Gillard has long been a cornerstone of freeride mountain biking in the Okanagan. Once threatened by provincial remediation and industry development, the network is now officially managed by Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC), with MTBCO partnering to maintain, steward, and continue developing the area.

Freeride builders have always had a seat at MTBCO’s Board table, and preserving Gillard’s lineage as a true freeride destination remains central to our work.

A Network with Deep Freeride Roots

Gillard’s trails began to take shape in the late ’90s, during the early days of freeride. Today, the network offers shuttle-accessed trails designed for intermediate to expert riders, featuring:

• fast singletrack

• gap jumps of all sizes

• wooden features

• rock gardens and slabs

• steep, technical lines

Enduro, freeride, or downhill bikes are recommended to fully enjoy the terrain.

A Major Community-Built Climbing Project

Gillard’s climbing trail network—MTBCO’s most extensive project to date—took three years to complete. The process included advocacy, fundraising, environmental and archaeological assessments, and hundreds of volunteer hours from our riding community.

Stewardship Through Partnership

As part of our agreement with RSTBC, MTBCO is responsible for:

• Regular trail inspections

• Ongoing maintenance to meet provincial trail standards

• Long-term planning and development of the network

This stewardship is made possible through community involvement: volunteer directors, member support, dig days, and riders who continue to voice what Gillard needs. Gillard’s future depends on all of us.