Puddle Style – 2

OK, day 2, and we’re down a few riders today.  One sick, one not signed up, and one just too beat up from yesterday to continue.   It happens, and I think there’ll be a ‘make good’ for next year.

Today it was time to go over a few more technical concepts, but mainly it was about conquering some specific features on the showpiece trail in Williams Lake, Snakes & Ladders.

The suspension bridge was not the issue, although it looks awesome with the leaves turning right now.

Neither was it about this steep section, although it is a bit of an issue for some.

Nope, today was mostly about the Sky Berms.

Nailed it…

Funny how people obsess about some things.  In actuality, this is an easy move.  The entry to the berm looks a little odd because of the angles, but once you commit to it…

…boom!  There it is.

The “Gates of Hell” is the other tricky part for some folks.  I love how it’s rated “More Difficult.”  While not an extreme part of the trail, it’s definitely a step up from intermediate.  At best, I’d call it a Dark Blue…

Denise nailed it easily, and it’s been bugging her for a while.  Lexi did the usual teenager manoeuvre and killed it on sight.

Mark was also riding really solidly, which is all the more impressive as he’s just discovered technical mountain biking at the age of 60 and was demo’ing different bikes all weekend.

The star of the clinic was definitely Lexi.  14 years old, and nailing everything.  Apparently she was afraid of a bunch of smaller airs.  We put those away in short order and moved on to some better ones.  Awesome progression in two days.

Great times with a tight crew today.  Might have to put on another one of these early next season to get everyone up to scratch in the Cariboo.

Puddle Style – 1

Well, that was an epic drive.  Crazy traffic, heinous wind, road construction, roadside naps, and a small fire on my amplifier.  Got in around 1am…

Not a bad turnout for late in the season with a half dozen keeners showing up to improve their skill sets.

We were very busy today, and all I have to show for it is this shot of Lexi conquering one of her demons.

Plenty more from day 2 to come shortly…

Last Call 3

Great birthday, and we were thrashed enough after 14’k of gnarly DH yesterday that the partying last night was kept to a dull roar.  So we can do some more snow laps today…

I think this is the final run on the Kessel this year though.

Mr. Bear got first tracks today.

Some blue skies for a change let us see the freshies in all their glory.

Yo Terry, you aren’t allowed to wear white…

We cracked off a few of these low level Kessels this morning.

The rest of the gang went over to hit the Monster.  I have a date to teach a clinic in Williams Lake, so with a massive drive and not a lot of rest this week I bugged out mid-afternoon to make the 900km trek to the Cariboo.

Sick season, and so many good times with the Retallack Army.  See you in the winter for some pow!