The buzz is real! North Shore Bike Park has been a vibrant addition to the community since its grand opening in July, transforming a once-vacant Sears store in Capilano Mall, which had been closed since January 2018, into a haven for bike enthusiasts.
If you’re picturing a typical indoor bike park with just skinnies and ladder bridges, think again. While the name “North Shore” nods to its location, the park itself is designed for a wide range of riding styles. Whether you’re into dirt jumping, dualies, scooters, or BMX, this indoor facility has something for everyone. Constructed entirely from lumber, with plywood surfaces in most areas and durable Skatelite* in the street zone, it’s the perfect place to enhance your fitness, master new skills, and enjoy an exhilarating time with friends.
*Skatelite: A premium wood composite panel known for its smoothness, durability, and suitability for smaller wheels, superior to plywood.
Initially witnessing the park’s construction in its early stages, I was intrigued but also slightly apprehensive about what the final experience would be. Since then, North Shore Bike Park has evolved impressively, now boasting green, blue, and black jump lines, alongside two pump tracks and a dedicated street zone. Invited to explore the completed park, my excitement was mixed with a touch of nervousness. It had been ages since I last rode a dirt jumper, and “rusty” would be an understatement to describe my current jumping abilities. Like any mountain biker facing a challenge, I turned to YouTube for guidance and stumbled upon a goldmine of tips.
Living near the North Shore, opportunities to practice jumps with arced take-offs are scarce, with most riding focused on drops. Whistler, while offering jump opportunities, isn’t a regular riding destination for me, leading to a decline in my already modest jump skills. Searching for a solution, I discovered the Loam Ranger’s instructional video focusing on how to stand up to the jump. This simple technique proved to be a game-changer for my indoor bike park experience.
While my fellow riders from the nsmb editorial team, with their superior skills on smaller bikes, were naturally comfortable, I felt a bit out of my depth initially. Renting a GT dirt jumper from NSBF, I started on the pump track and, to be honest, felt pretty awkward. The advancements in modern bike technology, with highly capable bikes, often mask fundamental riding techniques. Our bikes’ big wheels and advanced suspension can make us complacent about dynamic body movements, especially fore and aft balance. This realization became clearer as the day progressed.
Thankfully, pump tracks are inherently fun, even when you’re not performing at your best. Lapping the pump track allowed me to gradually build speed and regain some confidence. Meanwhile, the rest of our crew ventured onto the more challenging jump lines. Ryan Walters, who brought his daughter along for a family outing, effortlessly tackled the jump lines on his BMX, while Deniz, Cooper Quinn, Dave Tolnai, Emma, and Graham showcased impressive aerial skills. Watching them was both inspiring and a little daunting, but it was a great learning experience.
After a few tentative runs on the green jumps, feeling reasonably okay, I decided to revisit the pump track for more practice. Switching between the two pump track lines, I got a little too casual transitioning into the tighter loop. Suddenly, my front wheel was heading off the top of the berm, and a crash was inevitable. I landed in a heap, bike on top of me, bruising both my ego and ribs equally. Despite the fall, I was fine to continue riding, although a bit hesitant about returning to the jumps immediately. It felt like the right moment to try the blue jump lines.
Employing the “Stand Up to the Jump!” technique from the Loam Ranger video, my first run on the blue jumps surprisingly felt quite good and less nerve-wracking than anticipated. However, I couldn’t quite summon the courage to fully commit to the final, larger jump and make a smooth transition.
Observing the more experienced riders, it became clear that speed wasn’t the issue; I needed more “pop” – or something similar. Unsure exactly what was missing besides sheer nerve, I kept practicing, gradually starting to land closer to the sweet spot. The landings were still a bit heavy, a noticeable “thud” compared to the smoother landings of better jumpers, but it felt like a minor detail in the process of learning. On the smaller jumps, I began to understand how to manipulate the bike mid-air, and that’s when the real fun began. While I wasn’t executing any advanced tricks, I had definitely progressed from my previously awkward, “dead sailor” jumping style.
Skill Transference to Trail Riding
The most significant takeaway from my time at North Shore Bike Park unfolded the very next day. I joined James Wilson, a partner at NSBP and owner of Obsession:Bikes, for a ride on familiar trails of Mt. Fromme. Surprisingly, the trails felt different. In a positive way. I experienced a sensation of slow motion on the bike, yet I was navigating sections faster than ever before. Even more peculiar was the feeling that suspension settings were irrelevant; I adapted to the bike’s setup rather than needing to adjust it to me. It wasn’t until the bottom of the first trail that I recognized the skill transfer from the indoor bike park to the natural dirt trails.
After this realization, I started pushing my limits, and it felt remarkably easy. I was carrying more speed than usual while maintaining a greater sense of control. The highlight was effortlessly clearing a couple of doubles* that I had previously struggled to land smoothly. It felt almost too easy.
*Yes, there are a few doubles to conquer!
These dramatic improvements, while unexpected, made sense in retrospect. I had similar positive skill transfers from riding BMX in wooden parks in the past, so perhaps I shouldn’t have been so surprised. What was truly remarkable was the enhanced performance on technical trail features, including uphill sections. There’s a particular spot on the Baden Powell trail requiring a powerful move to get onto a bridge, with a limited run-up and a couple of stair-like obstacles. Recently, I’d been failing this section, but post-NSBP, I cleared it effortlessly. My rear wheel barely seemed to touch the stairs, or at least that’s how it felt.
I believe the key to this improvement lies in the riding style often adopted on modern mountain bikes, where it’s easy to become passive and let the bike handle the terrain. Dirt jumping, however, demands more deliberate and dynamic movements, particularly those that shift your weight off the bike’s vertical axis. The bike park experience reawakened dormant skills, forcing me to actively handle the bike rather than just being a passenger. It resulted in one of my best trail rides in ages, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
Even if you don’t live in British Columbia, dirt jump parks and pump tracks are becoming increasingly common, even in unexpected locations. Give an indoor bike park a try and see how it elevates your riding skills.
My overall impression of NSBP is overwhelmingly positive. The spacious facility, the welcoming atmosphere, the progressive jump lines catering to all skill levels, and, most importantly, the tangible improvement in my trail riding skills—all contributed to a fantastic experience. Next time, I’m eager to explore the street zone and perhaps attempt some vert riding, keeping my wheels firmly on the ground for now!
Bring on the rainy days – North Shore Bike Park is the perfect all-weather riding destination!
Park Details
North Shore Bike Park is an ideal venue for birthday parties for both kids and adults. It’s open daily from 9 AM to 8 PM. The most convenient entrance is through the underground parking (2-meter height limit), accessible east of Capilano Mall off Hanes Ave, or via the mall entrance before 6:00 PM. Detailed directions are available here.
You are welcome to bring your own bike or rent one upon arrival. The rental bikes we used were well-maintained and performed excellently. Day passes are priced at 30 CAD for individuals over 13 years old, 20 CAD for ages 5-12, and 10 CAD for younger children. Season passes and 10-packs are also available. Rental bikes are also 30 CAD. Don’t miss the pro shop stocked with Troy Lee Designs merchandise. It’s worth checking out.
North Shore Bike Park Official Website
Open Daily: 9am – 8pm
Contact: 1-604-969-0888
