A number of enthusiastic mountain bike riders, hikers and equestrians enjoyed the China Ridge Trails System, followed the KVR with its tumbling Tulameen river freshet, peddled thru dark, cool, historic railway tunnels and traveled over scenic Forest Service Roads around the Princeton area on Saturday, June 16. The ride was organized, by a group of local China Ridge Trails Society members, as a tribute to Duncan Mackenzie, a young man from Whistler BC, who contributed so much to the mountain bike trails system and Bike Park here, over the past summers.
Duncan died tragically in an avalanche this past winter. We were joined by his family members, to celebrate his life, with a plaque unveiling at the Bike Park.Many mountain bike riders also gathered on a scenic spot on the Rail Trail to pay tribute to the great man, with another memorial plaque set on a giant boulder. Duncan was a man who touched many with his passion for the outdoors, his vision for developing our area, his knowledge and expertise in working the terrain. He left a legacy which we enjoy now and which many will appreciate for years to come.
The finale for a great day of exertion, exhilaration, and camaraderie came in the form of a delicious BBQ at the Bike Park. Adults visited, rehashing the trails challenges and victories, while kids entertained us by riding the variety of banks and ramps. Great food, new friends, tales of the trail, plans for the next ride, all made for a memorable day.
A group of mountain bikers from Penticton swore they would return with reinforcements, now that they have had a guided tour of our trails system. They raved about Princeton’s single track bike trails, the friendliness of our community and the beauty of our scenery. Sometimes it takes the perspective of visitors to make us take a second look at how wonderful this area is and how lucky we are to call it home.