The 17th was an early start (sort of) so that we could get a ride in at Kamloops on our way to Vancouver. We saw the first snows of the season on the way over Hwy 22.

Brrrrr.

It was either that or the fact that the town of Little Fort has this weird UFO reputation going. Lot’s of probin goin down in Little Fort.

Just south of Little Fort is the town of Barriere, which got hit hard by the fires this summer. Here’s the big Tolko mill with charred hills behind it.

I think that this is the little gas station and restaurant where it started.

Anyway, we finally got to the ‘Loops, where the fine folks at Full Boar Bikes hooked us up with a driver for Harper Mtn.

This is the the base of the ride at Harper–Paul Lake.

What do you want to do today?

Of course, it’s not all shuttling and drinking beer.

Luckily the top isn’t too far away and the view is worth it.

We didn’t take too many shots, as we were having a bit too much fun riding. There was a lot of wood that I haven’t seen before, but you will have to be content with these shots of rock faces.

Mark….

Clem…

And Joey…

I shouldn’t be picking on Joey actually. He had a breakthrough day at Harper and rode a ton of stuff very strongly. Here he is in better form.

City Slicker….

And another in my series of cool bugs.

This was the first trip that nobody fell asleep in the back of the van. Well, almost nobody…..

So we packed up and hit the road again for more driving.

Stare into the light….you are getting sleepy…you are under my control…..

Wow.

I’m spent.

The Florida boys really threw it down out here. I will be updating you on that trip in a day or two when I get all my pics back. For now, let me update you on how the NSMB.com trip went.

I won’t bore you with the offical verision of events. For that you can go to NSMB.com .

When we got there, it was to find a stellar pad outfitted with several large beds and an outdoor hot tub. I think I showed marvelous restraint in keeping myself clothed and dry for about, oh, five seconds. Here’s the scene…

The first day we raged on the Peaks bike park. If you haven’t been, get there. I’ve got the hook up for cheap on hill accomodation if you want it. The One Way Traveller has unbeatable deals. I have no shots of it as we were too busy ripping the hill to stop and take photos. However, after the hill closed we went to check out a little hidden gem just outside of the ski area. Last year it was a feast of stunts and hucks, but unfortunately was decommissioned over the winter. At least a few good ones are still left.

I almost landed on Cam with that jump. Have a look at the extreme close up. Can’t you just smell the fear there?

Then we retired back to our palatial condo for maritini’s courtesy of the NSMB Hemingway.

This proved to be a little much for our intrepid team member, Colin. Or maybe he doesn’t trust my driving.

Anyway, Day 2 we spent shuttling on Harper and Lolo. Harper has some big new stuff, as well as some of the sweetest smoothie singletrack in BC. a real hidden gem. Here’s some examples.

Barb on a ten foot high ladder with a six foot exit huck.

Colin stylin out the inside line of the double spiral bridge.

To end the day we went up Lolo. A cold front was approaching and the wind was absolutely HOWLING at the top, and the rain was beginning to spatter. There was a lot of electricity in the air and I thought for sure that lightning was going to start popping at any second. Lolo has about three foot high grass at the top and then gets into crazy skinnies and hucks down in the forest. With the wind the grass was waving everywhere and obscuring the trail. So far, the most intense day of the year. Here’s an idea of what it felt like. Barb hanging it out in the tall grass:

Finished the day with a huge feast at the Oriental Gardens in Kamloops.

We rode some more on the weekend, but we were all somewhat flat after that.

Tomorrow, I’ll get you up to date on the Florida crew.