Okanagan Outdoor Activities Group | June 10

Bike trip on the old Kettle Valley railbed in Myra Canyon

You are invited to the second outing of the newly established Okanagan Outdoor Activities Group.  The group has planned a bike trip on the old Kettle Valley railbed in Myra Canyon (Myra Bellevue Provincial Park).  The KVR and Myra Canyon are one of the Okanagan’s most important historical locations as well as having dramatic views of the Okanagan Valley.  The bike trip will be led by Maury Williams (Myra’s Men; Building the Kettle Valley Railway) and co-teacher (with Rick Garvin) of two historical/archaeological digs in Myra Canyon. 

We shall bike through the canyon, starting at the Myra end, and then stopping en route periodically for noteworthy explanations.  We shall end at the June Springs end followed by a visit to Morrissey's Camp #2 (the 1912-14 construction camp where Rick and Maury did the first dig. This camp was subsequently opened to the public in August 2022 and is located about 100 m from the June Springs gate).  Then we’ll bike back to the Myra parking lot.  Distance one way is ca 11 km over a flat well packed trail. 

Some particulars.       

Start time & meeting place:  10:30 am in Myra end parking lot 
Travel time:  from the UBCO campus it is about 50 minutes.  DON’T GO TO THE JUNE SPRINGS END.  Carry on McCulloch Rd past Gallaghers golf course, down the hill crossing KLO creek, and then watch for the sign to Myra.  The road up is gravel and can be a bit rough but easily passable by car (i.e., 4 wheel is not needed) - Total time at Myra Canyon:  ca 4 hours.  

Bikes:  Either bring a bike or rent from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals (located at the entrance to the trail in Myra Station parking lot). If you rent you should make a reservation – see MCBR website.  
Lunch:  yes—also snacks, and bring plenty of water 
Dress:  be prepared.  Even if it is a warm/hot day bring extra clothing.  The weather can change quickly and dramatically – don’t be fooled by how nice it is in Kelowna. 

THIS IS IMPORTANT;  MAXIMUM NUMBER ON THIS BIKE TRIP IS TWELVE (12) – otherwise it is too congested on the railbed, especially since we’ll be stopping frequently.  CONTACT MAURY DIRECTLY TO RESERVE A SPOT: maurice.williams@ubc.ca

If there is interest beyond 12, Maury will arrange a second bike trip. 

And from the UBC Emeritus College:  If you are taking part in the activities of the Emeritus College Okanagan Outdoor Activities SIG, please recognize that you do so voluntarily for recreational purposes. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in good health and are comfortable with the activities you are taking part in. You must wear any recommended appropriate footwear and clothing and participate in a safe manner.