RRR Featured in RV West
Record Ridge Riding offers interpretive trail rides through the historic Rossland mountains
Rossland’s history begins with mining. In 1897, at the height of the gold rush, Rossland was one of Western Canada’s biggest cities. There were so many small claims and drill holes around the area that locals say Red Mountain resembles Swiss cheese. Old mining trails wind through the hills; many of these have now become mountain bike trails. But for Julie and Ken Drake, the history and splendour of the Rossland region is best seen from a saddle.
Ken was born in the area and spent his youth working with and riding horses on the old mining trails around the region. He moved to Alberta for work—where he met and married Julie—but longed to get back home. When their son was born four years ago, the Drakes made the decision to pack up and move home to Rossland and put into motion the dream they’d had for 10 years—a trail riding business that took visitors along the old roads and pathways followed by prospectors and miners a hundred years ago.
My husband, Rusty, and I were treated to an afternoon of riding with Ken, Julie and one of their guides, Dan Adamson. It was still early in the season and snow blocked the trails higher up the mountain, but the weather was glorious and the scenery was unparalleled. The Drakes’ horses are gentle, sturdy and obviously loved—and eager to climb the hills. I’m comfortable around horses and I’ve met quite a few of them, but rarely have I met a more agreeable bunch.
My horse was named Magnum. Magnum is a big boy and, having grown up in the 80s, I loved him for his name alone. And he was every bit as affable and strong as the character played by Tom Sellack. He required only the slightest bit of pressure or encouragement to go where I wanted him to go and his smooth gait meant that the requisite saddle-butt at the end was mild.
Along the way, Ken pointed out several old mine shafts. All that remains of most of them are an outcropping of rocks to mark the spot, but others are large enough for a grown man to stand in. The history in this area is rich, and Ken is obviously taken with it. He speaks of mountains and trails as if they are old friends, and it’s easy to see why. I felt a part of it myself by the end of the ride.
Let me say something about Ken and Julie: they are as warm and friendly a couple as I’ve ever met. Ken’s knowledge of the area is vast. He knows the best places to eat, the most impressive viewpoints and the right trails for every level of rider. Julie is fun, welcoming and so clearly happy to be doing what she loves. The ride is amazing but the Drakes make the day.