Steve and Susan came up early to avoid the rush on the highway, so we managed to get a lap in on the Mice this evening. We also ran into a couple of locals. That is the look of a man on clipless pedals for the first time…
Also a first for the 29’r. Didn’t seem to hold him back much, though.
Here’s Susan on a sunset mission on the Skull Coaster.
…and a few seconds later for shot of the day.
Ahhh, the Sunshine Coast. My favourite. Ze Germans aren’t so sure…yet. They’ll learn.
It doesn’t take long. Danilo is quick to figure it out. No dust, no brake bumps, just flat out smooth ripping goodness.
Looks more epic than it really is, but it’s this sort of lush setting and sick trail building that really rocks your world here.
With our warm-up on Mach Chicken, we went for a session on Janet’s and DMZ. Yes, we’re sticking to the classics today. Since I blew the focus on this shot, I’ll tell you that it’s Steve Sheldon’s Supersender, and every time you hit it, you’re giving a big middle finger to the Big C.
“F*CK CANCER”
We did that a lot on this lap. Jorg really enjoyed that part.
Basically, we all had a turn.
No trip to the Coast is complete without a visit to Cunning Stunts. Not really their cup ‘o tea (do Germans even drink tea?), but they were good sports.
Too bad the swivel totter is broken again. I love watching guys fall off that thing. Maybe next time. Actually, considering how old this stuff is getting I was quite surprised to see how well it’s holding up.
So sexy, it hurts…
A little lunch time action at the Gumboot.
After lunch, we got a new shuttle driver so that Linden could come shred a few laps with us. Thanks Jess, but we would have liked a run with you, too.
That Linden is a shredder. I think he got us all fired up for some faster runs this afternoon.
Just some more postcard shots. Gotta have a souvenir of the visit for everyone, eh?
OK, now we’re getting into it. Again, it’s amazing that these drops are still working.
I didn’t get a shot of the one around the corner, but I think it’s something like 15 years old now, and still kinda burly. Not massively huge or anything, but you really feel that lander. Jorg is wiping his butt on this one.
Yow! Danilo!
Didn’t want to hit the Stunts again, so we went over to the dirt jumps instead. Here’s Linden going big for us.
Which got Holger and Jorg stoked for their session.
After that, we tried to get on the ferry but got skunked, so we went back for a damn average feed in Gibsons, and then found some refreshments for the apres ride. I think Peter was tired or something.
Ahhhh…BC Ferries. Like hanging out in someone else’s living room for 40 minutes.
That guy looks sketchy, you should make him sit apart from us…
Finally…the traditional shot of trashed riders in the van on the way back to Whistler.
My work here is done.
We were sort of hoping to get a heli drop today on Mt Barbour, which would have gotten us some alpine freeride action and then a descent down Wolverine Creek from Tenquille Lake. Which would have been rad, considering it’s been over 20 years since the first time I did that one, but the weather didn’t co-operate. A low ceiling and VFR ratings made that a no go today.
Bummer.
Well, Pemby is still fun, and considering how dry it is I’m not really that disappointed. This zone is tough when conditions are perfect. With the historical dry season we’re having, I’d have to call this the most challenging conditions I’ve ever seen here.
Sticking to open rock was our best bet, so that’s what we did.
Jorg wasn’t at all upset. He seems to have a good time everywhere we go.
Maybe it’s that odd setup he has with a 29” rear and a 24” front (not really, it’s just fun with the wide angle).
Danilo is the first German/Filipino I’ve met. Probably explains his colourful fashion sense. He rips, though, so it’s OK to make a bit of fun.
Peter was considering getting a new bike. That old Nicolai of his wasn’t doing him any favours, and this trailside relic was looking like a real performance upgrade. Maybe we’ll find him something better for tomorrow.
Nice bush.
Even with the loose and sketchy conditions, it was still a great (if somewhat challenging) day. Stimulus was still a gas, and we finished way earlier than last year, getting us some great views in daylight of Mt. Currie.
Good thing we packed it in early, because we should rest up tonight in preparation for a big day on the Sunshine Coast tomorrow!