Jasper Alberta Takes You Off-Road Biking in the Canadian Rockies

Grab a Giant and go - mountain biking, that is! The"This tour is essentially an introduction to mountain
sweet single-track cycling trails in Jasper National Parkbiking," says Lescard, "no experience necessary."
have been hoarded by locals and those in the knowIn small groups (two to eight riders per guide), clients
for far too long. This year, auspiciously Jasperlearn the skills and gain the confidence they need to
National Park's centennial year, anyone can hop oneventually go out and do this on their own. That
for a guided two-wheel adventure through some ofbeing said, OT&T is more than willing to offer other
Alberta's top bike-riding terrain. But you'd betteroptions for more hard-core bikers looking for an
hurry, because the opportunity may not be aroundintroduction to area trails.
forever.OT&T will operate the tours on a select number of
Jasper National Park's scenery is rugged andtrails, ranging from an easy ride along the Trail #7
mountainous. The authentic mountain town of Jaspersystem to the more difficult trails of "The Bench" (as
is a hub for adventures in the park and there islocals refer to the Pyramid Bench trails leading up to
lodging and dining to suit all tastes.Mina and Riley Lakes, among others).
Trail biking (a.k.a. mountain biking) has passed its 30th"Trail Seven offers a beautiful, moderate terrain,
birthday, but it was only last August (2006) thatdouble-track in places," says Lescard of one of his
Jasper National Park issued the first business licencefavourite places to share with visitors. "It's relatively
to a certified company for guided trail biking tours. Inflat and we stop at Lake Annette with views of the
2007, Overlander Trekking & Tours is one of fourAthabasca Valley."
potential operators set to offer the first full seasonFor visitors to the park, having a guide "adds to
of guided cycling adventures within the park.overall experience." And there is the benefit of a
Experience Adventure on Wheelssafety factor - all of the guides are trained in first
Trevor Lescard, partner and general manager ofaid, as well as what to do in wildlife encounters, be it
Overlander Trekking & Tours (OT&T) is pumped andbears or female elk with calves or a male elk in rut.
ready for pedalling. The company (established in 1999"Guides have the local knowledge," adds Lescard,
and currently operating with six year-round guides)"and know where to go, when to go - whether to
already offers a full-time slate of guided backcountryavoid crowds or find the best trail conditions."
tours, from summer heli-hiking to winter ice walks,As well biking basics and safety, guides offer the
but they wanted to include mountain biking in Jasperopportunity to experience and appreciate the area on
- the largest of Canada's Rocky Mountain nationala deeper level. Rather than blasting by the fairy's
parks.slipper orchid in bloom, OT&T guides take the time
"Mountain biking itself was already an approvedto point out hidden highlights on the forest floor and
activity in the park," says Lescard, "and we felt thatprovide historical nuggets about the Athabasca Valley.
guided trips could help reduce the pressure on busierTry an Historic Ride
trails and educate visitors on cycling safety andTrail Seven includes a connection segment of the
forest ecology."Overland Trail. The Overlanders (namesakes of
Because of the short lead time (the permit wasOT&T) were a group of people travelling west from
issued in August of last year), OT&T only had oneOntario, chasing dream of the Cariboo Gold Rush. By
guided mountain biking trip in 2006, but they're hopingrail, by cart and by foot on trail, they crossed the
that'll change this year.country and are remembered as a hardy,
To reduce overhead and make the tour viable, Dougadventurous people.
Albert of Jasper Source for Sports will provide theOther gems include mention of North West Company
Giant brand mountain bikes and OT&T will providefur trader and mapmaker David Thompson's area
the guides to lead the tours, which will kick off intravels in the 1800's and a glimpse of the old Fort
mid-May and run Mondays and Fridays at one p.m.Point area, once used as a stable for outfitting
(trips can be planned on other days for groups oftravellers with fresh horses before crossing the
four or more) until the end of September.mountains. Vistas at old Fort Point include the
No Experience Necessaryrenowned Athabasca Pass, the main trade route
Each of OT&T's three trail biking guides (Trevorthrough the Rockies for almost half a century after
Lescard, OT&T partner Craig McCarthy and guideThompson crossed it in 1811.
Christian Roy) are certified Association of CanadianThe guided mountain bike ride itself is making its own
Mountain Guides Hiking Guides and hold Mountain Parkinroads into history. Parks Canada is allowing a
Heritage Interpretation certification and havetwo-year guided biking trial in Jasper and the issuance
Advanced Wilderness First Aid. Lescard has beenof further licences will be evaluated (with public input)
hiking, biking, climbing and skiing Jasper for the pastfor the 2008 management plan review.
12 years (10 of those as a guide).