I found myself back in North Van recently. It was a bit surreal, as I have been riding on the old trails a little more than once a year since 2007.
They’ve really changed.
It was good to get out for a shred with Tippie, but although the title of the post might be true…
…I just can’t stay around here long.
More good times in the Interior ahead, but I think this season is getting short. I smell snow in the air.
Time to take a break from all that heli riding. I think I’ll shred some singletrack with ze Germans.
That’s right, Daniel Schaefer is back for more. Once again Wolfgang is with him, and also newcomers Fabien…
…and Mario.
If you hadn’t figured it out, we’re in the old hood on Seymour. The old trails are still as rough and gnarly as ever. At least there’s a bit of the old North Shore Hard Core left.
Of course, big rock faces don’t change much.
The Millenium Log hasn’t changed a lot, either.
There’s lots of new trails, but honestly I’m not all that excited by them. They’re kind of generic pump track kind of rides. It seems like you can find these trails in every town. To me, the Shore is about the wood and the gnar. At least Wolfie is keepin’ it real…
But there’s no rest for the wicked, especially when you’re hanging out with a guy (Tippie) who’s got a wicked glow in the dark bike.
So instead of getting some much needed sleep, I found myself heading up Seymour after midnight with Brett and Julian (of PinkBike fame).
I never night ride. Mainly because I can’t be bothered to ride in the winter. But Brett never sleeps, and I rarely get to hang with the brotha’, and the timing just seemed right.
Oh, and he happens to have a backpack full of NiteRider lights and accessories. How convenient…
That’s Julian above. The next one is yours truly, courtesy of Mr Tippie.
After a late breakfast, and visits with many of the North Shore glitterati, I found myself out for a late afternoon sail with Killer.
..and his new girlfriend…and some kind of ancient dory with engine trouble
The Inlet Belle has an engine from 1911, and it’s not super reliable. We rendered aid and moved on to some refreshing beverages and swimming in Bedwell Bay.
Where I just missed getting a shot of a seal pup. You can almost see it…
Enough slacking off. Squamish tomorrow, and way too much driving.