MEET BC’S RIDERS: GREG RECTOR - RIDING THE SOUTH CARIBOO

Apr 7

In British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin, the riding doesn’t always reveal itself right away. From towns like 100 Mile House, the landscape feels open and understated; rolling terrain, big skies, and long distances. But beyond that first impression lies a region shaped by history, wilderness, and a kind of riding that rewards those willing to explore a little further.

For local rider Greg Rector, that sense of discovery is part of what has kept him here.

Set between the Coast Mountains and the Rockies, the Cariboo Chilcotin carries the legacy of the Gold Rush, where historic routes once moved people and goods through a vast and untamed landscape. Today, those same corridors lead into a winter playground of groomed trails, expansive plateaus, and backcountry terrain that continues to draw snowmobilers looking for something a little different.

Greg has spent years riding here and contributing to the local snowmobiling community, and much of that time has been spent at Mica Mountain, just outside 100 Mile House.

The ride into Mica begins along a groomed trail that gradually climbs into Gas Rock Meadow - a wide, open space that feels both welcoming and expansive. It’s a natural place to start the day, whether you’re easing into your first ride of the season or riding with a group that includes a mix of experience levels. With consistent grooming and a reliable snowpack, it’s a zone that delivers throughout the season.

From there, the terrain begins to unfold.

Greg points to areas like Twin Peaks as a go-to for riders looking to push a little further, with open burn and more technical riding that contrasts the softer entry zones below. The further you explore, the more the mountain reveals: tree riding, alpine access, and pockets of terrain that feel surprisingly big for a region that often flies under the radar.

A full day here might mean warming up in the meadow, working through the trees, and finishing with a few laps in the alpine before heading back down.

On clear days, the reward is just as memorable as the riding itself. Views stretch across surrounding ranges toward Valemount, Blue River, and Clearwater, offering a reminder of just how connected this landscape is to the broader northern riding zones.

“It really has something for everyone,” Greg says.

That range is part of what defines riding in the Cariboo. It’s a place where progression happens naturally, where riders can build confidence in open meadows before stepping into more advanced terrain, and where a full day on the snow still feels like you’ve only scratched the surface.

Greg’s connection to Mica Mountain runs deep. He grew up riding here alongside his dad, who was part of the early efforts to build the local club. Today, Greg continues that legacy as a director with the Mica Mountain Riders Association, helping maintain trails, support access, and ensure the area remains welcoming for both locals and visitors.

Out on the mountain, that same spirit carries through. Greg is known for handing out small pieces of flagging tape printed with “You Can’t Park Here” to riders in his group who get stuck - a lighthearted reminder that even the best days include a few moments spent digging out. It’s all part of the experience, and part of what makes riding here feel welcoming and real.

That sense of community shows up in small but meaningful ways. It’s not uncommon to find Greg in the staging area before heading out, checking in with riders, answering questions, and helping riders get oriented and feel ready for the day ahead.

His work with South Cariboo Search and Rescue brings another layer to that perspective. As Snow Response Director, he understands how quickly conditions can change and how important preparation and awareness are when heading into the backcountry. In the Cariboo, looking out for each other is simply part of the riding culture.

What sets this region apart is the feeling it leaves you with. The Cariboo Chilcotin offers space—real space—to explore. It’s less crowded than many of BC’s better-known destinations, with terrain that unfolds gradually and rewards those willing to go a little further beyond what they can see from the trailhead.

From historic routes like the Gold Rush Snowmobile Trail to quiet alpine zones and windswept plateaus, the riding here reflects both the scale of the land and the stories tied to it. It’s also a region shaped by deep cultural roots, including the Tsilhqot’in people, whose connection to this land continues to influence its identity today.

For Greg, the goal is simple. When riders leave, he hopes they’re already thinking about their next trip back.

Because in the Cariboo, that’s often how it works. You come to see what’s out there, follow a few local tracks a little further than planned, and leave with a new appreciation for both the place, and the people, who make riding here what it is. It’s the kind of place that rewards those willing to go a little further - and one that continues to surprise even experienced riders.