It’s Business Time, also known as Duncan’s Trail, is an all-mountain style mountain bike trail in the Cheakamus area south of Whistler Village. After its completion in 2012 it quickly became a favorite among local mountain bikers who don’t mind mixing a bit of pedaling into their downhill fun. This trail is also a special one for the community because it was conceived of, designed, and partially built by long-time local trail builder and ski patroller Duncan MacKenzie, who tragically passed away in an Avalanche in 2011. During the summer of 2012 the trail was completed by local volunteers, and it now serves as a memorial for Mackenzie, etched into the landscape of Whistler mountain itself.
From the Whistler Interpretive Forest parking lot beside highway 99, start up the paved valley trail for 300 meters and take the first right up the steep gravel road known as microwave tower road. Climb 1.8 kilometers on this steep but rideable gravel road until you see the entrance for It’s Business Time on the left, immediately after climbing a steep left curve. You’ll enter the forest and climb for about 200 meters before reaching a flat rocky opening with a memorial to Duncan MacKenzie that also serves as a trail sign.
From here the trail is undulating but mostly downhill, winding through the forest, utilizing every last bit of the rolling forested terrain while descending back down toward the valley floor. There are several wooden bridges and too many exposed rock features to mention, as well as some really entertaining flow sections and some tight technical corners in the thicker forest toward the bottom. You’ll pass a couple of viewpoints along way, the second one with a wooden bench after a short climb section. Soon after this the trail splits, with AM/PM veering off to the left (downhill) and It’s Business Time continuing straight and beginning to climb again. If the top section of the trail was too challenging for comfort, AM/PM is a slightly less technical option to get to the valley.
Most of the trail is quite rideable for intermediate and advanced riders, and the trickier spots usually have ride-around options. There are one or two features that should be scoped, including one particularly committing steep rocky line onto a steep wooden bridge with a hard right turn at the bottom. At the bottom the trail exits onto the paved bike trail; take a left and follow it 500 metres down to the parking lot. If you enjoyed the ride, take a minute to thank Duncan MacKenzie for his vision and hard work on this trail. Also, check out the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association to see how you can help maintain trails in the area.
Comments
Sign In and share them.