Gillies Creek

Tick off another box on the list of rides to do this summer. I’ve been looking for an excuse to hit up Rock Oven from the top lately, and Olly from the coast showed up just in time to make that happen. It’s a bit of an approach though, and the hike a bike through the Wright Passage is bit of a push.

Eric in particular wasn’t a big fan, but he…the time for 40 lb hardtails with 8″ forks and 24″ rear wheels is long over. At least it’s fun rig on the descent.

Especially when it’s a 5000′ descent under bluebird skies.

Hottest day of the year though, which makes the climbing seem harder than it really is. You can tell how mild it’s been this year by how deep the grass has grown.

It’s also kind of late in the season for the first Mariposa Lilies to make their appearance. This endangered species of flower is supposedly delicious. I’ve never tried it, but various bugs seem to really enjoy it.

I was getting enough enjoyment out of the views and riding the slickrock.

34C today. Any wonder why it’s called Rock Oven?

Kelly and Rolly

Time sure flies, doesn’t it? Kelly and Jason show up every couple of years, and here they are again for another round in Naramata. Things are much improved since their last visit. Now with more Chevys!

As previously alluded, it’s been sorta cool on the Coast, so Jason is having a bit of a hard go with the heat.  I did offer you guys some XC lids, eh?

Still, with weather like this I don’t hear much complaining.

Bluebird skies make for some nice portraits on Drops a Lot.



Postcard stuff.  Kelly told me later that this ride was the highlight of their trip, and they went to Silverstar and Williams Lake!

Another stupid scenic shot…

Quickdraw wildlife shot.  Crap quality I know, but it’s TWO fawns!  TWO!

Anyone up for a sunset dip in the lake?

C’mon dude.  If you’re gonna ponce about getting in, you know that Barb is gonna cannonball you.  Like a band aid!  One motion!

Speaking of cannonballs….Chevy returns to the first bar that she ever threw up in.

She got thrown out this time, but no hard feelings…

Family Day

Well, with tours a bit slow this summer, I may as well get some family time in. At least we’re getting a summer. It’s been pretty wet and cool out west this year.

Now it’s our dog trying to stay wet and cool.  Like all Border Collies, she’s a total spaz around water.  She’s trying to bite all the waves as they come into the beach.

Meanwhile my own little monkey is doing her part to make sure that the lake doesn’t fill up with rocks.  Good work, honey.

She’s also exercising the pipes with this awesome public performance at the local karaoke night.

She’s a party girl, in a party world….