Powerslave Heli

Yes, if I’m at Retallack, then it’s time to hit the helipad.

Not buying the concept of Kinrade as a pilot.  He doesn’t look like he’s taking the idea seriously, at any rate.

Nice rack…

I was on ground crew detail today, so no flights for me (and I’m spoiled enough with how many I get to do that it’s really not bothering me).  As a result, I got to watch some smokejumpers do a practice jump overhead…

…and then land right in front of me.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, the Buffalo they were training in did a tactical short landing right after.

After that, I drove up to meet the crew on Morning Mtn. for the rest of the Powerslave descent.

Not much to report here, although we did run into Scott "Schooly D" Dixon, and I have a bruise on my ass to prove it (the result of my avoiding a slower rider in front, thereby impeding Mr. D’s line). 

Another solid day in the Koots.  The boys are beginning to look tired…

First Retallack Day of the Season

The seasons must be marching on, because I’m at Retallack again.  It seems to be a few more folks are finally figuring out the deal.

A few new changes this year.  The lodge picked up the old Dirt Tours van, so Big Red is staying at home.  I’ll be piloting the Corellian Cruiser while I’m at the lodge this year.

As well, although Riley McIntosh has relocated to the Island, Mike Kinrade is in charge of daily ops, which is far from a bad thing.

The lodge trail has finally been named.  Say hello to the Kessel Run

…and Matt’s entry for bum shot of the day.

Sorry bro.  Even though you had a SPECTACULAR nose wheelie to berm crash, I think I’m giving the award to Katrina.    Although I did notice that those neon shorts of yours were really tight.  Like, 80’s poodle rocker tight.

Oh, and another old pal, D-Rok (Derek Chambers) is guiding this year.  Here he’s about to 30-70 the landing on the Lillyhammer.

 

Not enough rain. 

We had a few full on rain storms lately, and it’s still bone dry in the woods.  Quite a summer in BC.

D-Rok gets some retribution on that line.

A solid 12k’ day in the trenches.  Shit just got real.

Say goodnight to my little friend.

Kiwis – 3

They’re not just good bike riders, they’re also really nice boys.

Gonna have to make them honourary Canadians if they keep this behaviour up.

A bit of a slower start after the epic goodness of the past couple of days.  As they are off to Silverstar tomorrow, we were riding Kelowna today.  There’s been lots of work out on the Gillard trails (thank you, MTBco and all other like minded trail fairies), like this nearly finished skinny line on Squaw Hollow.

In fact, almost all of the old woodwork on Squaw has been replaced with awesome pieces like this.

Dr. No has also seen some much needed love.

That trail is so friendly now, it gives hugs to unsuspecting tourists.

What with all the rock rides we’ve done this week, it seemed only fitting that we finish with the Boss Hog rock.

You should know that all the wood on Boss Hog has been removed.  Sort of sad, but it was all rotten and it was all for the best.  Knowing the local trail fairies, I’m sure that something new and wonderful will appear to replace those features.  At least the rock won’t change.

A couple of more airs before we’re done.

The boys were pretty tired, the day was hot, and the rad in the van sprung a leak, so we headed off to the beach for some cold ones.

A full moon barbeque and some more refreshing drinks were all we needed to cap off this near perfect 3 day trip.

Alright, I think we’ll be seeing these guys again sometime.  Now I have to get packed, because I’m Kootenay bound.

RETALLACKA!