XC

St George’s KVR Trip – 2007

Posted on by Smoke

Yes, it’s that time of year again. A whole new crop of grade 10 guys from St. Georges to expose to the outdoors. These guys look ready.

Not exactly a smooth start to this year’s trip. What with the move to the Okanagan and Mitch pulling out at short notice, I was really scrambling to find guides this year. Mike Pro from Cypress was in again, and Danika Schroeter (former Canadian DH mega star and all around hot chick) signed up and Martin from Extreme Sports Camps check in at the last minute to save the day.

Unfortunately, the U-Haul we were issued as support failed the safety test in the driveway so we were delayed for an hour right off the start. The second truck blew a motor in Abottsford, so it was even later by the time the THIRD truck showed up.

You can see how amused Mike is by this.

My marmot didn’t care. We got to camp at 8 pm, and Mike and Danika’s group had to set up in the dark. Ahhhhh, the joys of the outdoors.

New Ground

Posted on by Smoke

After doing some chores around Mom’s house, we did some exploring around Trout Creek today.

This is right outside the parents pad. All XC access, so we took the hardtails. Honestly, the trails are so smooth here I can’t see a lot of use for any suspension. I know, we’ll find some use for the shocks soon enough, but after the Shore this is something else altogether.

I need about a 300mm lens to get the right shot of this trail, but we’re on a thin spine of volcanic rock above a canyon here. The only problem is the angle. Perhaps another time….

A short afternoon of bliss.

First Ride as an Okanangan Local

Posted on by Smoke

This is a good way to get this party started. A little known singletrack called Rock Oven. You can work out for yourself why it’s best to ride this one early. Only 2000′ vert., but you gotta pedal up and the descents are a bit burly for your average XC guy. About 3/4’s steep and sandy doubletrack, the rest is wicked technical climbing. The descent is …well, you can see for yourself.
The top looking north. Ole’ Chuck D. Railer is lookin’ stylin’ in the Team Pepsi garb.

..and west. Those snowy slopes over there are the ski area. Besides Chuck D., local shop proprietor Dirt dropout and random Frenchie Pancho Campagnolo were along for the ride.

They sure have funny names around here.

In between these puckering drop off sections are some rowdy rock filled steeps, and the occasional high speed zoomer section.

You don’t stop for pics on those zoomer sections though, so you’ll just have to check out some more epic vistas.

Heading down towards Skaha Lake.

Post card shot. Check out that lycra. That’s why they call him Al Naturale I guess. I really didn’t need that lapdance, Al. I owe you one for that.

I sure am outta shape compared to the long term locals, but there’s no lack of inspiration to get out there. I think I’m going to be OK up here.