Island Adventures – Day 2

We found ourselves in strange surroundings today. Welcome to the Iguana Ranch.

That’s Paul there giving the tour. He’s got an 8 acre spread for the biking enthusiast to enjoy. Much of it is covered with some interactive “sculptures” which look mighty tasty to say the least. We never really got around to those, as we were busy relaxing in the wood fired sauna.

The Ranch is also really close to the Cowichan River, and I’m looking forward to getting some tube time in on those rapids later this summer.

In the afternoon we went back to Prevost to check out some more of those high speed steeps. We ran into the Collective crew filming Stevie Smith. I sort of got in their way like a bit of a gaper at one point when I thought I was lining up Dan for a pic. Oh well, they need more comic relief in their shows anyway.

Back to the riding. I think I already mentioned the words “Steep” and “Fast,” didn’t I?

There’s also “Huge” and “Burly” out here. This drops you straight into a 30 foot gap.

When we did find time to catch our breath, there were cool things all around. Here’s a cliff we traversed under with some rare Trilliums in bloom.

All in all, it was a nice (if sort of short) trip. If you’re going to ride in Duncan, better give the Iguana Ranch a call. I leave you with this shot of the sculpture.

Die Rasenmaher – Day 7

Last day already?

Well, I guess we should drag ourselves up Fromme then. It must be the last day; the sun is out.

As usual, the climb wasn’t everyones cup of tea, but I think it was worthwhile. We spent extra time at the top of Oilcan to ensure that we got into the correct grrove for the rest of the descent.

Stefan makes extra sure…

Here’s my Sterling Lorence knockoff angle….

Rob J put on an Air Supply clinic for us.

Yup, that’s why they pay him the big bucks.

As we were such a big group, we split up and sent some of the crew down Pipeline while the more adventurous came with me down Expresso.

A charming little trail…

We also split again when we got to Lower Ladies.

Peter was in heaven here.

Another EXCELLENT tour with our German friends. Thanks to all of you who came out:

Sabine Höll
Walter Höll
Christian Moprgenroth
Stefan Morgenroth
Frank Gielsdorf
Ulrich Gielsdorf
Gerlinde Winter
Herbert Winter
Ralph Busack
Anne Thiele
Stefan Sander
Nadine Baumrucker
Ben Bauernschmid
Peter Kemmerer
Martin Berger

Rob J
Karen
Holger

See you in September of 2007. We’re going to Kamloops!

Die Rasenmaher – Day 3

This is more my speed. Off piste and up to Pemberton. I haven’t ridden in Pemby in many years, but luckily I have my trusty assistants to help me. We started the day with PhD on the way there, which was a bit steep for some of the crew.

Hey, at least the weather was familiar for the Germans. Herbert was telling me about how they went to the Porte du Soleil (that’s like Sun Valley in French) and it rained for the whole tour.

Some of the guys brought their girlfriends over for the tour, and they hadn’t really ridden before. Nothing like hardcore BC steeps to get you into the game, eh?

Full marks to the girls for going for it, even if they screamed a bit from time to time. Did you know that the German word for EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!! is EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!? Nadine taought me that.

Andrea was actually really good at this stuff, she just didnt have the experience to know what was going to happen.

Herbert has all the experience, and kept getting sucked in by all the young frauliens going for it.

Nadine on the classic Grumpy Grouse outcrop.

Galinder was into it as well.

More from the lovely Nadine.

To end the day Seb took us out of town to another trail called Resurrectum (trail name of the year, oh yeah). It was quite the shuttle up. We had to unload the van at one point just to get up the road. Totally worth it, and the look of fear on Karens face was worth all the rain we had.

Like all Pemby trails, it was a long way up and a short ride down, but unlike most other trails around here, it has good flow and fun floaty airs on it.

Of course, it was too dark to get any good shots, but hey, we were riding bikes, not having a picnic.