What it's About

Words by Cam McRae.

I'm no tough guy - I get misty watching the Simpson's - but I love riding the shore. I was away for a year and I pined without anything to satisfy my craving. I would pick up magazines like BIKE and occasionally there would be an interesting tidbit - but for shore riders mainstream mtb magazines are like aspirin to a junkie. As a response to this lack of coverage I spawned a magazine in my head complete with rider interviews, cool photos and bike and parts tests that would really let you know if a product is shore worthy.

And then I realized I was sniffing up the wrong behind. I wanted a place where people could have a voice and rant. Whenever I run into someone who shares my riding interest we go off. There really is a lot to say when you are obsessed and shore riders are. This is the place. We are going to give you room to sell your stuff, post your pics and say your peace. On top of that the plan is to have bike tests (and we will tell it as we see it) rider interviews, and recently updated articles about downhill trials riding, trail building and issues that affect what we love to do. When you can't get to the hill this will be your fix.

The shore has been catching on. People are realizing that you can get more fun out of your vertical when you scope the gnarliest lines, add some stunts and take a Dr. Seuss approach to trail building. You'll find shore-like trails in Rossland, Nelson, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Maple Ridge and even South of the border in Bellingham. Often these places have upped the ante or added something new. We will be checking it out and letting you know if it's worth the trip - and even better you can let us know too.

Beyond that things get a little fuzzy. I don't want to give trail directions (or have subscribers leave them either). I believe that the learning curve for shore riding is evolutionary. When the rider is ready the trail will appear. There are plenty of entry level trails that are easy to find and when you are good enough someone will show you (or me) the next step.

There used to be an unwritten code that riders didn't tell how to get to a trail - they would take you there. While this seems to have gone out the window the principle is a valid one. So tell us about your favourite trail but don't leave exact directions - that spoils part of the fun. Maybe we can bring the old code back to life.

Being away from Vancouver for awhile has lead me to believe that we are experiencing the Golden age in the Xanadu of the mtb universe. As far as I am concerned there has never been a better place to be a mountain biker and this is definitely the most exciting time for trails, equipment and energy. Let's enjoy it to the full while it's here.

Happy trails.