Sept 27, Whistler Phat Weekend Enduro Race

Race participant ride/push up to the starting gate, below the summit of Whistler's peak chair.

I have always thought it would be interesting to do an enduro race.  Enduro is the latest mountain bike racing format.  It's popularity has been surging, due to it being very much like regular mountain biking.  Typically it is a multiple stage race, with only the downhill sections timed.  The difference from a regular downhill race is that the rider is expected to ride to the top of each stage.  This requires a bike that not only excels at the downhill, but that the rider is willing to ride to the top of the course.  This being held in the Whistler Bike Park we did get to ride the Gondola to start the day.   From the top of the gondola we rode out of the clouds and up towards the top of the Peak Chair.   In the winter, the access road is called Pika's Traverse

Riding past the top of Harmony chair

Upward

Not a bad spot for a start gate

First racer gets ready to attack the course

Dropping in - Top of the World Trail

Kevin enjoys the view, before getting geared up to race.

Slightly below the summit and after about a half hour of pedal/pushing we reached the start of the Top of the World trail.   We had a fairly small race group of only 32 riders.  Riders were sent through the race gate with approximately a 1 minute gap.   The first stage took 13-16 minutes, and my legs were burning.  Unfortunately, I had a flat tire about two thirds of the way down.    I started running with the bike, hoping the first stage finish was close, but soon gave up and got to work fixing my flat tire.  I had recently purchased a new mountain bike with 29" wheels.  I had not purchased any extra tubes.  Luckily I was able to stretch a 26 inch tube around the rim, and with much cursing, levered the extremely tight tire back on the rim.  Stage one:  31minutes.  I was definitely bringing up the back of the pack.   The first stage was quite rocky and quite technical.  Just as I got my flat tire, the trail was finally turning into nice smooth dirt.  The next stage was started from the Ravens Roost lodge, generally downhill from the first stage finish.

Stage 2 was all on technical black diamond trails.  I had actually ridden a couple of these trails back in August, but I certainly was at a disadvantage throughout the race, due to the fact that most of the trails I was seeing for the first time, and did not always take the correct line.  On stage 2, I was riding a rock slab, on Up In Deep, when I clipped a small stump on the side of the slab, sending me in a flip over the handlebars.  I think my helmet took the brunt of the fall.   I quickly got back on the bike and continued on.   Stage 2 time was 4;40.  I actually beat a few people on this section.  After this stage it was a 1.2km pedal up an access road to the last stage.  I finally caught up with the end of the field of riders.   Stage 3 was more techy, rocky sections that were nice and slick from the overnight rain.  I managed to slide through without any more wipe-outs and made it to the finish.  Stage 3 time of  5:13.  Total time:  41:16.  The winning time was 19:09.   Even if I took out the 16 minutes that the flat tire cost me, I was still near the back of the pack.   All in all it was a good adventure, and I got to ride some new trails.   It's not every day that you get to ride Whistler from the Peak chair all the way to the village.

Race started out pretty steep, Top of the World Trail

Race course:  Stage1 - Top of the World trail - finish gate at access road.  Stage 2 - Start Raven's nest, No Joke, Up in Deep, Little Alder.  Stage 3 -  Duffman to Golden Triangle.

Phat Weekend Enduro Results

Phat Weekend Enduro Results

Sept. 25 Bike Park - Whistler

Paid the money for a lift ticket, and rode the lifts with Scott and Jason.

Jason drops into Dirt Merchant Trail

Scott

Sept 24, Whistler Valley

Rode out the paved system to access Piece of Cake and A La Mode, to Lower Sproat then Beaver Pond and out Danimal.

Beaver Pond

Tom Davies on Danimal

Kevin 

Sept 23 - Pemberton - One Mile Lake area

Francine rides Lumpy's Epic in Pemberton BC

Last night we had some rain, so we thought we should head to Pemberton.  When we checked the online weather forecast at 7:30am, they were already at 53, while Whistler was only 46.  Also, Whistler was expecting rain at noon, while Pemberton, at a lower elevation, was predicting showers at noon, with rain at 1pm.  So, we hustled to get out the door.

 We parked at the One Mile Lake trailhead.  We rode out the lake trail to a right hand turn toward the direction of Lumpy's trail on the "Sea to Sky Trail".  Went left on "Overland Trail" to "Overhill-K2 Trail".  We continued the steep climb on "Newsflash" to a right turn on "Break-Away".  We took this to the intersection of K2 and Pioneer.  "Pioneer" was our intended descent, but after a couple of steep switchbacks, we realized that Francine would be walking too much, so we turned around and retraced our steps.  At the top of Pioneer, we went back to the intersection of  Newsflash and Break-Away, where we went straight on Break-Away.  We started feeling a few sprinkles, but the sunshine kept trying to shine through.  This trail descended to Lumpy's Epic, where we went left, and descended to the river.  Went left on the Horse Trail, and made our way back to  One Mile Lake .  Sprinkles started to get more persistent.  Short, 6 mile day, but some sturdy climbing to keep our legs tired.

We went into town for lunch and powered up with some good burgers at the Pony.  On our way home, we pulled into Nairn Falls Provincial park, and hiked the 1.5 km (.9 mile) trail to the falls.  So, we added almost a 2
mile hike to our day.

Sept. 22 - Whistler

We have lots of space in our nice 4 bedroom condo on 4 levels.  There are lots of stairs.  I'm sure our legs will be feeling it by the end of the week.

The Snowbird condos are higher up on the hill, so when we left the condo for the day, we climbed up.  We didn't really have a plan but ended up climbing up some steep fireroads, and made it to the top of "Golden Boner".  Now, we know that Francine has a hard time with Black Diamond rated trails in Whistler, but we thought we would try Golden Boner.  Unfortunately, Francine walked down most of it.  It was a relief when the trail ended and we went left on "Roam in the Loam", which is a Blue Square rated trail.  Then we descended to the base of Blackcomb, on a trail under the Magic Chair.

Francine actually on her bike on "Golden Boner"

Kevin on rock move on Golden Boner

We made our way to Whistler Village where we stopped for a snack to regroup.  Our next plan was to find an easier trail for Francine.  We heard that they had done some work on the "Blueberry Hill" trail, so we made our way there on the Valley Trail.  After that we made our way to the "Emerald Forest" area, where we rode most of the trails.  Then, we took the Valley Trail (paved) back to the condo.

Sept 21, Squamish - Crumpit Woods area

We are on our way to Whistler for a week.  Thank you to Pat & Larry for the use of their "points" for a week at The Snowbird condo at Whistler.  We  picked up a 4 bedroom for the week.

Squamish is a big town about 1 hour before Whistler.  We spent 3 days riding here in July,  but missed the Crumpit Woods area.  We decided to explore Crumpit Woods on out way to Whistler.  11.6 mile day with some interesting route-finding.

One of the F...side trails.

Climbed "Endo" which popped us out on a boardwalk area to "S&M connector" to "Frthr-side" to "Fartherside" to an accidental descent down "Farside".  Climbed back up "Farside" to "5 point Hill".  We were expecting a connector trail to the Lost Loop area.  So we went exploring out a barely used trail, bushwacking our way to the gravel pit, where the trail basically disappeared in the slide alder.  We ended up bushwacking/dragging our bikes down a hillside to a road in the gravel pit.  We rode around looking for where we thought the connector trail might be.  We never found it, as it seems the connector had been abandonded for a while.  so, we started descending an unused road, passing a sign that read "Private Property.  Gravel pit road is alarmed. RCMP (cops) will be called."  We descended more, until Francine finally got Kevin to turn around and retrace our steps.

Once we made it back to the "5 point Hill trail", we climbed to the top and descended.  Next, we flew down "Fartherside" and descended more on "Frthr-side" to "S&M Connector".  Here we ran into a friendly girl out for a ride with her dog.  She was basically going our way, so she told us where to go at the intersections, which was real nice, because we didn't have to keep pulling out our map.  Here, we went right on "Sweeter the Berry".  Climbed and descended "Spencer's Big Gay Ride".  Went left on "Three Virgins" and left on "The Graduate" to the boardwalk area and back to the car.

August 20 - 21, 2014 Whistler

Renata called because she was taking a last minute Birthday trip to go to a Downhill Mountain Biking Camp at Whistler.  Kevin had to work on Tuesday, so Francine jumped on the chance to go ride in Whistler.

Wednesday - she rode the Zappa trails at Lost Lake.  13 miles.

Thursday - she rode Cut Yer Bars, Emerald Forest, Barts Dark Trail and River Runs Thru It.  10 miles.

Renata was in "downhill biking camp" until 4pm, and they headed back to the US, where she dropped Francine off in Bellingham to meet Kevin, where they would bike the Galbraith Mountain trails for two days.

August 10-12, Whistler Bike Park

Thanks to my neighbor Scott Sumner for organizing his annual guys trip to Whistler.   We arrived Sunday morning and were on the lifts by 11:00.   Enjoyed not having to pedal uphill, but it's pretty amazing how tiring downhill mountain biking can be.  We did 13,000 feet of descending our first day covering about 24 miles incl. chair lift rides.   Scott, Steve and I were all pretty much the same speed, so it was fun chasing each other around all day.  Glad no injuries.  Would be very easy to have a bad wipe-out.  Did another full day on Monday, then Tuesday we paid for the 3 ride ticket, 35 bucks, and rode from 9:30 till noon.

Kevin gets airtime on Crank It Up  -  Photo by Coast Mt. Photograhy

Scott on Dirt Merchant

Scott

Scott on Freight Train

Kevin

Steve Topp - Dirt Merchant

Scott and Steve - Top of Garbanzo lift.

Scott, Kevin, and Steve

Post ride Drinks at the Longhorn

Steve

Steve

Scott

July 30, Day 3 - Final day in Squamish BC Wonderland Trail + Brackentrail add on

We had to get an early start today, as we have a 12 noon checkout.  Decided on the easier White Rabbit and Wonderland trails to end the trip, because we could ride from the unit.

So, we made our way to the pedestrian overpass over the Sea-to-Sky Highway 99.  Rode thru the Brackendale neighborhood to cross the railroad tracks.  Headed up the dump trails - Sweet Judy, Rusty Bucket Left to the Powerline trail, and up that to the Ray Peters trail along the road.  We wouldn't recommend the dump trails as a destination, but they served the purpose to get to the start of White Rabbit.  We debated trying Dump Express to the highway, which we would recommend.  For some reason it was noted as "not recommended" on the map.  The Dump Express trail kept us from riding north on the Sea-to-Sky Highway.  Crossed the highway and found White Rabbit to the right of the bridge.  This was a nice, blue rated trail that Francine enjoyed.  This ended at Alice Lake Road, and we promptly found Wonderland trail accross the road.  Wonderland trail was a nice cruise downhill towards home.  Next, we doodled back thru the Brackendale neighborhood, looking for the little paths between streets, to the overpass.

Once back on the street to our unit, we opted to go left to the end of the street and climb up Brackentrail. Once up on the hill, we were in familiar territory.  We went right, descending on Jacks to Lumberjack's to Cherub to Slurm to Coho Park trail.  At the end of Coho Park trail, we hit the streets and booked back to the unit for a shower and checkout.

We don't know how far we went, but rode for a little over 3 hours.  We were definitely on the bike more than on previous days, as we rode Blue Square trails, except for the hike up Brackentrail, which is a Black rated trail.  Great trip and still left the Valleycliffe/Crumpit woods area to ride in the future.  No pictures for the day, as we were on a time limit.

July 29, Day 2 Squamish BC, Diamondhead

Day 2 in Squamish.  We parked at Quest University to ride in the Diamondhead area.  We climbed up to the first parking lot and hit the new to us - Legacy Climbing Trail.  2 hours later and 2000 cumulative feet higher, we hit the top.  Climbing was quite hot, as it was muggy and the wind had not picked up with our 9am start time.   We descended a few feet of the top of Half Nelson and went right on Recycle.  Last time we were here, the Half Nelson just wasn't our cup of tea.  So, we opted to take the right hand turn.  Recycle was narrow and old school, just what we were looking for.  Hit the road and made our way to Fred trail.

Kevin dropping into Fred trail

After Fred trail, went right on the road to find Lower Powersmart, another narrow, old school singletrack trail.  The we hit Plum Smugglers and finished up on Word of Mouth.  Both these last two trails were quite technical for Blue Square rated runs, with lots of ups and downs, rocks and roots.  Francine would have been happier with easier trails.  10.7 hard miles.  Total elevation/loss: 3,180ft.

switchback on Lower Powersmart

Steeper than it looks - still on Lower Powersmart

rock on Plum Smugglers

Lot's of split cedar bridges on Word of Mouth

a semi smooth spot on Word of Mouth

July 28, Squamish BC, Day 1, Garabaldi to Alice Lakes area.

Francine on Coho Park Trail

Left the house at 6:20am for the drive to Squamish, BC, to go mountain biking.  With the hot temperatures predicted in the high 80's, we wanted to get into town early enough to start riding before it got too hot.  Parked at the Garibaldi Suites where we would stay for 2 nights.  Rode thru the neighborhood to the Coho Park trail.  Went right on Trestle trail to Cherub to Lumberjacks.  Headed up Jacks then started the real climb on 50 Shades of Green and climbed even more on 50 Shades More.  Once at the top, we went right on the old road to the new trail Rupert.  This was rated as black diamond, and was appropriately rated.  Kevin really like the tech and steep rock roll-overs.  Francine did quite a bit of walking.

Francine approaching a bridge on Rupert Trail

At the bottom of Rupert trail, we ran into 3 guys from Mexico City.  Today was their last day of a 7 day trip.  They were headed our direction to the new Man-boobs trail, so we all rode north on Mashiter trail to Cliff's Corners to Rob's Corners.  Here we headed north to Ed's Bypass to descend on Made in the Shade and climbed back up on Soft Rock (used to be Rock n' Roll), and headed back to the end of Rob's Corners, where Man Boobs starts.  Francine really enjoyed Man Boobs (blue square rating), as this was easier than Rupert.  The guys from Mexico City gave Kevin a reason to turn up the speed and hit a couple of the jumps on Man-boobs.

Next, we headed out the smooth, old road called Bob McIntosh Memorial south to Edith Lake.  Here we went right onto Mikes loop looking for Credit Line, another black diamond trail.  Kevin really like this, and Francine did a bit of walking.  Once down on Jack's trail we retraced our steps and went right on Covenant trail to Coho Park trail and back to the unit.  Sweet day.  The trails here are really technical, but the conditions were primo due to the rain last week.  16 miles.  Total elev. 2,705ft.

Kevin on Covenant trail

Kevin on wood on Covenant trail

March 22/23, Whistler Bumps

Made a quick trip to Whistler for Rick's annual bumpalooza.   Rick, and his brother Jerry still think bumps are better than powder.   Rick just got his second hip joint resurfaced, so he was in prime condition.  Great weekend of soft snow and good bumps.

Rick Mirakami, bumps

Francine and Dave

Francine and Kevin

Jerry

March 5-8, Red Mt. Canada

Escaped the pineapple weather system that was drenching the Cascades and got just far enough north to escape the rain.  Yearly ski trip with my sister's family.  Snow was a little heavy, but we got lot's of fresh tracks. 

Kristin, Jim, and Len.

Jimmy shreds on his powder skis.

Unfortunately only hooked up with WASU guy, Jack for one day, and his sister Maddie could not escape Boston during her final year at Northeastern.

March 18, Gin Peak, Callaghan Valley, B.C.

Stopped at the Escape Route store in Squamish on our way up to Whistler and picked up a tour recommendation.   We were hoping for something between Whistler and Squamish that we could hit on the drive home.  Monday was almost bluebird, with good visibility up high.  We had anywhere from 4 inches to a foot of fresh snow to work with.   We drove up Callaghan valley, past the Olympic Jump hill, and tried to figure out where Gin Peak was located.  Parking was $10.00 to access the cross country area.  We could spot the lower part of the mountain, but could not see the summit from the parking lot.  We checked in with ski patrol at the cross country center and they gave us very good directions to get started in the right direction.  The route started by heading up on a couple of the cross county trails then dove into the forest where the route was well marked with orange reflectors on the trees.   We bobbed and weaved up through the woods, until we popped out at Hanging Lake.   From the lake, we could see the upper slopes leading up to Gin Peak.  We left the trees behind and headed into the open alpine slopes to the ridgeline.  We topped out on the ridgeline, South of the summit.  We decided to skip the summit, as our legs were tired from two days at Whistler, and the sun was rapidly warming the slopes.  Managed to link some good turns back down to the lake, then headed into the woods, where we practiced good defensive skiing.  In the trees the snow was firm with just a little fluff on top.   This was really a nice tour and would definitely recommend.  Easy parking next to the day lodge with even shower facilities.  The initial climb was through second growth timber and would ski much better with better snow.  The slopes above Hanging Lake were crying for multiple laps.  Good views of Rainbow Mt. and Metal Dome.  It looked like a nice way to approach Rainbow Mt., if one wanted to spend the night.   Parking Lot 3,000ft.  Hanging Lake 4,600ft.  South Ridge 5,600ft.    Gin Peak 5,900 ft.

Francine in the crusty trees

Kevin approaches Hanging Lake

Switchbacking up to the ridge

Francine with Rainbow Mt. in the clouds

Kevin

Francine gets ready to ski

pretty