Diversion Gold Rush
On August 23rd and 24th, twenty Diversion Club riders set out to tackle the legendary Hurley Loop. Beginning and ending in Pemberton, BC, the route winds through backcountry hills, old mining towns, and the unceded territory of the St’at’imc First Nation. The challenge was 240 km over two days.
Day one was the big test: 170 km with 3,500 m of climbing. Day two was a “measly” 80 km and 750 m of elevation back into Pemberton. With beds booked in Bralorne, once home to one of BC’s most productive gold mines, we were set for a ride through history.
Day One: Into the Grind
We rolled out of Pemberton at 9 a.m., stocked with bottles, snacks, and a healthy respect for the road ahead. The first two hours flew by on smooth tarmac up Pemberton Portage Road to D’Arcy. From there, the pavement gave way to gravel and the aptly named High Line. A loose, dusty 455 m climb was our first real test, but at the top we were rewarded with sweeping views of Anderson Lake and Mount Seton before dropping fast into Seton Portage for lunch.
After fixing a flat, refueling, and giving sore backs and wrists a break, spirits were still high. We passed the Bridge River Hydro Dam, a striking reminder of how BC generates its power, before turning toward the day’s true challenge: the Mission Mountain Road climb.
The sun was now blazing and the temperature hit 35°C. The climb was brutal: 8.4 km, 900 m of elevation, averaging 11.5% on dusty gravel. Riders spread out across the mountain, each locked in their own battle. Thankfully, two support vehicles followed with water, food, and encouragement. A few cracked and hitched a ride, but most pushed through. At the summit, we regrouped with cookies, Nutella, and plenty of water. With 70 km still to go, we rolled out again.
What followed was some of the most stunning terrain of the trip. A sweeping descent into a massive reservoir led to riding alongside turquoise water, through a tunnel cut into the cliffs, and across a dam. Spirits lifted as the group formed a peloton on fresh tarmac, eating up the kilometers. As the sun dipped low, we tackled the final 350 m climb into Bralorne with tired legs and burning lungs.
The reward was pizza and beers at the town’s only pub, where we shut the place down after ordering more pizzas than they had ever made in one night.
Night in Bralorne
We took over most of the Bralorne Mines Motel, a recently renovated gem that was the perfect place to crash. Showers, quiet mountain air, and soft beds worked their magic.
Day Two: The Washboard
The morning began with bagels, cereal, and coffee before heading out on the infamous Hurley Forest Service Road. The nickname we gave it—The Washboard—said it all. Endless bumps rattled us relentlessly, making us wish for full-suspension mountain bikes instead of gravel rigs. Jared, wisely aboard a cross-country MTB, laughed as he floated away from the group.
The day was shorter and friendlier with rolling climbs, fun descents, and plenty of scenery. At last, the Pemberton Valley came back into view. We had made it.
Back in town, we celebrated with food, a swim in the local lake, and plenty of storytelling about one of the hardest rides many of us had ever done.
Gratitude
Huge thanks to:
- Devan Franz for support and stunning drone photography
- Xerex Gensaya for driving the gear truck
- Jake Prapavessis & Emily Neill for organizing the route, hotels, and logistics
A true Diversion adventure: gritty, beautiful, and unforgettable. We’ll be back on the Hurley, but not for at least a year.
Check out the Day 1 route here
Check out the Day 2 route here
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