Greyfox2

Does anyone have any experience with Tour BC, a week long supported tour that travels various routes through the mountains of British Columbia each July? I'd appreciate your comments if you've done it.

kayakdiver

I can't speak for that tour but.... It's a rock throw from me and it is some pretty amazing country.

tourbiker

I haven't done it but have heard lots of good things about the Tour BC rides. I knew Danelle (Tour BC organizer) when she was the Executive Director of Cycling BC and did some of the womens rides that she led. Based on what I know of her and what I've heard of the tour, I'd recommend it. (in fact, if I could get vacation time in the summer, I'd do it). Hopefully you'll also get some replies from people who have done it.

Dan Burkhart 

Might wanna read this before ya go.
https://www.cancaver.ca/rats/info/bear.htm

tourbiker

Interesting link. Given the various spelling mistakes in the notice, I question its legitimacy as being a formal government document.

In any case, yes, it's always a good idea to heed these warnings in the backcountry. In Whistler, I'm cautious when running, hiking or mountain biking trails particularly when I'm alone. But, I wouldn't be concerned about bears on a road ride with a large group like Tour BC.

spinninwheels

Ya, me too. A gov't document doesn't joke about bells in *scat.*

Just out of curiosity, what is your biggest concern about doing a non-organised tour?...riding alone, camping alone, loaded bike on mountain passes, distances, or a combination?

Greyfox2

Sorry, I'm not buying the "government document." I looks like it was poorly translated (complete with typo's) from some language other than English. But last I saw the most widely spoken language in BC was still English. Hmmm. But for the record, I've got enough experience camping and riding in the wild that I'm pretty sure I can handle myself.

I don't really have a concern about riding alone. I've done it, as well as small group trips self-contained. But I guess I'm getting lazy in my old age. it's nice to have someone to haul the luggage, worry about the logistics, etc. so that I can enjoy just riding.

I guess that just because I have a preference for what I'd like to do this year it doesn't mean I have concerns about something else.

On top of it, my favorite bike is carbon and not much on hauling a whole bunch of gear.

I just posted to see if anyone had experience with this particular group. Everything I've heard about them is pretty good.

Greyfox2

Oh, one more thing about the "government document"....

It appears that there is no Ministry of Fish and Wildlife in BC.

https://www.gov.bc.ca/ministries/inde...?WT.svl=TopNav

Greyfox2

I've ridden through Whidbey Island. It is pretty darn nice looking where you live, also.

nwmtnbkr

I'm in Montana, west of Glacier National Park and I'm extremely cautious when I'm out and about. I live between 2 black bear and grizzly bear habitats and they keep moving problem grizzly bears to our area (meaning they've had run ins with humans already), which is of no comfort. We also have mountain lions. Although there have been no recent deaths in the lower 48 from mountain lion attacks, there have been fatal attacks in B.C. and Alberta. The attack that stuck in my mind is one in Alberta that involved a young woman home from college during the holidays who went out for a jog in the woods, wearing ear buds and listening to music. A lion crouched in a tree jumped down on her and killed her. I never wear ear buds or listen to music when hiking or biking and I try to stay aware of my surroundings and what animals might be nearby.

Greyfox2

Caution is always essential, I agree. The places that are the most beautiful are also the ones that we share with wildlife, some of it not so friendly. But by being reasonably cautious and using common sense you can minimize the chance of a problem. I think I fear cars more than I do bear.

Dan Burkhart 

Correct. There is a Fish and Wildlife division of the ministry of the environment.
This joke has been circulated for years, but there is a worthwhile admonition there.