1st Retallack Trip Wind Down

The boys are TIRED today.  Well, except for our token Canadian, Anton.  He’s been jogging between laps to stay focused.

After 2 runs on Idaho Peak, a few laps on the Kessel Run, and a full Powerslave, this morning was devoted to getting full value out of the trip with more laps on Kessel.  I think Anton (below) managed 4 before lunch and his imminent departure.

Katrina was also not shy about getting her fill of the Retallack terrain.  And I quote:

"What an epic time at Retallack Lodge. Literally face shots of loam. Best DH laps of my life, no exaggeration. So good!"

So we shut down this first Kootenay trip with this parting shot of the Selkirk Mountains.

Later that afternoon the lodge staff (myself, Amber, Matt, Kia, and Havoc) went for a hike into those peaks in the background.  Like an idiot, I didn’t take my camera, but whatever you can imagine, it was even more epic than that.

A rest day is in my future, and then more Kootenay singletrack with some Albertans.

Powerslave Heli

Yes, if I’m at Retallack, then it’s time to hit the helipad.

Not buying the concept of Kinrade as a pilot.  He doesn’t look like he’s taking the idea seriously, at any rate.

Nice rack…

I was on ground crew detail today, so no flights for me (and I’m spoiled enough with how many I get to do that it’s really not bothering me).  As a result, I got to watch some smokejumpers do a practice jump overhead…

…and then land right in front of me.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, the Buffalo they were training in did a tactical short landing right after.

After that, I drove up to meet the crew on Morning Mtn. for the rest of the Powerslave descent.

Not much to report here, although we did run into Scott "Schooly D" Dixon, and I have a bruise on my ass to prove it (the result of my avoiding a slower rider in front, thereby impeding Mr. D’s line). 

Another solid day in the Koots.  The boys are beginning to look tired…

First Retallack Day of the Season

The seasons must be marching on, because I’m at Retallack again.  It seems to be a few more folks are finally figuring out the deal.

A few new changes this year.  The lodge picked up the old Dirt Tours van, so Big Red is staying at home.  I’ll be piloting the Corellian Cruiser while I’m at the lodge this year.

As well, although Riley McIntosh has relocated to the Island, Mike Kinrade is in charge of daily ops, which is far from a bad thing.

The lodge trail has finally been named.  Say hello to the Kessel Run

…and Matt’s entry for bum shot of the day.

Sorry bro.  Even though you had a SPECTACULAR nose wheelie to berm crash, I think I’m giving the award to Katrina.    Although I did notice that those neon shorts of yours were really tight.  Like, 80’s poodle rocker tight.

Oh, and another old pal, D-Rok (Derek Chambers) is guiding this year.  Here he’s about to 30-70 the landing on the Lillyhammer.

 

Not enough rain. 

We had a few full on rain storms lately, and it’s still bone dry in the woods.  Quite a summer in BC.

D-Rok gets some retribution on that line.

A solid 12k’ day in the trenches.  Shit just got real.

Say goodnight to my little friend.