The described routes were selected for their aesthetic and riding quality, with the aim of encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to return and explore the wilds not just by bike, but by backpacking, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Alpine destinations and hidden lakes, hot springs and canyons, old-growth groves, and wild rivers give flavor to the selected rides, each no more than four hours of travel from Vancouver. And because many different elements affect the quality of a mountain bike tour, the author pays particular attention to the details of each trail, including grade and physical effort required.