Mountain Biking Kamloops

The 17th was an early start (sort of) so that we could get a ride in at Kamloops on our way to Vancouver. We saw the first snows of the season on the way over Hwy 22.

Brrrrr.

It was either that or the fact that the town of Little Fort has this weird UFO reputation going. Lot’s of probin goin down in Little Fort.

Just south of Little Fort is the town of Barriere, which got hit hard by the fires this summer. Here’s the big Tolko mill with charred hills behind it.

I think that this is the little gas station and restaurant where it started.

Anyway, we finally got to the ‘Loops, where the fine folks at Full Boar Bikes hooked us up with a driver for Harper Mtn.

This is the the base of the ride at Harper–Paul Lake.

What do you want to do today?

Of course, it’s not all shuttling and drinking beer.

Luckily the top isn’t too far away and the view is worth it.

We didn’t take too many shots, as we were having a bit too much fun riding. There was a lot of wood that I haven’t seen before, but you will have to be content with these shots of rock faces.

Mark….

Clem…

And Joey…

I shouldn’t be picking on Joey actually. He had a breakthrough day at Harper and rode a ton of stuff very strongly. Here he is in better form.

City Slicker….

And another in my series of cool bugs.

This was the first trip that nobody fell asleep in the back of the van. Well, almost nobody…..

So we packed up and hit the road again for more driving.

Stare into the light….you are getting sleepy…you are under my control…..

Riding with BushPilotBiking

Our second full day in the Puddle was our biggest. Four runs in all. We were a bit flat for the opener on DogBone, but strated to get it together for the second run on Hillbilly Deeluxe. After lunch we hit Belly, Cherry Popper, Spokey Hollow and Max, then finished up with Sweet Pete.

It was another wet day, but it was worth it all the same. I have limitied images from all this but we got a bunch of video clips which I promise to make into a little vid for you all soon. I’ve got a ton of video I have to go through to make something cool, but it will take some time.

Enjoy the pics for now.

Here’s a view of Bill’s Pond. What a grim looking day.

Joey on Hillbilly Deeluxe.

Hanging out on the Cherry Popper, and 8 or 9 foot drop. Super smooth. Again, no action shots (too dark) but there is some vid around. I had my chery popped, as did Mark. Nelly hit it on the hardtail, as always.

The charming Nelly, looking like a goof.

Eric and Clem hanging at Red Shred’s Bike and Board.

A black fox we saw at the end of the day. Pretty cool. Hard to get a clear shot at him, the wily little fellah.

Joey crossing the creek.

Tomorrow would be huge. Drive to the ‘Loops, ride it, then drive to Vancouver.

Riding Williams Lake

The next day started off well enough. Although pretty cold out (almost freezing) at least it was clear. The forecast said it wouldn’t hold though.

We hooked up with Jenelle of To The Top Freeriding for a day of riding on Desous Mountain.

Here the lovely ‘Nelly unloads our steeds. That’s an area code 250 before the phone number if you want to get to know her better. Or just hook up a ride.

The top of Desous is a fire lookout, staffed by the ever vigilant Lookout Liz.

Good lookin out, Lookout Liz. Here’s looking out to ya.

For a warm up we hit So Long, a 3200′ drop into the Fraser Canyon. Mark says it’s wheelie good riding.

Here’s Clem trying to figure out where to look, at the trail or at the amazing vista spread out below him.

Me and Clem, dropping the rock lines on So Long.

What can you say?

Round two….DINNG!

That’s Joey, Clem and Mark in the rear and me and ‘Nelly in the shrubs.

Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrroad gap!

Jenelle showing a little leg.

Mark airing it out. This is the third in a series of three hits. Pure bliss.

PANTIES! GLORIOUS PANTIES!!

(Large!?)

Spine transfer in redneck country. Look out.

Lap three, more of the same. Mark learns the hard way to keep his feet on the pedals.

Tired but still stoked.

The drive back to Williams Lake, also known as God’s Country.

That was three good laps, enough for one day. A few beers and it was straight to sleep.