Micro Climate

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Unknown

Micro Climate is a relatively young addition to the area, but the trail landed an early debut as stage one during the 2014 Whistler Enduro World Series Race. The trail has a lot going on for it like rough and fun chutes, imposing rock-rolls, and a constantly beautiful forest setting.

To get to the top of Micro Climate, riders will need to complete the slog up the Blackcomb Access Road and finish off with Out of the Dust to the Micro Climate Connector. Once you've sweated out that climb, you'll find yourself in a nice clearing, with good views, just above the base of the Excelerator Express.

Once you're ready, take the plunge. The singletrack quickly works past a small bridge and a number of cascading root sections. It's all quite rollable, but certainly will work your suspension. There are still rocks and roots spread about where the trail levels out, but you can keep your momentum up with minimal pedaling.

As it works back into the wood, the trail will go through a number of additional steep rooty chutes that will keep you working. All the excitement of the trail won't give riders much time to enjoy sneaking a glance at the surrounding mossy forest, but it's really lovely. The trail ahead gets harder and involves some tricky flat corners and a few pinch-points into more chutes. Pretty soon you'll find yourself on the other end of a carpet of roots enjoying a small bridge over a cheery stream.

A very short climb out of the drainage separates riders from the next act. A delightful section of trail that stretches on featuring an equally brilliant cast of roots, rocks, and chutes. As you frolic on this natural playground, watch out for some rutted sections and high-side lines that seemed like a good idea until you encounter the angled roots partway through (I had the opportunity to practice a number of one-footed moves).

Shortly after the next rise, the trail hits the first rock-roll, a picturesque slab that's partially encased in roots. It's not too difficult, but results may vary if conditions are wet. Also, be alert for any bomb-holes that may have developed in the run-out. Just ahead is the rock-roll's big brother. This smooth slab is roughly 20 to 25 feet in length and has a pretty rough run-out. It's lots of fun, but could be a unique challenge in the rain

The excitement isn't over though, as Micro Climate serves up a succession of steep, rutted switchbacks that hit one after another. They are pretty tight and there isn't a lot of room for error, but they get the fun ramped up fast! The rest of the trail backs off until it enters a dark forest. Here you'll encounter off-camber bench cutting and at least one tricky root that you'll have to execute a good lunge over to reach the exit onto Hey Bud.