hardiness, which is perfect for the trails here at Tyax Lodge. While the Commencal Meta is a monster on the downhills, it’s no slouch when the trail points upwards either. The SRAM Eagle 12 speed drivetrain allows for a massive range of gearing which lets you spin your way to the top of your climbs.

Mountain Biking Equipment Hightower

Trail Bike – Santa Cruz Hightower

Santa Cruz has been making some of the most beautiful and critically acclaimed bikes for a number of years. And with the Hightower, Santa Cruz has created one of the best trail bikes on the market. Trail bikes differ from enduro bikes as they generally have shorter suspension travel and a more well-rounded geometry. Trail bikes are designed with epic all-day rides in mind, which is perfect for getting out into the wilderness at Tyax Lodge

With it’s 135mm of travel and shockingly light carbon frame, the Hightower is a whippet of a bike. It, like the Commencal Meta, also has a 12-speed drive train and adds carbon cranks to the build as well. This thoughtfully specced bike keeps the weight down in almost every department, while still being sturdy enough for an all-dayer out in the backcountry.

Mountain Biking Equipment Aggressive Hardtail

Aggressive Hardtail – Chromag Surface

The Chromag Surface is the do-it-all mountain bike from the iconic biking brand Chromag. Designed and hand-built in Whistler by a team of hardtail aficionados, the Surface is a favourite amongst seasoned riders through BC and Canada.

With its aggressive geometry, steel tubing and masterful welds this bike is ready to handle any of the trails here at Tyax Lodge. Despite the lack of rear suspension, this bike is more suited to backcountry adventures than you’d think, thanks to its slack than usual geometry and build. A massive benefit of no rear shock is that there’s a strong rear platform to use while pedalling uphill.

The Chromag Surface is also finished with the equally well made Chromag kit. The handlebars, pedals, saddle, and grips are all made by Chromag and can be regularly seen on bikes across the globe.

Equipment

Mountain Biking Equipment Helmet

Helmet – Oakley Drt5

A good helmet while mountain biking is an absolute no-brainer. Here at Tyax Lodge, we value our visitor’s safety, so we highly recommend that everybody wears a helmet that is in great condition and that fits them properly.

Oakley has recently entered the helmet market and their Drt5 is a fine example of a well-made, modern mountain bike helmet. It features the MIPS Brain Protection System, which is a floating, rotational layer between your head and the helmet exterior. During impact, this layer helps prevent rotational damage to the brain. The helmet also features a BOA fitting system and a sweat guard.

Mountain Bike Equipment Knee Pads

Knee Pads – Race Face Ambush

As every mountain biker knows, the part of our body that’s first in the firing line during a crash is our knees. It’s no wonder why in most bike shops you’ll see a wide selection of kneepads. Most kneepads offer either high protection and low manoeuvrability, or low protection or high manoeuvrability. However, Raceface offers a knee pad that has high protection and high manoeuvrability.

The Ambush kneepads feature the revolutionary D30 foam. This foam is used by soldiers, NFL players and even in phone cases. During low stress, the foam is soft and malleable, however, during impact, it becomes rigid and protects the user. Perfect for a big day in the saddle!

Mountain Biking Equipment Backpack

Backpack – EVOC Neo 16L

On a long day of riding in the backcountry, we advise that you bring everything that you may need with you. Tubes, brake pads, tools, first-aid-kits, food, and water are all must-haves. In order to bring all these things with you, you’re going to need a backpack.

EVOC has been making backpacks for a number of years now and have established themselves as one of the industry leaders. Their newest backpack for mountain bikers is the Neo 16L. As well as the near-perfect fit that we’ve become accustomed to, EVOC have added a shock absorption back protector and a ventilation system.

Now you’re up-to-date on everything that you need to make your backcountry trip a success. Mountain biking in the South Chilcotins is one of the most sought after trips in the world, so get in touch with us today and book your visit!

Posted on

What’s Growing Around Us At Tyax Lodge?

South Chilcotins Flora Plants Tyax

It may seem that life in the mountains moves at a glacial pace. The truth, however, is that the wilderness is a bustling metropolis of wild animals, towering trees, bountiful shrubs, and spellbinding mushrooms. On your next visit to Tyax Lodge, make sure you take a look at what’s growing around you!

Tyax Lodge Chilcotins Hiking

Trees

What Is An Old Growth Forest?

An old growth forest is a forest that has been left undisturbed for a significant amount of time so that unique ecological situations arise. They are very important as they are homes for vast amounts of flora and fauna. Some species can struggle in new forests, while old growth forests provide a stable and unique environment for them. Some old growth forests act as large carbon sinks, which help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Spruce Lake Protected Area

Logging is prohibited in the Spruce Lake Protected Area. As early as the 1930s, preservationists were fighting the logging industry to protect the old growth forest. Formerly a provincial park, downgraded in 2007, mining and tourism still allowed in the area. Thanks to these preservation efforts we can relax on our patio at Tyax Lodge surrounded by native Canadian forests.

Tyax Hiking Nature

Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)

The douglas fir is a true Canadian giant, it has been known to grow to a towering 100 meters in height. It is an evergreen tree that is native to western Canada and is distributed from BC down through the US to California. Bears like to scrape away layers of bark and eat the sap of the tree.

Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis)

The whitebark pine tree will be known to many skiers as it is one of the highest growing pine trees and thus often marks the treeline in some areas. As the name suggests, the whitebark pine has white bark, can grow up to 30 meters in height. Squirrels like to make their home in whitebark pine trees, which can tempt bears to come to look for their stash of nuts!

Alpine Flowers

Alpine flowers are hardy and often beautiful plants. They grow in a region known as the ‘alpine’. This is an area of high elevation above the treeline – the elevation of which trees do not grow. These areas are often rocky and barren, but some have beautiful flowering wildflower meadows.

Tyax Flora Fauna

Mountain biking through a high alpine wildflower meadow is one of the reasons why so many people come mountain biking at Tyax Lodge. During summer you’ll ride trails through blossoming tiger lilies, upland larkspur, grass-of-Parnassus, pink monkey-flower, and yellow salsify.

Shrubs

As well as creating stunning views and being home to some of our wild neighbours, plants in the area also provide food for animals in the area.

Juniper (Juniperus communis)

Known to most of us because of their use in the production of gin, the juniper plant is an important part of the diet for bears, birds, and other small animals. This plant can be found both as a shrub and a tree. The wood of the juniper has been used primarily for cladding the exterior of buildings but has also been used in history for making bows. The wood strikes the right balance of strength and flexibility, making it an ideal choice. Juniper berries have also been used in Indigenous medicine and in the use of essential oils.

Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)

Walking around Tyax Lodge on a summer day, you’ll find blueberry bushes bursting with beautiful berries. The plant itself can range from a minute 10 cm in height to a few meters high, while the ripe fruit is a deep blue and about the size of a marble. Similar to the juniper berry, the blueberry is an important part of the diet of a number of wild animals living around us here at Tyax Lodge.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are interesting items as they do not belong to the animal or plant kingdom. Instead, they belong to a different kingdom – fungi. While at first glance you may assume that they are plants because they grow out of the ground and grow near plants, in fact, scientists had classified mushrooms and fungi as plants for a long time. However their cell walls are made of chitin, this is the same stuff that insects make their shells from. No plant does this.

Mushrooms grow very quickly and you’re sure to see some when out on horseback at Tyax Lodge. However, some mushrooms are poisonous so it is recommended that you do not eat any wild mushrooms.

Black Morel (Morchella elata)

Black Morels have a highly structured exterior and can seem quite alien-like. They have short stalks and a larger, arrow-shaped cap that points up above the ground. The caps are generally dark in colour. Black morels are poisonous. Cooking removes the toxins, so never eat a raw black morel.

Red-capped Scaber Stalk (Leccinum aurantiacum)

The red-capped Scaber Stalk resembles the stereotypical image of a mushroom. It has a white stalk and a larger, domed, red cap. It can grow up to 20 cm in diameter and 15 cm in height. It is found in both coniferous and deciduous forests. It is similar to the black morel in that it can not be eaten raw.

Newsletter

Sign up for last minute availabilities, deals, and updates from Tyax.