Week two and we're leaving Squamish behind, down the highway to Britannia Beach. After the Chief, get ready for something a little more off the beaten path. Way off.
Pleasing everyone is impossible so we stopped trying. This week's challenge starts up Contact Creek, hits Strainer, then dissolves into a mish-mash of moto tracks that feel like the Smoke Bluffs with the trail signs pulled out. Two kilometers of everything: steep, slabby, rooty, fast, slow, up, and somehow also down. Not many people find their way back here. Braided trails, unsigned junctions, it's terrain that hasn't been loved to death yet.
Fully flagged from start to finish. Follow the pink polka dotted ribbons and hold on.
*Course recon strongly recommended.
Getting there
Park near the trailhead on Copper Drive unless you are doing a large group effort, then park in Brittania Beach commercial area and warm up to the start.
The approach
If you parked at the commercial area, make your way to the start of the challenge on Copper Drive. If you parked on the street by the trailhead, there is no approach as the challenge starts as soon as you enter the trail.
The segment
Start your watch as soon as you leave Copper Drive and enter the singletrack. From this point, follow Contact Creek trail, crossing Quary Lane and heading north towards Strainer Climb. Climb Strainer, eventually leaving exiting left about 2/3 of the way up to gain the ridge of the bluffs to the finish. Follow the polka dotted flags - do not adjust to any of the myriad braided alternatives. This trail network is maybe even more braided and convoluted than the labyrinth that is Valleycliffe. You've been warned.
Finally, you'll arrive at a local high point marked with ample flagging and candy cane wrapped log where you can collapse in exhaustion and triumph. Descend via any of the dozens of downhill trails back to the start - all paths lead back to Brittania Beach.
- Distance: 1.95km
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Elevation Gain: 400 meters +-
- Where to Park: Copper Drive Street Parking OR Brittania Beach Commercial Area
- Surface: Everything and the kitchen sink
