Submitted
Wells Gray Outdoors Club (WGOC) has a budget of $168,000 for trail development over the next two to three years.
The funding has been provided by BC Rural Dividend, Kamloops Blazers, Thompson-Nicola Regional District, Rec Sites and Trails BC, and Wells Gray Community Forest’s major grants program.
Crews started trail work early April and have constructed an additional six km of multi-use hiking and biking trails. One of the new trails climbs above the warming hut to the ‘Elevator’ area, offering great long valley views of town and the rivers.
Candle Creek now has over 10 km of completed two-way hiking and biking trails. Crews will continue trail construction until June 30. The Five Year Plan is to develop a 30 km trail network, including a trail along the Raft River canyon rim.
Trails are clearly signed and maps and information are posted at the parking lot kiosk and available on Trailforks: www.trailforks.com/region/clearwater/ridingareas/
Summer membership and trail sponsorship
Annual winter memberships in WGOC include summer trail use. If you are not a winter member you can support the club by purchasing a summer membership for $20.
WGOC is offering trail maintenance sponsorship for local businesses or individuals. Cost for 2017 Trail Maintenance Sponsorship is $100.
All sponsors will be listed at the trailhead kiosk and on the WGOC website, and their guests can ride the trails at no cost.
Memberships and sponsorships can be purchased online www.wellsgrayoutdoorsclub.ca/membership/membership.html
For more information contact info@wellsgrayoutdoorsclub.ca
Solstice Ride and Hike
WGOC has partnered with Hop n’ Hog and Bicycle Café to host the first annual Solstice Ride and Hike at Candle Creek trails.
The event will kick off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, with a beginner intro ride at 7 p.m.
Trail opening and thank yous to WGOC funding sponsors will be at 8 p.m.
Hop n’ Hog will bring food to purchase – pulled pork and salads. Bring lawn chairs, drinks, and mosquito repellent.
In Clearwater you don’t have to ride fast – just faster than the mosquitos!
Come out for a hike or ride and show appreciation to our sponsors and trail building crews.
Volunteer trail day
Thursday, June 15 volunteers will meet at 6 p.m. at the Candle Creek parking lot to weed and rake trails and clean up around the warming hut. If you plan to come bring weed eaters, leaf rakes, and pruning shears.
Watch for summer logging
Wells Gray Community Forest is working on road upgrades (Bend and Elevator), new road construction, and harvesting
Work started on June 12 and will continue until early August.
Trails users are reminded be aware of logging traffic when using and crossing active haul roads, and to stay clear of all active work sites. One section of the new trail above Black Diamond will be closed during new road construction.
Horseback use
Horseback use is welcome at Candle Creek trails.
All ski trails and roads are great for horseback riding during dry conditions.
Horses are not permitted on the purpose-built mountain biking and hiking trails, which are clearly signed.
There is plenty of parking space for horse trailers at the trailhead parking lot.
Mountain bikers, be aware of horses and please slow down to avoid startling them.
Happy Trails!
For more information on Candle Creek trails, visit www.wellsgrayoutdoorsclub.ca/trails/bike-trails.html
For inquiries contact info@wellsgrayoutdoorsclub.ca
