"On Yer Bike offers an electrifying 40-foot sport climb through a striking crack and series of overhanging roofs. As one of the best routes at Southern Crags, it challenges your technique and stamina with well-protected bolts and a sharp finish that climbers won’t soon forget."
On Yer Bike stands out as the undeniable highlight of the Southern Crags, delivering a powerful, focused experience on a 40-foot sport route that challenges both body and mind. The climb begins beneath a cleft in the rock, slightly down and to the right of the imposing Ready To Strike corner, where an obvious crack invites you upward. This vertical crack snakes through a series of roofs, demanding precise technique and strength, especially in the lower section. Starting here requires pumping power and a confident approach, as you’ll rely heavily on finger locks and careful foot placements to navigate the initial sequence. If you know how to ringlock, that technique will smooth the ride, but it’s not essential; perseverance certainly is.
The mid-section tightens with a few overhangs that test your core and commitment. The sequence through the bolts isn’t just physical – it’s a mental exercise in steady breathing and when to commit to tough moves. The final roof presents a bite of difficulty that pushes your endurance just when you start to sense victory, demanding a delicate balance between strength and finesse. Clear your head and trust your movements here, because upon topping this final bulge, the comforting chains await.
Southern Crags is perched in the Okanagan region, where the rock’s texture offers excellent friction, rewarding well-placed smears and edges. The crag’s aspect provides a mix of sun and shade throughout the day, making it a reliable choice for spring through fall climbing. The approach is straightforward but not to be underestimated – a brief hike through unassuming terrain leads you to the base, where the cliff’s character immediately commands attention.
For sporting routes like On Yer Bike, your rack needs six solid quickdraws to clip the bolts, spaced consistently throughout the climb. The protection is clean and reliable, ideal for climbers pushing their limits on hard climbs. Because of the demanding nature of the moves, climbers should come prepared with strong fingers, solid footwork, and a mindset ready to stay calm under pressure.
This route answers the call for climbers seeking a punchy single pitch with technical moves and an exhilarating finish. Expect a rush without the overwhelming commitment of longer routes, perfect for those looking to hone their sport skills or simply savor a memorable line at one of British Columbia’s standout crags.
Watch your falls around the roofs — although bolted, the overhanging nature can catch climbers off-guard if they lose control. Check bolt integrity before pushing into the crux and ensure your quickdraws are solidly clipped.
Start a bit down and right from the big corner ‘Ready To Strike’ to locate the crack easily.
Focus on maintaining calm through the first roofs; precise footwork is key to saving energy.
Bring tape or finger protection if you plan to ringlock on the tight cracks.
Best climbed in spring or fall to avoid intense afternoon heat; shade covers part of the wall midday.
Six bolts line the route in clean succession, requiring six quickdraws and a harness setup prepared for sport climbing with a focus on clipping efficiently during sustained sequences.
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