North Shore Ripper

It’s race day, ladies and gentlemen. Up Fromme and down 7th. Teams or solo.

Lucky me, I’ve managed to tear my meniscus, so I’m not racing today. Just shuttling competitors up the hill. It’s a thankless task, but it got done.

It was also an ungodly hour, and pretty grim weather. I was kind of concerned that there would be too much snow at the top to get the van up (it was fine).

Scenes of mass confusion at the lower start area.

The fastest climbers were up to the 7th corner in about 20 minutes time.

If you can interpret the look on Mike’s face, it’s saying “all that for 2nd?”

Feel his pain.

Apparently the young women in the race had the climbing part a bit more under control. Must have been the pink skull on the helmet.

Oh right, there was a downhill portion. Kudos to Pete and Dean for buffing out the trail. 7th actually has flow now, and not just rain runoff either.

Dropp9ing in on the XC hardtail.

It was so dark at times it seemed like maybe lights were a good idea.

The legendary Hoots Jay, who managed to flat on the VERY FIRST PITCH. He ran the whole run on a flat tire and finished the race.

Results and a story at NSMB

Revenge on the Photographers

Only 2 seats left on the Wade Simmons Freeride Experience!

I’ve spent my fair share of time in front of the camera as well as behind it and I know all too well what a day of shooting really means. Cold and wet and sitting around waiting for hours and hours, usually for nothing.

So when cam at NSMB called up and said that a local photography school was looking to do a day with the Freeride team (of which Barb is an honoured member), I figured “A ha!”

Revenge.

Plus, I bet them beer that I could get better shots with my little Canon then they could with their fancy dancy cameras.

Based on this supernatural shot of a snow ghost I think I’ve already won.

Very scary.

Also very scary is this video I picked up on over at the DrunkCyclist (I only read it for the articles, honest). Stupid song was stuck in my head all day, and now I have this strange desire to go and buy a track suit.

So you may have noticed that it was snowing a bit. The sun came out too.

All those photogs out ther made for some nice fill flash effects.

Brentomatic came out for the experience too. Do you believe he’s NEVER ridden Fromme before? He didn’t even fall in the swamp.

By the time we got to the Scapulator, the A students were definitely seperated from the B’s. This is an A….

I think we’ll give Jerry one too….

…and Ryan.

But Eamonn gets a B for the safety huck.

Wade Simmons Freeride Experience

That’s right, the Wade Simmons Freeride Experience is back. An all inclusive*, fully exclusive tour of the BC hinterland with the godfather of freeride, Wade Simmons.

After a lot of consultation and negotiation, the dates are finally set. This August, from the 19th to the 27th. There are only 8 seats available for this epic experience. The focus of the trip is riding. Every day, all day. We will be visiting several world class hot spots for off roading, including the legendary North Shore and Wade’s home town of Kamloops.

This will truly be an experience to remember. Wade’s gifts as an athlete go beyond his skill with the bike. As a long time riding partner, I can attest to the fact that Wade will inspire your riding to new heights of skill and creativity. No one will go away from this trip unaffected by it. You will be a new rider, and a better one because of it.

Of course, many of you will be thinking that you aren’t good enough to ride with The Man. Pffffft, that’s crazy talk. First of all, the fact that you are thinking that way is a sign that you are ready. Secondly, attitude is everything. If you are over 19, can handle 2-3 foot drop offs, are reasonably fit, and have an open attitude towards new experiences, then this trip is for you.

The Wade Simmons Freeride Experience
August 19th – 27th

  • 8 days of riding
  • 8 riders
  • Guided by Wade Simmons and Johnny Smoke
  • Includes all meals and accommodations, but not alcohol.
  • Must be over 19 to attend.
  • Cost = $2000 per person.

    EMAIL me to reserve your seat today.