Olympic cross-country cyclist Catharine Pendrel shares her favourite place in B.C.

RecentOlympic bronze medal-winner Catharine Pendrelmay travel across the province to train and take part in cycling competitions, but when it comes her favourite place in B.C., she doesn't have to go far.

"There are obviously a ton of special places in B.C., but I think because Itravel so much ...one of my special places is just being home," Pendrel said from Kamloops, B.C.

Luckily for Pendrel, her hometownoffersabout 100 kilometres of cross-country mountain biking trails that offer a variety of speed and technical challenges.

But of all of those, one stands out for her in particular: the Pineview Mountain biking trail system.

"It's pretty unique and specialbecause you'rein the city but you feel like you can really get away from everything," Pendrel said.

"And becauseyou'reat such a high point you can see all the rolling hills and grasslands aroundand you don't really see the city."

Because of Kamloops's arid climate, Pendrel says many of the mountain biking trails are great for speed. But when she needs to add moretechnical challenge to her training, she heads to Pineview.

"It's the area that enables me to practice the skillset that I needto compete all around the world and try to be the best at what I do," she said.

The trails offerPendrelmore than personal satisfaction for her, they're a symbol of the work local cycling groups have made towards making the trails more invitingfor all.

"Definitely in Kamloops we're working hard to make trails really accessible and to make this an area where people want to come and ride," she said.

For those visiting the city to check out the trails, Pendrel has some advice.

"Come out and be looking for a great ride experience. And there are so many great local coffee shops and brew pubs, just make a weekend out of it."

She also suggests using the Trail Forks app to navigate the 50 kilometres of trails.

This story is part of thenewseries MyB.C. Hideaway. Keep an eye on this site in the coming weeks to hear from other local personalities about their favourite places in the province.