I had never ridden in Penticton and I didn't know what to expect. We unloaded the shuttle vehicle and got ourselves ready - giddy at the prospect of going down a long time. The first trail was windy and relatively flat but trail features were abundant. Both Ladder bridges from the old school and fun launches to tranny peppered the route.

If you have watched an early North Shore Extreme film you have seen Johnny Smoke. He was once a Kona test pilot and was going big before most of us realized what that meant.

Don't expect to be babied on this tour; riding with Johnny and Barb is not like taking a Princess cruise. You won't be left behind but you won't be coddled either. If you want your hand held do not apply here.

I was struck by the diversity of the terrain above Penticton. We went from dense over-mature firs to an open, dry and well spaced pine forest and occasionally we found ourselves in a dank glen like this one.

Come prepared if you choose Penticton for your tour. The terrain isn't loamy and rooty like the Shore and the chances of a flat are slightly better than the odds of seeing Wade Simmons in the next freeride video you watch. Eamonn double flatted at the bottom of a steep ladder bridge. Half an hour later we were rolling again when Mark punctured. We actually ran out of tubes and this was a case when our guide could have been better prepared. Johnny was an expert at prying DH tires off uncooperative rims though when our untrained fingers failed.

After our second shuttle of day one we arrived at the bottom in time for the sun to peak through the clouds and illuminate our smiling faces. BC's Okanagan is spectacularly beautiful.

At the end of day 1 Johnny really began to shine. He helped us clean our bikes, get everything lubed and repaired any hemorrhages. His toolbox was full of every spare part you can imagine. Barring a broken frame, nothing was going to keep us off the trails for day 2. Johnny has worked as set mechanic for several high profile tv commercials filmed locally which has helped him fill his spare parts bin and complete his tool collection. On ttop of that he has wrenched in North Shore shops for years.

After the bikes were prepared and stabled it was time to refuel. Our appetites were rewarded with an excellent feast of Salmon, garlic bread, wine and fresh vegetables. And Eamonn will tell you how good the cake was (woot woot!). We stayed at "El Rancho Relaxo" the aptly named abode of Johnny's friendly and talented parents. They made us feel right at home. Thanks very much Ma and Pa Smoke!

We awoke to a cloudless sky and an amazing view of Lake Okanagan. Life in the orchards above Summerland is pretty sweet - especially when Johnny and Barb are preparing breakfast burritos.

Our line from the bog flowed more smoothly the second day and traversed terrain that was even more interesting than day 1. This log ride was steep and elevated but the grip was excellent. Having top notch riders showing us how it's done really helped the confidence levels.

There were little launches and rock lines every hundred feet or so and we often found lines to session on the second day. This line was pioneered by Johnny and we would have ridden right by without him to show us the way.

Barb was on a hardtail but still ripping fast. Despite being one of the best riders in Canada Barb is down to earth and awesome to hang out with.

The lower section of the Bog trails opens up and the speeds go up several chainring sizes. Windy, well bermed, dusty trails capped off every run. There were also sneaky steep lines and chutes that our guides lead us to. Once again, without them these stashes would have eluded us.

Most of the moves we saw weren't huge but there were some gap jumps and launches to keep the ballsiest riders happy. On this drop you could go as big as your cajones would take you. Mine left me watching.

At first the whole concept of Bush Pilot tours eluded me. I was expecting something more traditional and hands on. By the end of day two I had the idea down and I was sold. Bush Pilot is an experience for riders who don't need their hands held but want to find the best riding in Lotus Land. You'll be well fed and sheltered and your bikes will run better than when you arrived but you'll be expected to take care of yourself to a certain extent as well. If you are interested in riding in BC Barb and Johnny can take you to Nelson, Williams Lake, Pemberton, Squamish, Whistler, Merritt, Penticton, Kelowna, Golden and more budding freeride locales. If you are into XC they can help you find your way as well. Odds are good that right now they are checking out a new hotspot and making friends with the locals so you can have the inside line.

They can also take care of all the details and get you airlifted to some secret stashes in the Chilcotins or take you riding in their backyard on the North Shore for an hourly rate. Check out their packages at their website.

For more information on Bush Pilot Guides go to bushpilotbiking.com or email Johnny Smoke. You can also give them a ring at 604 803 4766.