After some much needed sleep, we headed out from the Okanagan Valley to the Kootenays. Our destination today was a small town called New Denver in the Slocan Valley.

Here’s a typical view from my office window. Too bad the Hare Krishnas keep getting in the way.

Welcome to the Kootenays.

We stayed at Keith and Johanna’s place (former North Vancouverites living in New Denver), which also happened to be the new bike shop in town.

Keith and Johanna were also our source of local knowledge. For our first lap, we went for a quick shuttle on the Alamo, an old mule train route. The entire area is rich in old mines, which also means lots of double track (some might say too much).

There’s also some old mining gear, like this cable car ferry.

Tony looks well at ease negotiating the crossing.

The Alamo was sorta neat, but a bit below the abilities of our crew. Luckily there was a slightly tougher trail around hte corner by the name of “The Grim Reefer.”

It definitely served up a bit more technical challenge.

Paul even found the edges of a skinny to flirt with.

Craig styled this drop off a log/stump combo. The lander on this is steep rooty fall line for a lo-o-o-ng way.

Panama on a shady step down.

Lettin’ my balls hang out. It’s true, they’re made of steel (stainless actually).

Hey Panama…you drop a nickel or something?

The lovely Johanna spots the nickel.

….and Pierre is sufficiently wealthy enough already that he can go around (jokes on you, rich guy. That turned out to be the sketchiest line of the day).

Well, actually this convex drop to the road might have been a little radder.

Another sweet combo move to sunshine filled tranny.

Gotta see that one again.

….and maybe from another angle too.

OK, last time.