CycleActive XC Tour — Day IX

Semi rest and travel day today. The Okanagan Valley has left us tired, bruised, and satiated. On deck today is a little cruise down the Tulameen Canyon via the old Kettle Valley Railway. Here’s the crew on one of the many trestles in the canyon, about to enter the final tunnel.

Lots of great swimming spots made the day pretty slow and relaxed, except that Barry managed ot have his best wipeout of hte tour on the flat and level gravel trailbed while trying to race. That river water is really good for scrapes.

Hello Mr. Bear. Two in two days. Now that’s more like it. More wildlife on this tour than in months.

CycleActive XC Tour — Day VIII

Another singletrack climb to start, but nothing so tech as yesterday. Smooth, California style climbs today, with the appropriate Canadian style descents to follow. The ride is called Jerry’s Mountain, and it encompasses many different trails.

Like Rebellion.

Once again, Al “the Brazilian” Box was on hand for some local guiding, as was Chuck D. Railer and the charming Maria.

The views were great, and we could see the ridges from yesterday’s ride in the far distance.

Ahh, those Canadian descents. Here’s Barry about to get some air.

Me and Kate charging the smooth singletrack.

Maria and Emily doing the same.

Kate liked this one I think.

Big Al ponders the last section of the downhill.

Hot tub…check. Beers….check. Cheetos….check. Chicks…..hmmmmmm.

CycleActive XC Tour — Day VII

Another grey day, but when I called Vancouver it was pouring rain so we didn’t mind a bit of cooler weather. Besides, I don’t think that this climb would be as much fun in the full on sun. The trail is called Rock Oven for more than one reason…..

I think it could also be called the Trail of Stupendous Views for obvious reasons. The climb up is really technical, but still possible. I’m not a huge fan of climbing, but this kind of uphill is pretty damn cool. Plus, those views….

..and these views…

..and this view…

..and this one. There were lots more, but you just can’t stop every time there’s s good lookout. The trail is a bit tooo rad for that.

Here I am, getting into the rad parts.

Our good friend and local racing legend Don Younie was in the groove too.

Paul.

Ems…

…again.

Clinton, with my choice for shot of the day on a day where all the shots rock.

We alsomanaged a second ride today over on V-Line (sort of out where we rode yesterday, but via shuttle). Here’s the legendary Al “Fully Shaved” Box hucking a washout.

Finally, a bear shot for you. Too bad I was all alone on the shuttle return and none of the gang saw it.