Whistler Report #21

Well, here we are. Having a hard time believing that it was 5 months ago that this all began, and now we’re at the end. While I don’t want to wish it all over and there is riding to be had yet, this Thanksgiving weekend marks the end of the line for the Report this season, and what a season it’s been. I’ll admit to being nervous when I first agreed to write it, I wasn’t sure there’d be enough happening on a regular basis to warrant a weekly column. Well, those fears were definitely unfounded and it seems in this town, when it comes to mountain biking there is lots to report!

  Our first day in the Chilcotin brought dicey weather and we flirted with clouds like this on our ride. Luckily they stayed to the west.

Before things wrap up I should probably cover off a few items taking place this weekend. As many of you know, this marks the final weekend of the bikepark. The whole crew has worked hard this year to bring us loads of fun. The trail crew worked their butts off upgrading and maintaining the existing trails, and building some new stuff along the way too, I hope that the new singletrack building extends up into Garbanzo next year.

   On the second day we got bluebird. Here my trusty steed takes a break looking towards Windy Pass.

To celebrate the end, Seb Fremont is organizing the first annual “Chasse au Tresor”, which is frenchy for treasure hunt. On Saturday teams of 2 or 4 riders will work their way around the hill to find the clues that will help them solve the puzzle. Entry is cheap, $10/person for the event, or $35 will get you the hunt, plus a turkey dinner at the GLC and the Life Cycles movie premiere. Registration can be done in advance at guest relations, or morning of from 8:30-10:30 on the GLC Patio. Sounds like a fun way to end the events season in the park. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say thanks to Seb, Jeremy, Rob, and all the staff and vollies that have worked hard to bring us such a great season of events, it was a blast!

   Gun Meadows is one of my favourite sections of trail to ride, and shoot. It’s got great corners to schralp as Dylan shows here.

Speaking of park events, last Sunday saw a very informal event take place, albeit with the blessing of park management. We’re still waiting for the official video to come out, but James Tilbury and Maxime Bruneau organized what had to be the largest A-Line train ever. Megatrain went down at 3pm, about halfway through Rampage, and 135 riders hitched in and shredded down. It might even be safe to say we set some kind of world record, as I’m sure there hasn’t been too many Megatrains around the world! It was pretty wild to see, and pretty fun to be a part of. Fall trains seem to be a tradition, and this bumped it up to next level status! Keep an eye out for the vid, there was a whole lot of go pro’ing, as well as folks shooting along the way and I think they’re trying to get it all compiled, should be good.

   A creek that decided to run down part of the climb became a challenge as the group lined up to take runs at it, here Fanny gets close, but in the end only Dylan cleaned it.

The WORCA AGM took place last week. I got back from the Chilcotins a bit too late that evening to make it in time, and there’s been a distinct lack of info about what happened which I find rather surprising. So unfortunately can’t give an update on what took place, or if we have new board members. The fall building on the new trail project is going well from what I’m told. Seb was up on the weekend lending a hand and said while the project is definitely massive in scale. It’s really going to add something unique. Big rock bluffs and amazing views of the valley apparently dominate. Can’t wait to check it out myself. For those looking to lend a hand, the last official trail day takes place on Saturday. Bear Back Biking is sponsoring this week’s event and they’re meeting at the bottom of Stonebridge Rd. At 8am. Check out the WORCA site for more info.

   Seb on the money corner, Gun Meadows.

In other trail news, I also saw in this week’s email blast that the heavy rains of the past few weeks took their toll on River Runs Through It. The main log bridge over 21 Mile Creek took the brunt of that toll and was shifted, leaving a significant gap on one end. Anyone who knows that log ride knows how big it is, and unfortunately at this time in the season it can’t be repaired. WORCA is asking everyone to stay off it as it isn’t safe. If you absolutely need a RRTI fix, I’d suggest starting backwards from Rainbow Park and doing it as an out and back to the bridge in question.

   I played guide for Leeanne and Sarah on Tuesday, they rode for 9 hours with nary a whimper! Here they descend into Eldorado basin.

You may have noticed a lack of a new Report last week, that’s because I was up in the Chilcotins for 4 days celebrating a few friends’ birthdays and the end of another great riding season. I’ll admit to having been a bit nervous heading in, the end of September can be dicey weather wise, and it nearly was. Lots of rain leading up to and even some snow, but we must’ve pleased somebody, because the weather broke into those gorgeous sunny warm fall days that we had hoped for. A short loop on Monday stretched the legs out for the big 9 hour day on Tuesday. And Wednesday, after giving the floatplane an extra couple hours to de-ice, we winged our way north to Warner lake for a sweet ride. Toss in late night canoe paddles on Tyaughton Lake under the bright stars and moon, great friends with lots of laughs, and it was a pretty awesome way to spend a few days. Thanks to the gang, you all rock and I love riding with you all! Check the video Dylan put together below.

     Dylan Wolsky put together this sweet edit of our trip. Captures it pretty well!

Well, I guess that wraps things up. I’d like to say thanks to Cam and the NSMB gang for giving me this opportunity this year. It worked out beyond my wildest expectations. Thanks to all my friends for shooting pics with me, Jeremy Schaab and the Scion Canada gang for supporting the Report, and last but definitely not least, all of you out there who read it every week. I’ve definitely learned a lot about writing and shooting this year, and it’s all because of this. Thanks to all, and we’ll see you out on the trails!

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Thanks Todd! It’s been stellar having you aboard.
Have you enjoyed the Whistler Report as much as we have?  Any late season Chilcotin plans?  Treasure hunting this turkey weekend?  Put a fork in it here…