There And Back Again - Views of Cameron Main from 3800ft

Click here for a larger version of the animated trail...

EveryTrail

Today's ride with Andy: supberb trails and stunning views...later

We set off late into what we knew would be torrential rain.  While the coast was bathed in sunshine, the interior mountains were obscured with dark gray behemoths.  It rained from the Englishman River bridge on, but that didn't dampen our spirit, even if it did soak us to the skin for four hours or so.  My heated vest was a real bonus, but forgetting my waterproof pants was a bonehead move.

 

As usual we were just exploring, with the outside hope that we might find a away through to the Cameron Main, Labour Day Lake, Mt. Arrowsmith, and perhaps even a route north to Port Alberni.  First we snuck up the beginning of the key trail to see what the logging co had been doing up there.  They have widened and flattened the road nicely for the first quarter of the trail - thanks, guys!   Then we got back to 155 and headed West again and past the Englishman River bridge.  We've never explored here: what a bonus.  We found some excellent riding terrain - really awesome and this ride is highly recommended for anyone who likes views (check the weather first!), grades and torque...Here's the route overview.

Above (Click for larger view): We turned onto the 155N for quick look see and to check out the state of the key trail since the winter logging.  It's great - a cat has leveled and widened the first 1/3rd of the trail.  Unfortunately they've also levelled most of the trees.  Clearcut?  Where?  Below: the key-trail looks completely different...With the Clarkian Liberals in power for the next 4 years, you can expect the capitalist-consumer driven rape and pillage to be the Status Quo...

 Below (Click for larger view): Carry on past the Englishman River bridge (that is don't cross it).  A few km after this the trail starts to get rewarding...

 Below (Click for larger view): Looking west towards Mount Moriarti.  This is where the trail gets fun and you climb to the alpine plateau.  The trees become smaller.  The road surface is excellent and hairpins and steep grades, even wet, make for some supberb riding.  It was socked in, and I can only imagine what the views must be like when it's clear.  Waterfalls tumble from great heights aplenty, but watch for deer - they're everywhere here often darting out.  Unlike our residential semi domestic rose-eaters, these are extremely skittish and large...  We did not explore many side roads, of which there are tons...

 Below (Click for larger view): Once up on the plateau, you will be heading east towards Moriarti - which you can see in the distance.  Look to your right - you are looking down a few thousand feet at Cameron Main.  Again there are a few side roads to explore here.  We have left them for later...and better weather

 



 Below (Click for larger view): We were stopped by snow in several places and the new road finally terminates not far from the old Cameron Main Ridge trail.  Given a few more months, we can only hope the two join...perhaps wishful thinking...

 



 

 Below (Click for larger view): As you can see the roads are in good shape, albeit a bit wet on the day.  The mountain peeking through to the south is on the other side of the Cameron Main.

 Below (Click for larger view): the road split to a Y, with the upper road going on for much further.  Unfortunately, due to the elevation (3800ft) it is still choked with snow. 

 

 Below (Click for larger view): We didn't take any pictures while we were passing through the plateau, which was a pity as it was very picturesque...however once through, this is what we found. 

 



All in all, another good day riding.  A stop at the Black Bear afterwards for a London Pride and some chips helped get us home.  It was a hot bath for me to chase off the mild hypothermia from being soaked for a few hours.  It didn't rain a drop in Nanaimo, but be warned, the interior highlands are completely different.  I haven't ridden in rain like that for years....  Great fun though.  We'll be back.