Now that we're back in the Okanagan, we'd better take the time to ride Powers Creek.



Is that....PAUL? It IS Paul! On a gap no less. He's been holding out.



Of course, you are spared the endless run-ins, but he seems to be the sleeper hit of the tour.



Oh look, its Paul on another gap. Ho hum, it's not a surprise now.



...and we already know he could ride ramps.



This is me, not crashing.



This is Barb, also not crashing.



Same girl, same stunt, same result.



Oh Tony.....



Uh oh, that shouldn't have hurt that much. This stunt shall hereafter be known as the "Jedi Fucker." Dave likes to give stunts rude names so that little kids can swear at their parents.



Now, while Tony was pretty sore after that crash, he was still in the game for another ride if he throttled back, so that'sw what he did. Unfortunatle, he slipped a pedal shortly after this and caught the backspin right on the sore spot. Which pretty much finished him. Fractured tibia. Bummer. I guess that's what happens when you stay out all night....

The rest of the crew kept on charging.



Panama managed to catch up to himself on this spiral ramp.



Say hi to Dirty Dave, the architect of this particular zone.



Craig was also out partying with Jedi until the wee hours, but seemed to be handling it a bit better.



Until this miscalculation the wall.



If you look closely you'll see his tibia. Nothing that a few pieces of tape won't fix.



That was 13 stitches if you were curious....

Lat day in Nelson, lets climb!



Yeah, I know....it's every Englishman's dream to push your bike up steep mountains in Nelson. We went right by this sign on the way up, and for those of you who don't know this already, Smilin' Buddha is Pauls's nickname (he even looks like the Buddha in the pic).

Me, "Aww, we gotta do this trail. It's named after Paul."

Local guy, "Uhhh, it's not in very good shape."

Me, "Perfect, neither is Paul!"



These trips are a laugh a minute, I tell ya.

From chuckles to hucks...



This would be the infamous 719 road gap, as seen in some New World Disorder film.



Jedi found something to love here.



Our nameless local guide (if I don't write it down, it never happened. Anyway, he's a ripper and good guy. Look him up if your in Nelson).



That was a nice warmup. Back to the push......

OK, the top. Here's some skinny stuff for you, Paul.



...and a few drops for Tony.



The weather started to get sort of unsettled as we rode. It would sort off cloud over.....



Then get windy and sunny.....



...and then it got dark.



REALLY dark.



Then it poured rain. We'd planned on going to Castlegar to check out some serious new stunt action, but Kootenay wood is not rain riding friendly construction, so we packed up and drove down to the Okanagan.



I think most of us were satisfied with what we'd done anyway.



Plus it gave us a bit of rest before settling in at Salty's Beach House for some martinis.

Time for a guides meeting.....

"I think you should switch to the Orange Sunshine. The Purple Microdots are for night time....."



Today we went to Kokanee Creek, aided by our lovely and talented friend, Dangerous Deb. Our first trail was Hitman, and what a warmup it was.



A little bit of everything on Hitman.



They call this part Zorro. I wonder why?



At the bottom of Hitman, there's another trail called Doz Slabs. Very reminiscent of the Disneyland area on the coast, with lots and lots (well, maybe 12 anyway) open granite slabs to wail down.



The last one even has a bit of a gap off the end.



Good and steep.



Our other local guide, whatsisname.....(sorry dude, must be the Purple Microdot).



Lap two took us to Newtsack.



Newtsack is more technical, with trickier log rides, steeper rock faces, and just generally stuntier.



It's an excellent display of the trail builders art.



This teeter was near the start, and really got things rolling.



Gotta have another look.



...and once more for me.



OK, last time on the teeter, I swear. It was worth going back for......really.



Lots of room for improvisation here, as Pnama makes it work.



More sick steeps.



Gotta stay cool on some of the drops, because it was a long way down if you blew it.



The final move drops in at a real 90 degreees +.



We had just enough time for one more lap for dessert, so we hit a really technical line called Sitkum. It started off with some pretty healthy moves, like this burly stepdown that Deb stomped.



Here's another angle, which doesn't really do it justice.



After that, the trail becomes a lot like Fromme on the shore, but without all the erosion. Our mandatory frosty bevvies on the beach, and another epic day comes to a close.

Nothing but the finest in accomodations for our clients, yo.



I should be nicer to Joe, he did lend us his house.

Getting ready for a round of footie.....



Actually, those are just Kootenay shin pads. And now for a Kootenay trail ride.



We warmed up on a 500o'+ singletrack network above town. Goldmember was long, steep, and tech. Good times....

Then we went for some old school flava on the Burl Ives. Here's a line I haven't hit in 10 years. Still Burly after all this time....



There was miles of wood on this trail, but unfortunately much of it was falling apart. Sort of a common theme around the province this year.





What was till together was pretty freakin' nice.





For the dessert lap, it was another classic, the Gimp. The Gimp was originally built by Bourdon and Schwartz, and even though it's not the gnarler it used to be, it's still a good shred.



Plenty steep, too.

A forest fire started, and apparently someone (not sure who, he might have a mustache) started a rumour that it was the fault of a bunch of bald Englishmen. We split town just to solidify that story, and headed on down to Nelson. Oh look, more steep mountains down to lakes. What luck.



Bedframe was another highlight trail on the trip.






The unique thing about this trail is the multitude of lines. Really open to interpretive riding, tons of fun.



Oh, and lots of forgiving airs too.



Paul might take a little longer to line stuff up, but damn if doesn't style 'em when he does.



C'mon Panama, it's Thursday. We gotta beat the sunset or we'll miss curry night.



"I didn't bring any money...you bring any money?" -- "I didn't bring any....."


"OK....run for it.....on three...."

It's our last day in New Denver, so we're gonna do a few runs off Idaho. At least 10 000' of vertical on the menu today.

But first.......

One of the things we ALL do in our daily existence is take advantage of the noobs. It's universal, preying on the credulous. Especially when they open themselves up to it. The first thing anyone from Europe ever asks about when they get here is bears. What sort of gun do you have, how many have you killed, how many people do they eat in a year, and others in that line.

Typically, we do nothing to assuage fears. For instance, at Johanna and Keiths place we were (as usual) sleeping outside when the usual topic of bears came up. Well, they are pretty common in the Kootenays, and it's not unusual for them to wander through the yard. We told them that if one comes by in the night to not worry too much about it, as they are pretty well fed at this time of year and "rarely" try to eat anyone.

Jedi thought this was total bullshit (well, it wort of was) but he did mentionthat he heard something nosing around inthe shrubs the night before.

"Oh yeah, that's the local bear alright," says Keith.

The next morning?



Yup, that's a big stemain bear shit about 3 feet from Jedi's head. Well, you can imagine the excitement. A bear! Nearly shit on my head! Look!

Well (and I'm loving this part) let me be the first to tell you something there Jedi.....

Keith put it there with a shovel while you were sleeping. Mr. Bear left it in the corner of the yard before we ever arrived.


Oi! You wouldn't be takin the piss now would ya Smokey?

Yup, you bet.

OK, on to the riding.



Look out for that bear behind ya, buddy.



Girls.....always gotta show how "equal" they are. Sheesh.



Vintage BC bridge work.



I'm informed reliably that this "is just like Wales, innit?"



We sessioned this steep section for a while. Nothing outrageous, just some fun rooty stuff in the big trees.



Lap 2 took us down the legendary Wakefield trail. It's an old Mule train route through the old Wakefield mines on the south side of Idaho Peak. Roughly 6000' of descent.



Burly trail, big mountains, and lots of flowers.



Look, you can see the bottom!



Brochure shot...



Taking a break one a tailings pile. There's train tracks leading into the old mines here.



That was a brake boiler if there ever was one. Oh, and there WAS a bear at the bottom too.

Since we were now in Silverton, we hit up the Grim Reefer one more time.



Paul needed a skinny fix anyway.



At the bottom of the Reefer, we took advantage of the last rays of sunshine to hit Bannock Point for some cliff jumping. We even got Harley to try one of the smaller ones.



She didn't seem as keen on the higher ones though.



That's my pick for shot of the summer, that is. Now, if you thought that the bear shit picture was a story, what do think this one is?

After some much needed sleep, we headed out from the Okanagan Valley to the Kootenays. Our destination today was a small town called New Denver in the Slocan Valley.



Here's a typical view from my office window. Too bad the Hare Krishnas keep getting in the way.



Welcome to the Kootenays.



We stayed at Keith and Johanna's place (former North Vancouverites living in New Denver), which also happened to be the new bike shop in town.



Keith and Johanna were also our source of local knowledge. For our first lap, we went for a quick shuttle on the Alamo, an old mule train route. The entire area is rich in old mines, which also means lots of double track (some might say too much).

There's also some old mining gear, like this cable car ferry.



Tony looks well at ease negotiating the crossing.



The Alamo was sorta neat, but a bit below the abilities of our crew. Luckily there was a slightly tougher trail around hte corner by the name of "The Grim Reefer."



It definitely served up a bit more technical challenge.



Paul even found the edges of a skinny to flirt with.



Craig styled this drop off a log/stump combo. The lander on this is steep rooty fall line for a lo-o-o-ng way.



Panama on a shady step down.



Lettin' my balls hang out. It's true, they're made of steel (stainless actually).



Hey Panama...you drop a nickel or something?



The lovely Johanna spots the nickel.



....and Pierre is sufficiently wealthy enough already that he can go around (jokes on you, rich guy. That turned out to be the sketchiest line of the day).



Well, actually this convex drop to the road might have been a little radder.



Another sweet combo move to sunshine filled tranny.



Gotta see that one again.



....and maybe from another angle too.



OK, last time.

One very long drive late at night and we were back in the sunny Okanagan for a day. The Brits applied long expereince with the noon day sun to deal with the heat.



Their methods appear to be effective.



Again, this is old ground for most of them, so it was still like warming up.



Maybe get used to some heights, that sort of thing.



Granted, the stunts seem to be getting a little scarier. The dry rot is really taking its toll on the trails this year.



Thankfully there were some fresh lines to check out. Here's Paul overcoming his fear of committment.



Stophe has no such problems.



How long can YOU trackstand?



Log ride: check.



Ledge drop: check.



The boys can do it too.



Wait a sec, what's all this then? Paul is jumping? He's changed man. It used to be about the skinnies....



Step up.....



...and step down.



Another long drive is ahead, but then we'll be in new territory. The Kootenays await...

Usually, I refer to this trip as "Return of the Jedi Council," but as circumstancs warranted I had to change the title. There's a little foreshadowing if you ever had it.

The setup is thus: a recurring group of London types keeps returning, and they seem to have some skills. Or put another way, cockey Cockneys.

I can't think of why they keep wanting to come back...



Unless it's to pollute our water supply.



The traditional late night arrival turned into an early swim and a full day on Seymour. I was feeling the effects of shuttling a drunken wedding party off the mountain until 3am (congratulations to Mr and Mrs Costigan). Nothing like hanging out with your drunken friends while stone cold sober to put you off drinking for a bit.

The trails were prime first thing.



Nothing like getting right into it on the first day.



Seymour is old hat to the Council now.



Except for Craig. He's te newest member of the crew (Tony, Stophe, Paul, Panama, and Pierre are the veterans).



Craig's only been riding for a year, and he's all over the sport.



I can't even remember where these shots are from. Sure looks nice......



OK, back on track. Panama hangs loose.



Some backlit zipper totter action...



More Salvation lines.



As you can see, it's a black and white kind of day. With no Germans on the schedule for over a month, it loooks like it's gonna be blue skies and warm temps from here on out.



Which always makes the log rides easier.



Doesn't it?

Yeah....you've been waiting for too long. Well, here you go then.

It's almost over...... ;-(

No need to get all weepy though, Wyld Willy is here!



Yeah, brother is gittin' paid. Check out that Transition BottleRocket. Willy was the guest guide today, as I was doin' other chores and taking a rest. He also took most of these stylin' shots, like this one on Sideshow.



Here's Luke on the stuff near the end of Air Supply.



Gotta warm up on Upper Oil Can, just to loosen up, eh?



Very artsy....





...and a little fartsy.



Yeah, yeah, I'm a comedian.







Another guest rider, our buddy Chris from last year's tour, joined us to relive the glory of years gone by. Good lookin' out, bro.



Alright, time to step it up a bit. Stu on the Rig.



Never let it be said the Luke is shy. The plucky little flower sets the record straight; those Brits know how to ride 'em skinny.








Whatever Wade....we know you can do it, too.



That was Kick Ass, once again. To Shangri-La and back again. Another unbeleivable tour.

Anyway, Luke, Nicole, Stu, Rainer, Stefan, Mike, Dan, and Rob.......thanks for making it fun.

Next year....The Kootenays!

****Yeah yeah...I know. I'm tardy. Look, I've been busy and I promise that it will be worth it. We now rejoin our regularly scheduled blog already in progress....***


Well, here we are, the hottest day of the year. Lets go ride the high desert to celebrate, shall we?



Kobau on a hot day......this is at about 6000' and it's about 30C out.



Group shot.



This ride is a bit of a bummer.....



It's only because the trail is so rutted out due to the 20 or 30 riders it sees every year.



Un petit drop....



Here Wade shows us why he gets paid to be a model. Gosh, he's so stylish.



How do you spell "rickety" again?



Another drop, not quite so petite this time.



Ahhhh, back out in the open. We've dropped about 1500' already, and it still looks like we're at the top.



We had a little detour for our friend, Mr Rattlesnake.



OK, everybody who has sore fingers from hanging on to the brake levers grasp their hands in agony.



I think we might be finally getting close to the bottom.



poser....



Girl poser....



More ragin' through the sage. It looks like you can just bash through those things, doesn't it?



Luke will tell you otherwise. They are somewhat unforgiving.



So what's the perfect end to a huge singletrack DH when it's 42C (110F) out? Yeah, swimming and diving in the river with some cold ones.

Well, I'm well rested after yesterday.....how about you?



I'll take that as a "yes."

Powers Creek today, so we'd better feel good.







Yes Luke, that's a Spruce. Good eye.



Any idea why they call this stunt "Cock Knocker?"



Powers Creek, land of the wooden berm.



Yeah, get up there.



Wayyyyyyyyyyy up there.



So, in keeping with tradition, I managed to crash again. Here's a victims eye view of hte aftermath. I think I should probably get my own pinball machine, as I seem to pretty good at that sort of activity.



Ah well, you can't keep a good man down.



Nicole styles it on Crazy Train.



Luke drops the Monster Amigo.



Wade on the big berm.



...and luscious steaks on the barbie to end the day.

Day 11 already? Whew, seems like we've been on this trip forever. I kind of was wishing that I could go back ot my little bed, or maybe crawl into this sweet birdhouse my mom got.



Harley seems a little pooped herself.



Yup, that's me. Another day, another bail. I seem to be doing that a lot these days. I thought I was on a higher bridge here, and did the fflying squirrel to my ribcage before I found out it was only 18 inches off the ground. Everyone else seemed to find it funny....



Didn't seem to faze Nicole much.



...although she did have a little trouble with this particular step-up.



Luke had no such compunctions.



A little train across the bridge.



A much larger bridge.....

Y'all ain't from 'round here....are ya.



We got a chance to hit the legendary Greestone Mountain today. Conditions don't get much better than this. Relatively cool, high overcast, and a vertical mile of singletrack. It's about 20km the way we went.....and it should have had minimal pedalling.



Obviously, things are going swimmingly here.



There's so much singletrack, that we didn't bother taking shots. Just railing tight lines in the trees. Here's an over thee sholder shot while on a mellow section.

B-r-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-p!!!!!!!!



...and then I got us lost. Well, maybe misplaced. Ordinarily, I wouldn't mention this but seeing as how there's evidence, well......here you go.



Here's how the crew dealt with the situation.



It was just a momentary lapse, and then back on track.

Here's some thing you get used to seeing every day: Barb stylin' a skinny.



Ahhh Stu...sucked in.



Somwhere around hour 3, we got into the stunts.



This is the best one.



That particular drop leads directly into this killer wall ride. Holy crap is it fun.



Kind of makes you feel like a rockstar.



Because if you don't look good, we don't look good.



Would YOU take a tour from these guys?

Ready for Kamloops? Well, Luke is. This is the result of Wade's aversion to hygiene. You see, there are frequent "Wade Rules" on tour. Things like, gotta wear the same jersey every day. Or, no shaving unless its a mustache. Of course, showers are taboo (swimming is the only bathing allowed). Pretty much any excuse to avoid cleaning oneself.

I think Wade misses being a bachelor.



Anyway, here's Jamieson Creek. Sorta dusty, but you get the idea. High speed moto style railing around berms. I boiled my brakes 6 times on this one.



...and this, of course, would be Matt Hunter. How ya doin, Matty?

Well, THAT was a good party.



This is why you shouldn't let drunk people near any cars.



Heh heh....."Full Service"....heh heh.



We traded our Germans for an Englishman today. Welcome back to Canada, Stu. Here's one on us.



...and right back into the riding.



Gotta be careful around that Wade guy. He likes to follow a bit too close sometimes.



Teeter clinic ..... Just relax and focus on the can of beer.



Ahhh, now we're speaking Rob's language.



Nicole gets the Mitch's Brew wallride figured.



We actually had a full house on the wall, which is cool as Luke totalled his hand this spring on a wall and was well spooked at hitting one. This next shot is Dan, since he's just that much more stylin' than Luke (sorry Buttercup).



Stu sends it on Mitch's for a warm up. Nicole finally got this one (after half an hour or so, pffffffffffft). It's a wild one, that's for sure.



So's this road gap near the bottom. That's a little tiny Wade down there.



And a huge Dan up there.



We finished up with one more run down Snakes & Ladders with another full house on Sick and Nasty. PLUS...we all hit this steeper line.



So we say goodbye to Shangri-La, and head into week 2.

REST DAY!!!!

About time too. Although it wasn't all that restful. We actually did a little riding, and then we got into a bunch of Absinthe.



This is all I'm allowed to show you, but trust me, there's better pics than this (and I quote, "F&%K OFF! We're comparing landing strips!").




Just think, the neighbours didn't even call the cops...they just threatened to.

Don't mess with Barb, alright?



She's definitely not spineless.



We were sort of disappointed with our wet day on Desous, so we had to go back for another round. Here Dan rides a dinosaur.



Wade sends a little road gap for shits and giggles.



I know, it's not exactly focussed, but this was the 3rd moose I saw this week.



The end of hte day on the back side of Desous.



That sounds like a good reason for a drink. Bottoms up...



Oh right, better get Barb one too.

Well, I'm not really sure what Shred is selling, but I'm pretty damn sure that I'm buying it....



In town today. Gotta go for some more rounds on the Cherry Popper.



Dan styles the best shot I've ever managed to get on that one.



Here's another rond on Sick and Nasty.



A bit of a mosaic to try to show the scale of S&N. Nicole somehow got in this shot twice.



"Save a horse, ride a cowboy."



Oops.....bucked off.



...and another evening around the Hobotron to end a great day.