Description

This is one of just 4 International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) "Epics" in Canada, and for good reason - it's a superb adventure which feels wild despite the ease of access and the orange signs which mark the route throughout its length.

Those who really like a challenge can ride up to Beowulf from Silver Star village, but an easier and more enjoyable option is to buy an XC ticket for the Comet Chair.

You get 2 runs on the chair per day, so you can ride one of the many exceptional downhill lines at the Silver Star bike park, go back up the lift and then ride Beowulf. The official start of the route is easily accessed via the Challenger Trail and then a series of easy tracks, and it's marked by a large wooden arch which you pass under (see photos).

The initial part of the route is undulating and leads through gorgeous forests to Alder Point - an excellent viewpoint which many people ride to as an out-and-back trip.

From Alder Point there is a loooong downhill through different types of forests - some dense and green, and then some more bare stuff lower down.

The riding never gets overly technical but none of it is easy either, so you need to keep your focus all the way down.

There are few significant landmarks, the trail just keeps on cross crossing down along continually fun terrain.

The angle of the trail is generally quite mellow so the descent feels even longer than it appears from the statistics.

Gradually the trail mellows further and eventually undulates down to Putnam Creek.

From here, it's all uphill! The descent felt long, and the climb certainly does - get your head down and get it done! Most of it is rideable but there are a few steep and tight turns which you'll likely need to push on. The trail eventually leads to the Cross Mountain Trail, which leads easily back to the village, where cold beers and hot pizza await!