Posted by Eamonn on 2006-07-19
If I had only one word to describe this past weekend, I think it would be unreal. The level of the riding and the progression from just last year
Posted by Colin on 2006-07-15
Can you feel yourself rippin along finding that rhythm and flow as you bite and carve into your turns, popping some air off random lips. As bikers we all consider it a
Posted by Colin on 2006-07-10
For some, an 'Epic' ride may be just making it to the North Shore for a taste of the trails or possibly hitting that nemesis stunt on J-Rig or Upper Oilcan. Maybe hitting Whistler for the first or 30th time. Could be a progressive session at the local jumps, pulling a 3 off the 20 footer or maybe a 600 km xc ride across the continental divide. For myself that next 'Epic' ride is one of the many things that keeps my constant stoke up for riding my bicycle.
It seems that every year my list of desired conquests continues to grow. 2006 started with a trip to
Peru for the Megavalanche (more on this later) and has since included some racing (the North Shore Rippers are Epic in there own right), the Beyond the Valleycliff of the Dolls (more of a death march) and a couple of jaunts up Goat Ridge.
It is the Goat Ridge ride that brings me to my computer this early morning. I was lucky enough to do a heli drop a couple of years ago and was so giddy that I have been trying to tour some bud's up the hill ever since. NSMB Freeride Team 'Captain' Trevor 'T-Bone' Hanson has had D.Land in his sights for some years but has never been able to get it done. I was happy to help him knock it off his list as Tammi provided him a Fathers Day free pass while looking after their little dynamo Dane.
Trevor lovin life as he looks out over Howe Sound about 4 hrs in.
Soon after the 4 hr BVOD....
....ride Ted Tempany put the idea of a Disney Ride into my head. A decision was made in 20 sec to get started at 7am the next day. Fionna Taylor and Simon from Courtney took little persuading to join us. These two travel around in their beat up van actively searching out their next biking adventure. Fionna's sculpted calves came in handy as she lead us up the 2 hr plus start climb on her Giant dh rig. Riding bikes for a living comes in handy. After stopping at the cabin we made an oxygen deprived decision to try to hike our bikes to the alpine.
Simon, myself and Ted trying to stay warm at New View.
The elusive alpine high up Goat Ridge.
After 2 1/2 hours of further pushing up some seriously steep trail, with no-one wanting to crack, I finally pulled chute, sat down and said NO more. The push equated to only 20 min of dh although it was sweet and steeep. 9 hrs later we found ourselves savagly horfing burgers at woMan's in Britannia.
For T-Bones amusement ride we where joined by Squamish local and BVOD founder Brian Raizer who has also wanted to get up Goat Ridge for 10+ yrs.
The cabin....
....and the view between my legs
Makes a great spot for lunch.
This ride is defined by its rock features.
BVOD founder Brian Raizer getting his first taste of granite for the day.
Me turning into the same face.
Ted getting his balance and riding a fun spine.
The guy is riding as good as ever. Leading us on his 3o lbs Ti hardtail.
Trevor and I dropping into 'Big' rock.
And going up for more.
I'll never give into the spam but if I ever pay for something larger between my legs it will be one of these.
This group of trials riders had so much fun going up what we bikers live for to come down.
T-Bone and I dropping into a steep wall.
Mr trials had full commitment along with full throttle to make it up the wall.
I watched in appreciation a these guys flowed
up the trail making the most of all the natural little hits.
My MK III is the perfect mount for these big mountain rides.
It pedals and descends equally well.
After a few more trips up, Ted and I feel confident we will find a route down cutting out the hiking and turning this long ride into a much more flowy one. Even after 2 trips, 'Awesome Rock' still eludes me.
This pic of Barb Haley and I was taken by Smoke on my first experience.
Check out
Bush Pilot for more pics of Smokes 'Epic' rides.
Our 'Epic' is nearing an end as Trev and Ted look down over Britannia and Howe Sound.
Marley was satisfied with his run for the day.
I can't wait to hear about NSMB co-editor Stuart K.'s trip to the Alps to ride with Chris Winter of
Big Mountain Adventures. A trip there or to Costa Rica is high in my dreamscape along with all the xXx stuff.
Thanks to all the great sponsors for the support and making the next Epic (whatever it may be) that much easier.....
Iron Horse Bikes,
Fox Racing Shox,
Denny's,
Toyota,
Sram,
Magura,
Syncros,
Dakine,
Adidas,
Whistler and Wrench Force.
Ben and Ambrose are stoked !
Ben getting ready
Ben was going to try to tailwhip it but the tranny needs to be higher. Here he is just having fun on it.
Fun day at the office and stay tuned for more mayhem. 
If I had only one word to describe this past weekend, I think it would be unreal. The level of the riding and the progression from just last year
