north shore

Quiver Rock Origin Story

Posted on by Smoke

Merry Christmas!

Or more properly, Boxing Day, which I have celebrated by purchasing a film scanner. So here’s some more vintage for you.

These are some pics of the finishing move on Dangerous Dan’s old trail, the Fleshy Wound. This drop was called the Quiver Rock, but actually in the first pic it had no name at all (look for a young Digger in the background, with some very tight pants).

The Quiver Rock Origin Story

He rode it out. Dale was next.

The Quiver Rock Origin Story

Full faceplant endo, and he blacked out for a bit doing the funky chicken.

The Quiver Rock Origin Story

Probably that golf club like stem had something to do with, or maybe it was the toe straps. Who’s to say?

The Quiver Rock Origin Story

Anyway, ever since then (1996 or so….) it’s been Quiver Rock.

Mr & Mrs. Marmalade – 9

Posted on by Smoke

DIGGER! 

Yep, back in the old ‘hood today.  A little lap on Fromme on our way to the Sunshine Coast.

First up is 7th Secret.  Upper Oilcan looks in need of some serious love, and 7th is in great shape, so that was an easy choice.

Mind you, that climb took some doing.  I don’t think you get a lot of practice on the 1800’ climbs back in Bristol.

Yet somehow the Brits manage to slay the log rides.  Go figure.

Random artsy shot of some fungus.

Since we saw Digger, we had to hit Ladies Only.  He’s put about 300 hours into Ladies this year, and it shows.

The old Bart Bridge still stands.  Hi Bart!

One of many new boardwalk sections.

The swamp teeter and the accompanying heron are also still there, over 15 years later.

More uphill…

Natural High was also recently rebuilt.  Here’s a good stunt, a swivel totter.  3 times is the charm, right Al?

Some more Natural High.

The last trail was the Imonator, which has been totally rebuilt recently.  How rad is this?

Genuinely skinny, too.

Ahh, a nice sunset on a warm summers eve.  This was, embarrassingly, the “warmest passage I’ve ever experienced.”  Well, you can figure out what I meant…

First Ride of the Year

Posted on by Smoke

I just happened to be in the big city (Vancouver, do they get any bigger than that?) and like a smart guy I brought my bike down.  You know, just in case.

Also ran into our old pal Kenny Maude, who has opened up the newest shop on the Shore, Lynn Valley Bikes.

Kenny saw an already overcrowded marketplace, and said to himself, “Me too!”  Good on ya, Kenny.

Also stopped by Wade’s place, and as luck would have it I was just after the Shimano truck showed up.  Can I take any of that off your hands, Mr. Simmons?  Thanks, buddy.  Looks like I’ll have some Saint gear on the new bike when it gets built.

As it was a Friday, it was time for the Chromag ride.  I’m not sure if this is a good idea for the first ride of the year, but when in Rome..(or Squamish).

Mitchell, get outta the shot!

Our mission was to get a little preview of Tedward Shovelhands latest creation, Half-Nelson.  It’s a publicly funded trail in Squamish that Ted has been working on for months.  The grand opening was scheduled for Sunday, but he gave us the go ahead to get an early sample.

Of course, the Chromags had to get stoopid creative on the approach route, so rather than shuttle up to the 19th Hole, we rode in from 20km away.

An interesting choice, especially for that lardass, Yours Truly.

Anyway, it’s a fantastic trail.  Reminds me a lot of Silverstar, but a more technical version.  REALLY deep berms, and you need to know the flow of the trail if you want to avoid pedalling and still get good tranny.

<British Accent>Lush!</British Accent>

So green.  Oh, and we managed to find a place to walk our bikes downhill.

Which led us by this masterpiece.  It was shortly thereafter that I bonked and lost the group.  Which led to an extended loop of trying to find my way back.

Which naturally led me to this frosty cold beverage at Tantalus.  Yup, it’s been 15 years since I started working in Al’s back yard.   What a long strange trip, and it feels like yesterday.