Snow blankets the ground in Rossland. The last ride on the Rossland trails is most likely done. Got to use the lights quite a few times. Don't put them away, cause there may be a use for them in the near future.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Friday, October 19, 2012
THE PAST BECOMES THE FUTURE-KLUNKING
The Prez mentioned this video and we watched Klunking 2 after our ride on Thursday night. Klunking really reminded me of what it was like riding when we first started back in the early 1990s. These guys take it back a lot further than rim brakes and no suspension. They are running coaster brakes.
The riding is awesome. You can see the influence of full suspension on their riding styles. The trails that they ride are also highly evolved from the first days of mountain biking.
The trails in Bellingham look pretty neat, can you say HOLY WOW.
Enjoy the film.
Lars N Bars gets Klunking from Transition Bikes on Vimeo.
The riding is awesome. You can see the influence of full suspension on their riding styles. The trails that they ride are also highly evolved from the first days of mountain biking.
The trails in Bellingham look pretty neat, can you say HOLY WOW.
Enjoy the film.
Lars N Bars gets Klunking from Transition Bikes on Vimeo.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
HW RIDES IN BEND OREGON...Summary
Hard to believe that it has been almost a month since Holy Wow 21. The riding in Bend was so good that it remains fresh in my mind. The movie below is a compilation of my camera on the whole trip and the Go Pro on the last day.
Some things to watch for in the footage. Another appearance of a famous politician. An close call for the Italian nation. A frustrated but happy organizer at the bar. Miles of joyous single track.
Does it make you want to ride?
Some things to watch for in the footage. Another appearance of a famous politician. An close call for the Italian nation. A frustrated but happy organizer at the bar. Miles of joyous single track.
Does it make you want to ride?
Friday, October 5, 2012
RAMPAGE BUILD PICTURES
Check out these pictures from Rampage 2012.
Holy Wow member Norm Hopkins is down in Utah with his son Mike. Mike is preparing to try and qualify for the Red Bull Rampage event on Sunday Oct 7.
Holy Wow member Norm Hopkins is down in Utah with his son Mike. Mike is preparing to try and qualify for the Red Bull Rampage event on Sunday Oct 7.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
HW RIDES MCKENZIE RIVER TRAIL
While the Holy Wow Gang was down in Bend Oregon, we climbed into our trucks and road tripped it to Sisters Oregon, to ride the McKenzie River Trail. The gorgeous scenery, super flowy single track and fabulous water features made this a truly epic trail. The natural hot pool on the side of the river and the cold beer in the middle of the trail(both courtesy of Stewy, thanks Stew) topped off the 25 miles of single track just perfectly.
The only thing that came even close to the riding was the windy road that we took to get back to Bend(thanks Dario). It left me smiling and wanting to run those flowy corners again, only this time in the Audi.
Top notch day. The video says it all, so check it out.
The only thing that came even close to the riding was the windy road that we took to get back to Bend(thanks Dario). It left me smiling and wanting to run those flowy corners again, only this time in the Audi.
Top notch day. The video says it all, so check it out.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
HW RIDES BAR BIKE IN DOWNTOWN BEND
After 35 miles of Bachelor to Bend, the Gang was a touch tired and hungry. Nothing that a couple of Oregon brews and a burger and fries could not cure. Just settling into a recovery phase and Murdog announces that it is time to go riding.
Riding, didn't we just finish. But, being the Holy Wow Gang, we are always up for a bike ride, so let's do it. Out to the garage to get the bike. Murdog yelps, "No not that bike, the Bar Bike". What Bar Bike? "The one we have rented for the evening" says Murdog. OK!! Into the trucks and downtown we go to meet the Bar Bike and Kevin our driver.
This Bar Bike is exactly what it's name describes. It is a bar on wheels, that is propelled by the patrons of the bar actually pedaling and drinking. WOW this thing would never fly in Canada. A vehicle full of imbibing cyclists travelling around the streets of town. Turns out that the Bike Bar is classed as a limousine and drinking is allowed in limousines. There were a lot of rules about bottles and such, which put some serious obstacles on the Bike Bars trail, but the HW Gang managed to clean them all.
The Big Bar ride was 2 hours long. The legs were feeling it, after the day's ride and a few pops. Just when you felt like you were ready to give up, a driver would honk the horn and a serge of adrenalin would motivate you to pedal harder.
Soon we were back at the starting point parking lot. At this point Kevin, the bar driver says, "Now it is time for the race". The last thing we wanted to do was race. Well Kevin marketed this idea well and we bought in to the idea. Turns out that they run this lap around the parking lot and time the lap. The last record has stood up for 6 months or so. Kevin says we should be able to beat it. We agree.
Off we go, pedaling as hard as we can, lactic acid roaring through our legs. Forty-six seconds later we crossed the finish line and set a new record.
Perfect wrap up to a perfect day.
Riding, didn't we just finish. But, being the Holy Wow Gang, we are always up for a bike ride, so let's do it. Out to the garage to get the bike. Murdog yelps, "No not that bike, the Bar Bike". What Bar Bike? "The one we have rented for the evening" says Murdog. OK!! Into the trucks and downtown we go to meet the Bar Bike and Kevin our driver.
This Bar Bike is exactly what it's name describes. It is a bar on wheels, that is propelled by the patrons of the bar actually pedaling and drinking. WOW this thing would never fly in Canada. A vehicle full of imbibing cyclists travelling around the streets of town. Turns out that the Bike Bar is classed as a limousine and drinking is allowed in limousines. There were a lot of rules about bottles and such, which put some serious obstacles on the Bike Bars trail, but the HW Gang managed to clean them all.
The Big Bar ride was 2 hours long. The legs were feeling it, after the day's ride and a few pops. Just when you felt like you were ready to give up, a driver would honk the horn and a serge of adrenalin would motivate you to pedal harder.
Soon we were back at the starting point parking lot. At this point Kevin, the bar driver says, "Now it is time for the race". The last thing we wanted to do was race. Well Kevin marketed this idea well and we bought in to the idea. Turns out that they run this lap around the parking lot and time the lap. The last record has stood up for 6 months or so. Kevin says we should be able to beat it. We agree.
Off we go, pedaling as hard as we can, lactic acid roaring through our legs. Forty-six seconds later we crossed the finish line and set a new record.
Perfect wrap up to a perfect day.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
HW RIDES BATCHELOR TO BEND
WOW, Bend left me speechless and tired and busy all at the same time. I haven't even managed to put up a post on the blog until now. We were so busy riding and enjoying the festivities of Bend Oregon that I failed to post while I was on the road. Enough excuses, here goes.
The Holy Wow Gang arrived in Bend Oregon on Wednesday evening, after a 10 hour journey by truck. We arrived, at our home for the next 4 days, at about 9:00PM. Greeting us on our arrival, were Brett, JT, and Bob along with their Mexican friend Tequi. Tequi commenced to proceed to put the hurt on Brett and Dario, but it did not stop them from answering the ride bell on Thursday morning.
The plan was to take a shuttle to the Mid mountain of Mt. Bachelor and then ride 35 miles of single track back to the city of Bend. The Cog Wild shuttle picked us up at 9:30AM. Lauren our driver, expertly took us up to our starting point. She then had to wait for a rescue because she left the keys to the van, in the van, and one of us (probably Tequi) pressed the power lock button and locked her out. Hope she didn't get in too much trouble. That Tequi is a real shit disturber.
Off we went on our first ride in Bend. The trail started with a gradual up. It was dusty and there was a bit of smoke in the air from a forest fire near by. The next video should show you what the trail was like.
With the majority of the climbing done, the trail starts to pitch downward. not too steep, in fact you could ajust the speed that you wanted to go just by pedaling. The single track was very sweet. There were many S turns and banked turns that wound their way through the trees. The fun factor was increasing the further we went towards Bend.
I could not believe how uniform this single track was, and it just kept on going and going. Whoops and hollers could be heard throughout the forest. Tequi was out of the system and the Holy Wow Gang was having a blast.
The whole ride was a sequence of trails that connected together made up the Batchelor to Bend ride. The first trail is called Flagline(it had the climb on it), which connected to Swampy Lakes(lunch spot) that linked to Sector 16(circumnavigate around private land) and then into Whoops.
Whoops was just that, a long series of table tops, gaps and jumps connected together with high speed banked turns. Very fun. The Contour camera was already full by the time we got to Whoops so the footage below is only the lead up.
Whoops led into Phil's and more jumps and berms. "Is this ever going to end' . We had to do a little map reading to come up with the right connection to make it back to the house. Marvin Gardens was the pick. Usually a good buy in Monopoly but not so good for the end of a 35 mile day. Just a little too uphill.
On to the highway and a short freewheel exploding pedal(my bike) back to the house. I needed the equivalent of a bike tow truck to get me back home. The boys pushed me back to wiothin 100 meters of the house. Thanks guys.
Ahh a cool Oregon beer (beer is great in Oregon). A mad search for a free wheel. A burger and then a pedal around Bend in a pedal bar. More about that in my next post.
The Holy Wow Gang arrived in Bend Oregon on Wednesday evening, after a 10 hour journey by truck. We arrived, at our home for the next 4 days, at about 9:00PM. Greeting us on our arrival, were Brett, JT, and Bob along with their Mexican friend Tequi. Tequi commenced to proceed to put the hurt on Brett and Dario, but it did not stop them from answering the ride bell on Thursday morning.
The plan was to take a shuttle to the Mid mountain of Mt. Bachelor and then ride 35 miles of single track back to the city of Bend. The Cog Wild shuttle picked us up at 9:30AM. Lauren our driver, expertly took us up to our starting point. She then had to wait for a rescue because she left the keys to the van, in the van, and one of us (probably Tequi) pressed the power lock button and locked her out. Hope she didn't get in too much trouble. That Tequi is a real shit disturber.
Off we went on our first ride in Bend. The trail started with a gradual up. It was dusty and there was a bit of smoke in the air from a forest fire near by. The next video should show you what the trail was like.
With the majority of the climbing done, the trail starts to pitch downward. not too steep, in fact you could ajust the speed that you wanted to go just by pedaling. The single track was very sweet. There were many S turns and banked turns that wound their way through the trees. The fun factor was increasing the further we went towards Bend.
I could not believe how uniform this single track was, and it just kept on going and going. Whoops and hollers could be heard throughout the forest. Tequi was out of the system and the Holy Wow Gang was having a blast.
The whole ride was a sequence of trails that connected together made up the Batchelor to Bend ride. The first trail is called Flagline(it had the climb on it), which connected to Swampy Lakes(lunch spot) that linked to Sector 16(circumnavigate around private land) and then into Whoops.
Whoops was just that, a long series of table tops, gaps and jumps connected together with high speed banked turns. Very fun. The Contour camera was already full by the time we got to Whoops so the footage below is only the lead up.
Whoops led into Phil's and more jumps and berms. "Is this ever going to end' . We had to do a little map reading to come up with the right connection to make it back to the house. Marvin Gardens was the pick. Usually a good buy in Monopoly but not so good for the end of a 35 mile day. Just a little too uphill.
On to the highway and a short freewheel exploding pedal(my bike) back to the house. I needed the equivalent of a bike tow truck to get me back home. The boys pushed me back to wiothin 100 meters of the house. Thanks guys.
Ahh a cool Oregon beer (beer is great in Oregon). A mad search for a free wheel. A burger and then a pedal around Bend in a pedal bar. More about that in my next post.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
HW 21 ABOUT TO GO DOWN
The Holy Wow Gang is on the way to Bend Oregon. Our objective is to ride single track, have fun, drink some good beer, have fun, ride some more single track...... Stay tuned for some new posts from the Bender.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: ROCK CUT NEVER DISAPPOINTS
Thursday was going to be a repeat of a trail ride that we do quite often. Always a great ride, Red Top from Dale's Trail to the Old Back Road to Red Mountain and up to the Joy Ride Trail for a scoot down the berms and bridges of this short but very enjoyable trail. Too bad they couldn't build this kind of trail from the top of Granite all the way down.
Ten riders showed up for the evening ride. Some had lights others did not, but they all had a little money burning a hole in their pockets. Money, why did they need money? Ahh you might already be able to guess based on the title of this post, but if not, just keep reading.
Headed up Mo's to Larry's and promptly lost half the crew. Turns out they knew about a couple of big trees that are down on the old route and so they took a short cut and ended up at the top ahead of us. Reunited we dusted our way down Red Top. Very fun but a little dusty. Amazingly dry even after all the rain that fell in the late spring and early summer. Good drainage I guess.
On to the Old Road and across the T-Bar. You can hardly see off of the trail because the buck brush is so high. We are going to need a real ton of snow to get ski season started this year, unless they start doing some cutting real soon. Back to the riding. Up to the Top of the Old Silverload and over to a lower entrance to JoyRide and the JOY begins. Man that section of trail is fun.
Down to the day lodge and up the back road to the O'Flanagan connector, and the money in our pockets is beginning to scorch the riding shorts. Rock Cut here we come. WOW, the parking lots are full. Oh yeah, WING NIGHT. Oh well, let's give it a try anyway. We managed to get a table outside on the deck. Sent in a couple of scouts to order beer and wings. We ended up with a good portion of beer and copious amounts of wings. Ummm goood.
We sat and ate and drank until; dark started to creep in and a full moon poked it's beautiful round head into the night sky. Time to go home. Now, if you have never been at the Rock Cut with the Holy Wow Gang, you may not be aware of a long standing tradition that is usually motivated by a couple of beers. There is a set of stairs, three lengths of maybe 20 stairs separated by two landings. Very rideable. So we ride them. The first time down is quite scary. Watching Norm ride them is very scary. He comes out of the bottom moving like a rocket. Brakes don't seem to be an option for Norm. Laughter rings through the night air.
The ride home on Centennial trail is lighted with the candle power of the moon and the lighting systems of the riders. Just a perfect ending to another great outing. YES, the ROCK CUT NEVER DISAPPOINTS!!!!
Ten riders showed up for the evening ride. Some had lights others did not, but they all had a little money burning a hole in their pockets. Money, why did they need money? Ahh you might already be able to guess based on the title of this post, but if not, just keep reading.
Headed up Mo's to Larry's and promptly lost half the crew. Turns out they knew about a couple of big trees that are down on the old route and so they took a short cut and ended up at the top ahead of us. Reunited we dusted our way down Red Top. Very fun but a little dusty. Amazingly dry even after all the rain that fell in the late spring and early summer. Good drainage I guess.
On to the Old Road and across the T-Bar. You can hardly see off of the trail because the buck brush is so high. We are going to need a real ton of snow to get ski season started this year, unless they start doing some cutting real soon. Back to the riding. Up to the Top of the Old Silverload and over to a lower entrance to JoyRide and the JOY begins. Man that section of trail is fun.
Down to the day lodge and up the back road to the O'Flanagan connector, and the money in our pockets is beginning to scorch the riding shorts. Rock Cut here we come. WOW, the parking lots are full. Oh yeah, WING NIGHT. Oh well, let's give it a try anyway. We managed to get a table outside on the deck. Sent in a couple of scouts to order beer and wings. We ended up with a good portion of beer and copious amounts of wings. Ummm goood.
We sat and ate and drank until; dark started to creep in and a full moon poked it's beautiful round head into the night sky. Time to go home. Now, if you have never been at the Rock Cut with the Holy Wow Gang, you may not be aware of a long standing tradition that is usually motivated by a couple of beers. There is a set of stairs, three lengths of maybe 20 stairs separated by two landings. Very rideable. So we ride them. The first time down is quite scary. Watching Norm ride them is very scary. He comes out of the bottom moving like a rocket. Brakes don't seem to be an option for Norm. Laughter rings through the night air.
The ride home on Centennial trail is lighted with the candle power of the moon and the lighting systems of the riders. Just a perfect ending to another great outing. YES, the ROCK CUT NEVER DISAPPOINTS!!!!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: LAPS ON MONTE COLA
WOW, the promise of a cold one, out of the back of a pickup, on a forest road, motivated a large number of riders to show up on this warm August night. The riding was not too bad either.
Larch Trail is such a pleasure to ride, even though it is up. The reward is Monte Cola, with its woops and berms. Always a blast.
Then with an easy 1km ride back up to the PR intersection, you can lap the bottom part of the Monte Cola Trail. Lap it we did. Each lap getting braver and more inventive.
Fantastic evening. The scene after the ride was that of a teenage bush party. I would have said twelve year olds but they couldn't have driven out there unless they stole Dad's truck. Humm maybe.
Larch Trail is such a pleasure to ride, even though it is up. The reward is Monte Cola, with its woops and berms. Always a blast.
Then with an easy 1km ride back up to the PR intersection, you can lap the bottom part of the Monte Cola Trail. Lap it we did. Each lap getting braver and more inventive.
Fantastic evening. The scene after the ride was that of a teenage bush party. I would have said twelve year olds but they couldn't have driven out there unless they stole Dad's truck. Humm maybe.
Friday, August 10, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: CROWN POINT
First post for August. Just got back from a magical mystery tour of the Okanagan, Lower Mainland, Bellingham, Seattle and Spokane. No riding involved, mostly family business, so I was ready for a ride.
Where to boys? Ahh Crown Point Trail. Used to be a favorite. Heard it had suffered some damage during the rainy season, so we didn't expect much but the KCTS has done it again. Trail condition excellent.
We rode up Malde Creek Road for the fourth Thursday in a row according to the new guy (Scott), but hey there are some really good trails that are accessed from Malde Creek Road. On to Birch Main logging road and up to the new Crown Point connector called Crown Royal. Crown Royal was an old school trail, from the early days of mountain biking in the region. It had lots of steep skid trails and pretty much went straight down and then continued as it's own entity until it merged with Crown Point at the bottom. Crown Royal is now a wonderful windy traverse that takes you to the top of Crown Point Trail. Once again a great addition provided by the KCTS.
Crown Point was it's usual self, rocky to silky smooth, rooty to long skinnies, just too much fun. The bottom portion has been rerouted due to some water damage. The new route is actually way more fun and the trail was just a blast as usual.
On to the Old Rubberhead access to the Rail Grade and a swoopy scoot to the waiting trucks in Warfield and the first ride for me in August was done. It was great. Beer at Norm's was good too. Got to love mountain biking. I get to ride two more times next week before the next Magical Mystery Tour. Humm summer.
Where to boys? Ahh Crown Point Trail. Used to be a favorite. Heard it had suffered some damage during the rainy season, so we didn't expect much but the KCTS has done it again. Trail condition excellent.
We rode up Malde Creek Road for the fourth Thursday in a row according to the new guy (Scott), but hey there are some really good trails that are accessed from Malde Creek Road. On to Birch Main logging road and up to the new Crown Point connector called Crown Royal. Crown Royal was an old school trail, from the early days of mountain biking in the region. It had lots of steep skid trails and pretty much went straight down and then continued as it's own entity until it merged with Crown Point at the bottom. Crown Royal is now a wonderful windy traverse that takes you to the top of Crown Point Trail. Once again a great addition provided by the KCTS.
Crown Point was it's usual self, rocky to silky smooth, rooty to long skinnies, just too much fun. The bottom portion has been rerouted due to some water damage. The new route is actually way more fun and the trail was just a blast as usual.
On to the Old Rubberhead access to the Rail Grade and a swoopy scoot to the waiting trucks in Warfield and the first ride for me in August was done. It was great. Beer at Norm's was good too. Got to love mountain biking. I get to ride two more times next week before the next Magical Mystery Tour. Humm summer.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: MONTE COLA-OASIS
After a year or so of not riding the Oasis Trail due to logging activities, we decided it was time to give it a go again. The plan was to ride up the highway to Larch Trail, ride Larch to Monte Cola to Neptune Creek Road down to six kilometers and pick up the Oasis Trail from that point.
The ride up the highway was fairly painless even though we got passed by numerous trucks and cars packing bikes. We even got accused, by a road biker, of never riding uphill. He bathed us with the comment as we waited at the view point for the last of the gang to arrive. Guess he didn't notice the perspiration on our jerseys. Off to the Larch Trail and Monte Cola. Now, my camera got lost in the house for a few days, so this blog has been without digital images for a long while, but I found it and brought it with me on this ride. I am going to stop writing and let the sights and sounds of the ride complete the post.
The ride up the highway was fairly painless even though we got passed by numerous trucks and cars packing bikes. We even got accused, by a road biker, of never riding uphill. He bathed us with the comment as we waited at the view point for the last of the gang to arrive. Guess he didn't notice the perspiration on our jerseys. Off to the Larch Trail and Monte Cola. Now, my camera got lost in the house for a few days, so this blog has been without digital images for a long while, but I found it and brought it with me on this ride. I am going to stop writing and let the sights and sounds of the ride complete the post.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: THE TOUR CAME TO HOLY WOW
Eighteen riders showed up to form the peloton for the first Tour de Red bike crawl. The turn out was fantastic for a ride that promised to be lots of up and down and no car drop at the end. Way to go guys.
The evening was hot and a bit muggy, as we lined up for the start of the crawl. Sitting on the cool lawn was the favourite warm up routine. Talk of skipping right to the cold ones filled the air. But, true to form the Holy Wow Gang answered the starters pistol and the ride was on.
The peloton stretched out as it meandered along Mo's and worked it's way onto Larry's. The yellow jersey was somewhere in the middle of the pack and using his domestiques to keep him cool. There was a small breakaway on Miner's but they decided to wait for the peloton because they did not know which way to go.
After a regroup, we headed up the gas line and on to the gas metering station where the route turned downward for a little scoot. This took us back to Larry's and the speeds picked up and some air was taken. Many of the riders had not ridden Larry's in this manner before and others waxed nostalgically of the old days, when we rode Larry's a lot (still learning to ride) on hard tails and rigid bikes.
Up the back road to Red and onto Oflanagan's Connector to the Centennial Trail and the Rock Cut. The peloton was quite content to just enjoy the country side. The yellow jersey got a little antsy and dropped off the highway into some gravel and did a bit of a swan dive into the bush, but true to the Tour etiquette we did not take advantage of a riders misfortune, so we waited for him to get back up and continue.
On to the deserted subdivision and through to the Coffee Run, spirits were high in anticipation of the time trial that this part of the route would provide. Coffee Run is another Old School ride that is technically quite challenging. The first part is quite over grown and then it settles into some entertaining roots, rocks, and some testy little ups and downs. Got to keep your speed up or endos are a real possibility. We had one rider go down and rearrange his face a little. He looks better now. The peloton waited for him to catch up.
The stage coming up was new to all the riders. We were going to ride up Milky Way to the landing below the saddle. Actually not a bad ride, we'll have to do it again some time. Up to the saddle of KC. The peloton is beginning to bunch up in preparation for the sprint to the beer-I mean finish.
Arriving at the summit, the king of the mountains got confused and climbed to the top of KC even though that was not a part of the route. What a climbing machine? We did not wait for him. Somehow we knew he would find his way to the refreshments-I mean finish.
Seats down and away we go for the last descent including a hard left turn at the bottom part of Snake. Riders took the Mobis strip, the Teeter Tauter, and the final jump as we rolled on to the Centennial Trail and headed to the finish line.
There were Green, Blue and Red and White jerseys -I mean- cans of recovery fluid for everyone. The Tour was complete. A resounding success. Where is that yellow jersey?
The evening was hot and a bit muggy, as we lined up for the start of the crawl. Sitting on the cool lawn was the favourite warm up routine. Talk of skipping right to the cold ones filled the air. But, true to form the Holy Wow Gang answered the starters pistol and the ride was on.
The peloton stretched out as it meandered along Mo's and worked it's way onto Larry's. The yellow jersey was somewhere in the middle of the pack and using his domestiques to keep him cool. There was a small breakaway on Miner's but they decided to wait for the peloton because they did not know which way to go.
After a regroup, we headed up the gas line and on to the gas metering station where the route turned downward for a little scoot. This took us back to Larry's and the speeds picked up and some air was taken. Many of the riders had not ridden Larry's in this manner before and others waxed nostalgically of the old days, when we rode Larry's a lot (still learning to ride) on hard tails and rigid bikes.
Up the back road to Red and onto Oflanagan's Connector to the Centennial Trail and the Rock Cut. The peloton was quite content to just enjoy the country side. The yellow jersey got a little antsy and dropped off the highway into some gravel and did a bit of a swan dive into the bush, but true to the Tour etiquette we did not take advantage of a riders misfortune, so we waited for him to get back up and continue.
On to the deserted subdivision and through to the Coffee Run, spirits were high in anticipation of the time trial that this part of the route would provide. Coffee Run is another Old School ride that is technically quite challenging. The first part is quite over grown and then it settles into some entertaining roots, rocks, and some testy little ups and downs. Got to keep your speed up or endos are a real possibility. We had one rider go down and rearrange his face a little. He looks better now. The peloton waited for him to catch up.
The stage coming up was new to all the riders. We were going to ride up Milky Way to the landing below the saddle. Actually not a bad ride, we'll have to do it again some time. Up to the saddle of KC. The peloton is beginning to bunch up in preparation for the sprint to the beer-I mean finish.
Arriving at the summit, the king of the mountains got confused and climbed to the top of KC even though that was not a part of the route. What a climbing machine? We did not wait for him. Somehow we knew he would find his way to the refreshments-I mean finish.
Seats down and away we go for the last descent including a hard left turn at the bottom part of Snake. Riders took the Mobis strip, the Teeter Tauter, and the final jump as we rolled on to the Centennial Trail and headed to the finish line.
There were Green, Blue and Red and White jerseys -I mean- cans of recovery fluid for everyone. The Tour was complete. A resounding success. Where is that yellow jersey?
Monday, July 9, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: THURSDAYS HAVE IT
Thursday nights have been THE night for good riding this spring. While it always seemed to pour on Tuesday, Thursday has provided us with some very fine weather for rolling the fat tires. The double downhill was on Thursday and it was the best one in a long time. This past post Men's Night (Wednesday is men's night at the golf course) presented some of the warmest weather so far this year and prompted 11 riders to show up for the evenings festivities.
The carnival started with a climb up Malde Creek road. Now Malde is not a fun climb at the best of times, but when it is hot out (complaining already) it can be a real beast, especially when the road is already dusty and the car droppers are in abundance. Ahh stop the whining and pedal, and so the Holy Wow Gang paid the gravity gods as usual.
Life does have a way of rewarding after suffering. I think it is all about contrast. You don't realize how good you have it until you don't have it any more. When that head cold is gone you feel great. When that knee stops hurting (usually happen when you stop thinking about it) you are ecstatic. When the climb ends, any single track seems perfect. Well Tamarac Trail seemed perfect and not just because of the climb. It was better than the last time and perhaps the BEST it has ever been. Dry and tacky. It brought out the best in us. There was hooting and hollering and some tight formation riding around banked switch backs that presented themselves in a way that lured you into speed. HOLY WOW!!!
The plan was to link Tamarac to Dukabor Draw. Dukabor has been closed for a while due to some logging. We heard it was open again. It was indeed, so down we went. Top part was just as usual with a little more mud and water than in the past, but mud and water seem to be the norm this year (where is Norm these days? Think he has been nursing a sore knee and also a very sick daughter Aimee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you buddy. Say hi to Aimee for us, hope she has a speedy recovery) Bottom part is a little bare but the track is still there. Didn't lose much, just the shade canopy that used to cover the road portion. Oh well, just be thankful that the land owner still let's us ride on the property.(it is private land you know)
Along the road to King George Park and the shuttle vehicles. On the way Crash and Stewy had a sudden impact while attempting to jump a puddle. Crash came away with road rash and Stew managed to avoid the ground. Poor Crash.
Refreshments at the shop were as good as usual and Thurday was another GREAT DAY.
The carnival started with a climb up Malde Creek road. Now Malde is not a fun climb at the best of times, but when it is hot out (complaining already) it can be a real beast, especially when the road is already dusty and the car droppers are in abundance. Ahh stop the whining and pedal, and so the Holy Wow Gang paid the gravity gods as usual.
Life does have a way of rewarding after suffering. I think it is all about contrast. You don't realize how good you have it until you don't have it any more. When that head cold is gone you feel great. When that knee stops hurting (usually happen when you stop thinking about it) you are ecstatic. When the climb ends, any single track seems perfect. Well Tamarac Trail seemed perfect and not just because of the climb. It was better than the last time and perhaps the BEST it has ever been. Dry and tacky. It brought out the best in us. There was hooting and hollering and some tight formation riding around banked switch backs that presented themselves in a way that lured you into speed. HOLY WOW!!!
The plan was to link Tamarac to Dukabor Draw. Dukabor has been closed for a while due to some logging. We heard it was open again. It was indeed, so down we went. Top part was just as usual with a little more mud and water than in the past, but mud and water seem to be the norm this year (where is Norm these days? Think he has been nursing a sore knee and also a very sick daughter Aimee. Our thoughts and prayers are with you buddy. Say hi to Aimee for us, hope she has a speedy recovery) Bottom part is a little bare but the track is still there. Didn't lose much, just the shade canopy that used to cover the road portion. Oh well, just be thankful that the land owner still let's us ride on the property.(it is private land you know)
Along the road to King George Park and the shuttle vehicles. On the way Crash and Stewy had a sudden impact while attempting to jump a puddle. Crash came away with road rash and Stew managed to avoid the ground. Poor Crash.
Refreshments at the shop were as good as usual and Thurday was another GREAT DAY.
Friday, July 6, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: REDLINE - MUDLINE
Tuesday evening, the gang headed out for a ride to explore the newer chunk of trail that was built on Red Mt last year. We call it Red Line, after the infamous A-Line in Whistler. I think it's real name is Joyride or something. I am sticking to Red Line.
The monsoon season continued Tuesday with a huge hail storm earlier in the day, but it cleared in the afternoon. Tuesday night ride was on. YEAH, we have cancelled way to many Tuesday night rides this spring. Let us go get wet from perspiration instead of condensation.
Decided to take the longer and hopefully drier way over to the Red Line Trail. Up Mo's to Larry's over to Miner's and up to Red Top intersection with Dale's Trail. Mud and water, mud and water, when is it going to dry up?
Headed down Red Top with the plan to turn off on the Old Red Mt Road and ride across the T-Bar to the top of the Old Silver Load lift. On the way we are reminded of the trails that were cut to service the lift riders, when Red ran the Old Silver Load for mountain biking. Too bad that they don't still do that. Based on all the gasoline being burned by the truck droppers around here there should be plenty of riders to make it profitable. Lift passes would be a lot cheaper than diesel. At least Sweetfield Shuttles is busy. Does anybody ride uphill anymore?
Enough ranting, and on to the top of Red Line. What a mud fest? The rain and hail has taken it's toll on Red Line. The dips between the features(table tops, lips, booters and berms) are like swamps. We had water and mud flying everywhere. Dirtiest ride of the year. Everyone looked like they had fallen on the same swamp that I did on SMD last Thursday. Still some good turns but the water has really turned this into MUD LINE. Hopefully when it dries up and is cleaned up it will ride like it used to.
Still smiling, we rode up to Curly's and finished off with some sweet single track and a quick rip to the shop for a wash and a beer. At least we got a Tuesday night ride even if it was on MUD LINE.
The monsoon season continued Tuesday with a huge hail storm earlier in the day, but it cleared in the afternoon. Tuesday night ride was on. YEAH, we have cancelled way to many Tuesday night rides this spring. Let us go get wet from perspiration instead of condensation.
Decided to take the longer and hopefully drier way over to the Red Line Trail. Up Mo's to Larry's over to Miner's and up to Red Top intersection with Dale's Trail. Mud and water, mud and water, when is it going to dry up?
Headed down Red Top with the plan to turn off on the Old Red Mt Road and ride across the T-Bar to the top of the Old Silver Load lift. On the way we are reminded of the trails that were cut to service the lift riders, when Red ran the Old Silver Load for mountain biking. Too bad that they don't still do that. Based on all the gasoline being burned by the truck droppers around here there should be plenty of riders to make it profitable. Lift passes would be a lot cheaper than diesel. At least Sweetfield Shuttles is busy. Does anybody ride uphill anymore?
Enough ranting, and on to the top of Red Line. What a mud fest? The rain and hail has taken it's toll on Red Line. The dips between the features(table tops, lips, booters and berms) are like swamps. We had water and mud flying everywhere. Dirtiest ride of the year. Everyone looked like they had fallen on the same swamp that I did on SMD last Thursday. Still some good turns but the water has really turned this into MUD LINE. Hopefully when it dries up and is cleaned up it will ride like it used to.
Still smiling, we rode up to Curly's and finished off with some sweet single track and a quick rip to the shop for a wash and a beer. At least we got a Tuesday night ride even if it was on MUD LINE.
Friday, June 29, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: SMD a.k.a. SUPER MEGA DUNK
Thursday seems to be the day to ride this summer. After many days of torrential rain, Thursday dawned bright and clear. It warmed up nicely during the day and promised to provide good tacky trail conditions. A perfect night for a shuttle drop on the south slopes. SMD it will be. SUPER MEGA DEATH is a relatively new trail that has really entertained us in the past, so our expectations were high.
The ride for the Holy Wow Gang starts with the climb up Malde Creek Road. It seems that we are the only ones who believe in paying the gravity gods. All the other mountain bikers we saw (at least on this Thursday) were riding in trucks on the way up Malde. The traffic was pretty intense, but we did not see another rider on SMD. Good old Rossland trail system just has a way of eating them up.
Malde is alot of up and the trail head is up a little further still. We knocked it off in short order. Now for the fun part. This trail is chock full of bermed corners and little booters that just encourage speed. Sections of the trail are like a video game with trees coming at you and the trail corkscrewing it's way through the forest. Then just for sport it throws in an obstacle to raise your adrenalin level. Just a real blast.
So, the Prez had warned me about one of these obstacles. He said, "watch out for this big deep puddle, it will grab you and slam dunk you". Now, with that warning I was expecting this large deep puddle, so I took little heed of a smallish looking puddle. Well that thing just reached out and grabbed my front wheel and slam dunked me into a one foot deep mud bog. I emerged soaking wet. My bike landed up side down stuck in the mud like I was about to change a flat. Good thing it was a warm evening because I was so wet that I left puddles behind when I stood still. One for you SMD. I heard that someone behind me experienced the same thing. Misery loves company.
The rest of the trail was a real blast. We corkscrewed our way down to King George Park. Such a cool ride. Beers and BS after the ride were as good as ever. Thanks Thursday. Thanks SMD.
The ride for the Holy Wow Gang starts with the climb up Malde Creek Road. It seems that we are the only ones who believe in paying the gravity gods. All the other mountain bikers we saw (at least on this Thursday) were riding in trucks on the way up Malde. The traffic was pretty intense, but we did not see another rider on SMD. Good old Rossland trail system just has a way of eating them up.
Malde is alot of up and the trail head is up a little further still. We knocked it off in short order. Now for the fun part. This trail is chock full of bermed corners and little booters that just encourage speed. Sections of the trail are like a video game with trees coming at you and the trail corkscrewing it's way through the forest. Then just for sport it throws in an obstacle to raise your adrenalin level. Just a real blast.
So, the Prez had warned me about one of these obstacles. He said, "watch out for this big deep puddle, it will grab you and slam dunk you". Now, with that warning I was expecting this large deep puddle, so I took little heed of a smallish looking puddle. Well that thing just reached out and grabbed my front wheel and slam dunked me into a one foot deep mud bog. I emerged soaking wet. My bike landed up side down stuck in the mud like I was about to change a flat. Good thing it was a warm evening because I was so wet that I left puddles behind when I stood still. One for you SMD. I heard that someone behind me experienced the same thing. Misery loves company.
The rest of the trail was a real blast. We corkscrewed our way down to King George Park. Such a cool ride. Beers and BS after the ride were as good as ever. Thanks Thursday. Thanks SMD.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: DOUBLE DOWNHILL
It's that time of the riding season again, the longest daylight of the year. The Holy Wow Gang has a long standing tradition of celebrating this day by riding two downhill routes and then retiring to Greener's deck for a sausage BBQ and a campfire. We did it AGAIN this year and it turned out to be possibly the best DoubleD that the gang has ever experienced.
All the familiar faces came out for the occasion. The Nelson boys were there in full force, great to have them out. The Folger youngsters always add an extra spark to the festivities. The old guard was well represented starting with the Prez and working our way down through the main core that have been riding together for 20 years.
The rain let up for Thursday and the trails had actually dried up just a little so that the riding was absolutely perfect. The rides of choice were, KC to Pale Ale to Milky Way to Warfield followed by a shuttle to Neptune Creek and a ride up the road to Larch and the completion of a fine night's riding with a zip down Monte Cola. Monte Cola was perfect. Nice job KCTS and crew. Monte Cola was so good, that we found ourselves taking a second POP at it and running the bottom part again. It was kind of like having that second rum and cola because the first one was just soooooo good.
Cold beers at the trail head capped off the riding portion of the night and transitioned into a few more refreshments and a feed of sausages on the Green Man's deck. The evening was one of the first warm ones of the year. Perfect for sitting around the fire until the wee hours of the morning and reminiscing about the many years of riding that we have done together. The food disappeared along with the bevies and life in mountain bike land remains VERY GOOD.
Another Double D in the books.
All the familiar faces came out for the occasion. The Nelson boys were there in full force, great to have them out. The Folger youngsters always add an extra spark to the festivities. The old guard was well represented starting with the Prez and working our way down through the main core that have been riding together for 20 years.
The rain let up for Thursday and the trails had actually dried up just a little so that the riding was absolutely perfect. The rides of choice were, KC to Pale Ale to Milky Way to Warfield followed by a shuttle to Neptune Creek and a ride up the road to Larch and the completion of a fine night's riding with a zip down Monte Cola. Monte Cola was perfect. Nice job KCTS and crew. Monte Cola was so good, that we found ourselves taking a second POP at it and running the bottom part again. It was kind of like having that second rum and cola because the first one was just soooooo good.
Cold beers at the trail head capped off the riding portion of the night and transitioned into a few more refreshments and a feed of sausages on the Green Man's deck. The evening was one of the first warm ones of the year. Perfect for sitting around the fire until the wee hours of the morning and reminiscing about the many years of riding that we have done together. The food disappeared along with the bevies and life in mountain bike land remains VERY GOOD.
Another Double D in the books.
Friday, June 15, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: RAINBOW RED TOP
Desperate to ride, the Holy Wow Gang gathered on a Thursday evening for a little battle with Mother Nature. Getting rained out in our last three attempts to ride, we were very resolved to ride this night no matter what the weather. Just as we started to pedal there was a flash and a rumble and the wave of hail and rain was visible up on Red Mt. That's where we are headed, should we bail, ahh... just sprint to the highway tunnel and wait it out. Old guy sprint we did and then waited in the shelter of the underpass for it to turn from a deluge to a downpour.
OK you won't melt, let's get going, you know your going to get wet anyway, are the thoughts going through your wet head. Up Mo's to Larry's to Miner's to the climbing road to Red Head ...rain rain rain...... Damp but warm from the exertion we arrive at Dale's Trail. That is enough up. The twelve year old in us is calling, time to get dirty.
Wet and DIRTY, and riding your bike, just doesn't get much better. The trail down was very nice as long as you could stop yourself from sliding off of it. Don't brake in the corners because you'll slide, don't go too fast cause you'll slide. OK go fast(seemed fast) and slide.
By the time we reached Red Mt road we were 5 pounds of mud heavier and smiling. Is it still raining? Sure, but you can hardly feel it. We headed up Larry's and over to Curly's for some more low traction, high flow single track. Like a totally different trail with the lake crossings and mud bogs.
By the time we got out of the mudforest the sun was trying to come out and that same Mother Nature was painting the sky with multiple rainbows.
They say there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but we were sure that the end of the rainbow was in MurDog's garage, and the pot of gold was of the liquid variety. Sure enough that was the case. Perfect ending to a ride that started in a desperate search for the pot of gold that is a bike ride .
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE:WHISKEY REROUTE
Three riders from the gang were like mailmen on Tuesday night. Neither rain, snow, thunder or soggy shoes were going to stop them from riding the Whiskey Trail. This ride had been cancelled twice already due to the SLOPPY weather we have been having in Junuary. Heard that they car dropped it to avoid the lightening. Apparently the trail was fun but I am not sure just what they experienced. Waiting for further information. Think the beer was cold afterward.
Monday, June 4, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: DEWDNEY TRAIL
RAIN, RAIn, RAin, Rain, rain........ It rained hard for a good part of the day Thursday May 31, and the regular ride was a touch and go thing right up to departure time.. But, the weather cleared and 12 guys showed up for the first Dewdney Trail ride of the season.
The ride up the Cascade Highway (a gravel road that is smoother than most roads in Rossland) was its usual long self. On arrival at the top, we were greeted by the resident mosquitoes looking for a taste of Holy Wow Gang blood. Little did they know that our blood was well depleted of anything useful by this time.
Thoughts of downhill are always a good boost to energy levels, so we gathered ourselves and prepared for the descent. Lighter due to the blood removed by the bug population, we floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee down the recently logged and rejuvenated Dewdney.
The Dewdney Trail is intact but the logging now touches the edge of the trail in many places. This does not eliminate the fun factor, and a good time was had by all. The new switch backs, added last year, were well settled in and a ton of fun. Most of the trail was in superb shape. Only one section could be classed as rough.
Another fantastic ride. Over a refreshment, the discussion turned to Double Downhill and the Double Dewdney rose to the top as a prime candidate for the summer riding classic.
The ride up the Cascade Highway (a gravel road that is smoother than most roads in Rossland) was its usual long self. On arrival at the top, we were greeted by the resident mosquitoes looking for a taste of Holy Wow Gang blood. Little did they know that our blood was well depleted of anything useful by this time.
Thoughts of downhill are always a good boost to energy levels, so we gathered ourselves and prepared for the descent. Lighter due to the blood removed by the bug population, we floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee down the recently logged and rejuvenated Dewdney.
The Dewdney Trail is intact but the logging now touches the edge of the trail in many places. This does not eliminate the fun factor, and a good time was had by all. The new switch backs, added last year, were well settled in and a ton of fun. Most of the trail was in superb shape. Only one section could be classed as rough.
Another fantastic ride. Over a refreshment, the discussion turned to Double Downhill and the Double Dewdney rose to the top as a prime candidate for the summer riding classic.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: NO TIME FOR PHOTOS TECHNOGRIND
It seems that we are riding further and faster every year, although it could just be that we can't remember what we have done due to lack of oxygen.
How can there be more up than down when you start and finish at the same point? Just that same problem, no memory, lack of oxygen. Climbing Monte Cristo road is always a favorite (NOT) and the reward is sweet single track followed by a loamy root infested trail along the Coyote swamp. Then comes more climbing as you pass old mine workings and crest out on the somewhat rocky decent to the KC Saddle. Remember when that decent seemed so hard on those hard tail 1.5 inch travel bikes. Oh yeah, memory, none of that on this ride, NO OXYGEN.
Off to the top of KC, NO camera, NO pictures, and NO OXYGEN. Down Pale Ale. This trail has been used alot since we rode it last. Too much skidding. Note to self, going to have to reroute some of this one day.
Top of Milky Way was smooth, sweet, and tasty just like it's name sake. Up the road to Green Door, Rogers, Cemetery and up though Happy Valley with thoughts of a cold one infiltrating the oxygen starved brain. How do riders in the Giro d' Italia or the Tour de France do this stuff for 20 out of 25 days. Finally a Canadian won one of those marathons. Congrats Ryder Hesjedal.
Maybe the victory put us in the mood to celebrate, or maybe the lack of oxygen, but celebrate we did. The people at the local libation outlet are going to think I have a problem. Maybe I need to take pictures next time.
How can there be more up than down when you start and finish at the same point? Just that same problem, no memory, lack of oxygen. Climbing Monte Cristo road is always a favorite (NOT) and the reward is sweet single track followed by a loamy root infested trail along the Coyote swamp. Then comes more climbing as you pass old mine workings and crest out on the somewhat rocky decent to the KC Saddle. Remember when that decent seemed so hard on those hard tail 1.5 inch travel bikes. Oh yeah, memory, none of that on this ride, NO OXYGEN.
Off to the top of KC, NO camera, NO pictures, and NO OXYGEN. Down Pale Ale. This trail has been used alot since we rode it last. Too much skidding. Note to self, going to have to reroute some of this one day.
Top of Milky Way was smooth, sweet, and tasty just like it's name sake. Up the road to Green Door, Rogers, Cemetery and up though Happy Valley with thoughts of a cold one infiltrating the oxygen starved brain. How do riders in the Giro d' Italia or the Tour de France do this stuff for 20 out of 25 days. Finally a Canadian won one of those marathons. Congrats Ryder Hesjedal.
Maybe the victory put us in the mood to celebrate, or maybe the lack of oxygen, but celebrate we did. The people at the local libation outlet are going to think I have a problem. Maybe I need to take pictures next time.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
HW OFFSPRING: MIKE HOPKINS NEW WEB SITE
http://mike-hopkins.com/
Check out Mike's new web site. He is riding Norco Bikes these days and is highly involved with all his sponsors. Just finished a couple of gigs with North Face. The boy has got it happenin.
Check out Mike's new web site. He is riding Norco Bikes these days and is highly involved with all his sponsors. Just finished a couple of gigs with North Face. The boy has got it happenin.
Friday, May 25, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: TAMARAC_DRAKE'S with VIDEO
Haven't had the camera out due to inclement weather, but I got tired of waiting for the weather to shape up, so charged up the batteries and strapped it to my pack for this ride. Turns out Murray aka Murdog brought his Contour too. Let see if we can come up with a reasonable combination of photos, camera video, and Contour footage. The Contour will be on board with Murdog.
Tamarac is such a great piece of single track and the Drake's Connector and Drake's trail has been worked over so well that this is one of the prime rides in the area. I think the video will say it all.
Tamarac is such a great piece of single track and the Drake's Connector and Drake's trail has been worked over so well that this is one of the prime rides in the area. I think the video will say it all.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: RED TOP IN THE RAIN
This weather is certainly keeping the dust down, but not the Holy Wow Gang. Eight riders braved the cold and rain (including Brent Watkinson, welcome back Brent) and ventured up the Red Top Trail. Sorry no pictures yet. I had plans to bring the camera on this ride but the distant rumbles and the liquid falling from the sky led me to believe that this was going to be a really wet ride.
We do have a rule about leaving for a ride when it is raining. You don't leave if it is raining. So, we mulled around waiting for it to stop. It stopped for maybe 30 seconds and off we went. Marginal violation of the rules but everyone was into a ride.
Up Moe's and cut back on Larry's, on to Miner's and we crested onto the gas line. Trail conditions were excellent. I was expecting a lot more mud but it was not the case. The KCTS has done a fantastic job on this and most other routes in the area.
Continue up the Red Top road to Dale's Trail and then down we go. The Red Top Trail is such a gem. Great flow. Some slippery corners and roots just to keep you on top of it, but super fun. Red Mt road always comes way too soon. We took a detour over to Red Mt. to check out the collapsed wall. WOW that's going to be a tough one to fix.
Cold, wet and smiling we arrived @TheShop and partook in some refreshments. Not often the boys ask for warm beer. Pretty much sums up the ride. Cold, wet but still worth a libation.
We do have a rule about leaving for a ride when it is raining. You don't leave if it is raining. So, we mulled around waiting for it to stop. It stopped for maybe 30 seconds and off we went. Marginal violation of the rules but everyone was into a ride.
Up Moe's and cut back on Larry's, on to Miner's and we crested onto the gas line. Trail conditions were excellent. I was expecting a lot more mud but it was not the case. The KCTS has done a fantastic job on this and most other routes in the area.
Continue up the Red Top road to Dale's Trail and then down we go. The Red Top Trail is such a gem. Great flow. Some slippery corners and roots just to keep you on top of it, but super fun. Red Mt road always comes way too soon. We took a detour over to Red Mt. to check out the collapsed wall. WOW that's going to be a tough one to fix.
Cold, wet and smiling we arrived @TheShop and partook in some refreshments. Not often the boys ask for warm beer. Pretty much sums up the ride. Cold, wet but still worth a libation.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
HW VINTAGE GOPRO VIDEO FROM HOLY WOW 4
Was going through some old VHS movies the other day and I came across a recording of the fourth Holy Wow outing from 1995 or 1996. Check out the clothing, the hair, the equipment and the riding style. Most of all check out the on board video. Remember there was nothing like a GOPRO or a CONTOUR at that time.
The whole thing is quite entertaining but the sound track is hilarious. To think that most of that gang is still riding together after 20 years. We are going on an outing again this year. Enjoy.
The whole thing is quite entertaining but the sound track is hilarious. To think that most of that gang is still riding together after 20 years. We are going on an outing again this year. Enjoy.
Friday, May 18, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: TAMARAC TO WARFIELD
Thursday night May 17 saw 8 Holy Wowers climbing the infamous Malde Creek Road to the Tamarac trail head. Tamarac was BEAUTIFUL. The corners are starting to berm naturally and the trail surface is quite perfect. It did not take long to arrive at the Drake's intersection. Now, how are getting to Warfield? Very elementary dear Watson.
We rode the Drake's connector and then cut right on the road and rode the old route(and I mean old, many of the riders had never been on this route) back to Malde Creek Road. From this point you could ride the Rail Grade back towards town, but considering our constant efforts to get in shape, we stayed on the pavement and rode uphill towards town.
Back at Norm's, and focused on the truck parked in Warfield, we zipped through Normie's field and zig zagged our way down the Trail Creek (Louis Joe) to the Golf Course and UP the Old Golf Course Road to the top of Bones.
At this point the light was waning and our speeds were rising (thoughts of cold bevies) as we buried Bones and rolled the Wagon Road to the parking lot at Warfield Community Hall.
First time for this sequence of trails. Really good fun. Lots of flow. Note to self, DO THIS AGAIN.
COMMENT: We had two Hopkins with us. No not Mike. Where in the world is Michael Hopkins? It was great to have Joseph Hopkins join us. Of course Norm was there sporting a NEW NORCO SIGHT. Sweet bike. Norco has really stepped up the game. Joseph was riding a Norco too. NEW NORCO RANGE, a little more free ride than the SIGHT but very nice for our type of riding. Joseph could really make that bike dance.
We rode the Drake's connector and then cut right on the road and rode the old route(and I mean old, many of the riders had never been on this route) back to Malde Creek Road. From this point you could ride the Rail Grade back towards town, but considering our constant efforts to get in shape, we stayed on the pavement and rode uphill towards town.
Back at Norm's, and focused on the truck parked in Warfield, we zipped through Normie's field and zig zagged our way down the Trail Creek (Louis Joe) to the Golf Course and UP the Old Golf Course Road to the top of Bones.
At this point the light was waning and our speeds were rising (thoughts of cold bevies) as we buried Bones and rolled the Wagon Road to the parking lot at Warfield Community Hall.
First time for this sequence of trails. Really good fun. Lots of flow. Note to self, DO THIS AGAIN.
COMMENT: We had two Hopkins with us. No not Mike. Where in the world is Michael Hopkins? It was great to have Joseph Hopkins join us. Of course Norm was there sporting a NEW NORCO SIGHT. Sweet bike. Norco has really stepped up the game. Joseph was riding a Norco too. NEW NORCO RANGE, a little more free ride than the SIGHT but very nice for our type of riding. Joseph could really make that bike dance.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
HW SO YOU NEED TO GET IN SHAPE RIDE
The trail choice is still a little limited but it is improving by the day. With that said, the gang usually like to ride some of the XC type trails that we do not ride regularly during the year. This usually turns into a training ride. Tuesday night's ride was exactly that, a workout. How can there be more uphill than downhill?
We started in lower Rossland for a change and rode the Louis Joe trail down to the golf course. This is such a great addition to the trail system. Such a gem. The switch backs close to the club house are a blast. So much fun that we rode past the turn off to the Rubberhead (our intended route) just to be able to swoop through the turns at the bottom. Now turn around and ride back up to the Rubberhead.
The Rubberhead is one of the vintage bike trails that has been around forever. It was the go to trail in the 90s when many of the Holy Wow Gang first started riding. It is still a very cool piece of single track which skirts the golf course. When they built the golf course, they made a good effort to preserve this trail and it paid off. Nice ride but hey it has uphills on it. Did you say training ride.
From Rubberhead we took the Railgrade back to Malde Creek Road and then CLIMBED up the old road to the top of Dukabor Draw and headed back UP towards Drake's. Still some patches of snow but we did our best to bust them up so they should be gone soon. Probably nearly melted from all the heat the ten of us were generating.
Drake's is UPHILL in this direction. Who's idea was this anyway? WOW finally at the top of this ride and the next reward(no not cold beer yet), just really swicked single track dropping back down towards the Lion's Campground. FUN.
Guess what UPHILL to get to @TheShop where there really is cold beer waiting. In the end nobody complained about the ride. It was an excellent spring workout and it will make the rest of the season better because we will be in just a "little" better shape. Time for a car drop on Thursday.
We started in lower Rossland for a change and rode the Louis Joe trail down to the golf course. This is such a great addition to the trail system. Such a gem. The switch backs close to the club house are a blast. So much fun that we rode past the turn off to the Rubberhead (our intended route) just to be able to swoop through the turns at the bottom. Now turn around and ride back up to the Rubberhead.
The Rubberhead is one of the vintage bike trails that has been around forever. It was the go to trail in the 90s when many of the Holy Wow Gang first started riding. It is still a very cool piece of single track which skirts the golf course. When they built the golf course, they made a good effort to preserve this trail and it paid off. Nice ride but hey it has uphills on it. Did you say training ride.
From Rubberhead we took the Railgrade back to Malde Creek Road and then CLIMBED up the old road to the top of Dukabor Draw and headed back UP towards Drake's. Still some patches of snow but we did our best to bust them up so they should be gone soon. Probably nearly melted from all the heat the ten of us were generating.
Drake's is UPHILL in this direction. Who's idea was this anyway? WOW finally at the top of this ride and the next reward(no not cold beer yet), just really swicked single track dropping back down towards the Lion's Campground. FUN.
Guess what UPHILL to get to @TheShop where there really is cold beer waiting. In the end nobody complained about the ride. It was an excellent spring workout and it will make the rest of the season better because we will be in just a "little" better shape. Time for a car drop on Thursday.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: PALE ALE- MILKY WAY
It finally feels like the season has started. A dozen riders showed up for the Tuesday night ride. The boys are slowly crawling out of their winter cocoons and kicking the Moab moths out of their bikes. For the biggest turn out of the new riding season, we decided to ride Pale Ale.
Now Pale Ale is actually a Holy Wow creation, so it is always interesting for us to ride it after the snow, and take stock of improvements or maintenance needed. The trail surface is always smoother after the snow melts and Pale Ale was no exception. Smooth and tacky with no evidence of skidding and sliding. It would be really nice if all riders of Pale Ale made it their goal to descend without skidding. IT CAN BE DONE!!
The trail needs some re-routing and root extraction which we will get to in the near future, but all in all Pale Ale lived up to its name, cool, smooth, refreshing and perfect after taste. A perfect kick start to what is bound to be a great riding season.
The flowing stream of riders headed down Milky Way and enjoyed the banked turns and scoots through the trees. Props again to the KCTS, for keeping us in great single track. Not meaning to be greedy, but banked turns all the way down the field to the left would be awesome.
Said goodbye to Kim at this point. His seat came unglued from his seat post and he was worried that he was going to get a hemeroidectmy before he needed one. Sent him back to get the beer and ice and prepare for his retirement celebration. Retirees have nothing but time on their hands anyway. CONGRATS ON YOUR RETIREMENT KIM, welcome to the world of busy.
Milky Way was it's usual beginning of the season sweet chocolatey self and there were grins all around. Once again the trail surface was perfect. NO BRAKE RUTS OR BUMPS! This trail can be ridden smoothly without heavy braking and skidding. Let's try and keep it that way all year.
What goes down must go up, so up Green Door we went with a stop at the Roger's view point and a traverse to Happy Valley through the Old Cemetery. Kim and Tracy put on a great spread at their place in celebration of Kim's retirement. This capped of a perfect evening. THANKS KIM AND TRACY.
Now Pale Ale is actually a Holy Wow creation, so it is always interesting for us to ride it after the snow, and take stock of improvements or maintenance needed. The trail surface is always smoother after the snow melts and Pale Ale was no exception. Smooth and tacky with no evidence of skidding and sliding. It would be really nice if all riders of Pale Ale made it their goal to descend without skidding. IT CAN BE DONE!!
The trail needs some re-routing and root extraction which we will get to in the near future, but all in all Pale Ale lived up to its name, cool, smooth, refreshing and perfect after taste. A perfect kick start to what is bound to be a great riding season.
The flowing stream of riders headed down Milky Way and enjoyed the banked turns and scoots through the trees. Props again to the KCTS, for keeping us in great single track. Not meaning to be greedy, but banked turns all the way down the field to the left would be awesome.
Said goodbye to Kim at this point. His seat came unglued from his seat post and he was worried that he was going to get a hemeroidectmy before he needed one. Sent him back to get the beer and ice and prepare for his retirement celebration. Retirees have nothing but time on their hands anyway. CONGRATS ON YOUR RETIREMENT KIM, welcome to the world of busy.
Milky Way was it's usual beginning of the season sweet chocolatey self and there were grins all around. Once again the trail surface was perfect. NO BRAKE RUTS OR BUMPS! This trail can be ridden smoothly without heavy braking and skidding. Let's try and keep it that way all year.
What goes down must go up, so up Green Door we went with a stop at the Roger's view point and a traverse to Happy Valley through the Old Cemetery. Kim and Tracy put on a great spread at their place in celebration of Kim's retirement. This capped of a perfect evening. THANKS KIM AND TRACY.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: FIRST TUE NIGHT RIDE
The first Tuesday night ride is in the books. Five riders showed up, I think the rest are in Hawaii. At least they will be used to the heat when they get back.
We rode the usual Spring Training ride down to the Old Golf Course Road and then down Bones to the Wagon Road. Trail surface was good, a little wet still in places but very ride-able. Now for the up.
The Wagon Road is the Wagon Road and any time you can leave it out of a ride, it is a good thing. Cut to the Golf Course Club House and there starts a little piece of heaven. The KCTS has put in a beautiful piece of trail that winds it's way up the creek. This trail is very scenic in comparison to the Wagon Road. The climbing is still there, maybe even more vertical, because you end a ways up on Thompson Ave. Pain and suffering of the climb seem to vanish because of the sights and sounds of the creek and surrounding forest act as an anesthetic. Great switch backs, wide bridges and multiple small water crossings(probably spring time only) provide the entertainment.
Well that was good, let us try another route up to town. Ahh not so entertaining. There is a trail that leads to the back of Ferraro Foods but up is up and this trail is a steep grunt. Trail still did the job, and Columbia Avenue was had without travelling on too much pavement, but man what a workout. Sure must be fun going down.
Interesting evening. Going to use that up track more often. The fund provided and the night was grand. Tuesday night never disappoints.
We rode the usual Spring Training ride down to the Old Golf Course Road and then down Bones to the Wagon Road. Trail surface was good, a little wet still in places but very ride-able. Now for the up.
The Wagon Road is the Wagon Road and any time you can leave it out of a ride, it is a good thing. Cut to the Golf Course Club House and there starts a little piece of heaven. The KCTS has put in a beautiful piece of trail that winds it's way up the creek. This trail is very scenic in comparison to the Wagon Road. The climbing is still there, maybe even more vertical, because you end a ways up on Thompson Ave. Pain and suffering of the climb seem to vanish because of the sights and sounds of the creek and surrounding forest act as an anesthetic. Great switch backs, wide bridges and multiple small water crossings(probably spring time only) provide the entertainment.
Well that was good, let us try another route up to town. Ahh not so entertaining. There is a trail that leads to the back of Ferraro Foods but up is up and this trail is a steep grunt. Trail still did the job, and Columbia Avenue was had without travelling on too much pavement, but man what a workout. Sure must be fun going down.
Interesting evening. Going to use that up track more often. The fund provided and the night was grand. Tuesday night never disappoints.
Friday, April 20, 2012
HW TRAIL RIDE: BLUFFS TRAIL IN TRAIL
Time to clean the dust off this blog and put some miles on the bike. I took the Nomad off it's winter hook and put it on the back of the truck for a trip into the valley. The snow is gone and the trail system is growing in that neck of the woods. Norm, Dan and I decided that we should check out this new Bluffs trail that everyone is talking about.
Early season, so no camera, riders are looking a little ragged after a long winter anyway. We parked at the JL Crowe high school and rode from there to Mural Heights. Once you enter the sub division you have to climb to the very highest point of the pavement, this is where the trail starts. If that girl is still looking for her dog please help her find it.
The trails in the valley are a lot sandier than up in Rossland, but very pleasant when there is some moisture in the ground. Wouldn't want to be here on a 30 degree Celsius day, just too hot. After a short ride up an old road bed we came to some new signage common to KCTS trails. Blue square but one says easier, so we take the other route. What a way to blow the cob webs out of the lungs. Definitely a challenge.
Couple of lung cough ups and 3 or 4 mud crossings and we reached the top. Nice trail. Great rock work. Fabulous view of Trail and Granite mountain. Should still be skiing on that mountain. Time for the downhill (kind of like skiing). We decide to take the easier route down and it is fun and muddy but probably a lot easier to climb on. Did someone say another lap?
Up the easy route and down the hard route, yeah that should do it. The hard route flows really well going down. Super fun with some huge flowy corners. Very nice.
Quick turn right and we are scooting down the old trail that leads to the hairpin turn on the hospital hill and puts us at the truck parked at the school. Not a bad ride for the first of the season. Bikes are five pounds heavier due to mud but that is the way of spring.
Refreshment at Norm's was exceptional. First post ride bevi. Post ride shower was good too. The season has begun.
Early season, so no camera, riders are looking a little ragged after a long winter anyway. We parked at the JL Crowe high school and rode from there to Mural Heights. Once you enter the sub division you have to climb to the very highest point of the pavement, this is where the trail starts. If that girl is still looking for her dog please help her find it.
The trails in the valley are a lot sandier than up in Rossland, but very pleasant when there is some moisture in the ground. Wouldn't want to be here on a 30 degree Celsius day, just too hot. After a short ride up an old road bed we came to some new signage common to KCTS trails. Blue square but one says easier, so we take the other route. What a way to blow the cob webs out of the lungs. Definitely a challenge.
Couple of lung cough ups and 3 or 4 mud crossings and we reached the top. Nice trail. Great rock work. Fabulous view of Trail and Granite mountain. Should still be skiing on that mountain. Time for the downhill (kind of like skiing). We decide to take the easier route down and it is fun and muddy but probably a lot easier to climb on. Did someone say another lap?
Up the easy route and down the hard route, yeah that should do it. The hard route flows really well going down. Super fun with some huge flowy corners. Very nice.
Quick turn right and we are scooting down the old trail that leads to the hairpin turn on the hospital hill and puts us at the truck parked at the school. Not a bad ride for the first of the season. Bikes are five pounds heavier due to mud but that is the way of spring.
Refreshment at Norm's was exceptional. First post ride bevi. Post ride shower was good too. The season has begun.
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