Views from a Couch
A look back at my year 2000
Words by Rich Vigurs.
| It is pouring rain outside which has given me time to reflect on what a great year 2000 was. It was my first full year on my Super 8 and how I have grown to love that bike. It rides far beyond my capabilities, which is what I want…something that I can grow into. People laugh when I balk at a 4' drop but it doesn't bother me because I know that I have a lifetime ahead of me to conquer those 4,5,6, footers. I would rather be injury free and have the option to ride every day than have bragging rights on a jump far beyond my ability that puts me in hospital (People that know me would laugh at this statement as I have spent more than my fair share of time in the emergency room, to the point that the nurses knew me by name). Which brings me to the first great achievement of my year - INJURY FREE. Didn't miss a single day of work or riding due to some mishap with my metal stead. |
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#2 achievement, the Road Trip. It had been discussed for years but for some reason or another it never came to fruitation. Well this year we pulled together a great group of guys, a Super 8, two Bullits, one Stinky and a VPS 1, and headed to the Interior. The weather was HOT, 30 C the first couple of days and the riding phenomenal. Kelowna is a hot bed of single track and stunt riding. If you head there visit a local bike shop and ask about riding the Rock Garden (Dr. Plankenstein), Larry, Curly and Moe, Super Bowel (15' drop), Little bones and Dr No.
Other places that we visited were Kamloops, Vernon and Penticton. All of them were fun and very different to ride. One piece of advice I can give is to hook up with some locals ASAP. It can be very frustrating to drive half a day to have nowhere to ride.
A second trip I did was to Rossland, Nelson and the Slocan Valley. My wife and I did this trip in June in awesome weather. The riding lives up to its reputation. The refreshing thing about these areas is how mountain bikers are a readily accepted user group in the backcountry. Rossland has all its trails marked with professionally done signs and both Rossland and Nelson have topographic trail maps that actually correspond to the signs on the trail. If you are in either place visit the Sacred Ride, a very cool bike shop.
#3 achievement, I discovered the Wood lot. Style, function and fun are the only way to describe it. The trail builders raised the bar when it came to innovative and solid stunt construction.
#4 achievement, I rode all the obstacles on Boogie Man.
#5 achievement, I met some great people. I joined the staff of NSMB.com. A great group of guys who are passionate about bikes, trail advocacy and the North Shore.
#5 achievement. These are actually 2 events that are non-bike related. My first half marathon (1:42) and my first Adventure Race (I got the team lost and we came in second to last. The last place team followed us and then got even more lost)
I hope everyone had as great as year as me and if they didn't I hope 2001 is better.
Cheers, Couch
