bike

ChocolateFoot – Day 5

Posted on by Smoke

Oh no! What happened to our sunshine? Probably the same thing that happend to Ian’s knee. It just got tired of behaving. Actually, it was a great day to be out on the Bog, even if Ian had to take a break (I have great sympathy for this. As I write this, I’ve just returned from getting an MRI on mine).

Anyway, I’ve never had a bad ride on the Bog. It’s unreal how much different terrain there is on this trail.

Oh look!

Awwwww, Al thought he saw a jar of marmalade.

I guess you kind of had to be there, but Al (for those of ou who don’t know him) is a bit of a self styled 18th century gentlemen vagabond. Some time ago he discovered that you can get away with pretty much anything if you cover it up with an apologetic manner and a posh accent.

Or, as Stu put it…”He just lathers on the Englilsh so no-one notice’s he’s fucking them off.” Whatever, for a guy who makes remote controlled spyplanes for the British military, he’s a damn fine rider.

Oh yes, Phil. “The Shadow.” If he knew you were watching, it was a bust. He doesn’t know I’m standing here with a camera, so I managed to get a shot. Tricksy I am….

Al.

OK, favourite shot of the tour. Yes, the frame is slightly angled, but it looks like how it feels when you ride it, especially right there…. There’s a bit of a double bump as you just get onto the log, so you’re sort of falling for the first couple of bike lengths. It’s kind of hard to explain, but there’s a long moment at the top of this log that feels so committed.

Dom’s crash from yesterday seems to be well behind him.

Here’s more proof.

Al of course, is so freaking tall that he makes it all look sort of wimpy.

Round two we got into Knuckleduster. I love lap 2, because there’s way less stopping.

Of course, we sessioned the snot out of the setdown/stepup combo. I might have some vid of it for you in the near future.

A couple of 3500′ laps, and we’re done another one.

Revenge of the Sith – Day 8

Posted on by Smoke

Lat day in Nelson, lets climb!

Yeah, I know….it’s every Englishman’s dream to push your bike up steep mountains in Nelson. We went right by this sign on the way up, and for those of you who don’t know this already, Smilin’ Buddha is Pauls’s nickname (he even looks like the Buddha in the pic).

Me, “Aww, we gotta do this trail. It’s named after Paul.”

Local guy, “Uhhh, it’s not in very good shape.”

Me, “Perfect, neither is Paul!”

These trips are a laugh a minute, I tell ya.

From chuckles to hucks…

This would be the infamous 719 road gap, as seen in some New World Disorder film.

Jedi found something to love here.

Our nameless local guide (if I don’t write it down, it never happened. Anyway, he’s a ripper and good guy. Look him up if your in Nelson).

That was a nice warmup. Back to the push……

OK, the top. Here’s some skinny stuff for you, Paul.

…and a few drops for Tony.

The weather started to get sort of unsettled as we rode. It would sort off cloud over…..

Then get windy and sunny…..

…and then it got dark.

REALLY dark.

Then it poured rain. We’d planned on going to Castlegar to check out some serious new stunt action, but Kootenay wood is not rain riding friendly construction, so we packed up and drove down to the Okanagan.

I think most of us were satisfied with what we’d done anyway.

Plus it gave us a bit of rest before settling in at Salty’s Beach House for some martinis.

Revenge of the Sith – Day 3

Posted on by Smoke

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.