Interlude: Dual sporting north of Squamish

I'll get back to the ride report soon, but we went and had a great day of riding today.

I posted a ride on dualsportbc I had 2 responses, both from guys who I'd ridden with before and wanted to ride with again (Bill and Simon). Both are great riders and we have the same attitude toward what a good ride (and good riders) look like.

Unfortunately there was a crash on the Sea to Sky and traffic was back up a ways. But we managed to 'scoot around' some cars and not get tickets :)

By 10.30 we made Squamish and were gassed and ready to go.

First up to Brohm ridge. The trail was rough and there were tons of rock gardens. Tough going as much of the rock was loose.

But there were some nice views along the way




Simon says "Hondas work great"


Bill busy fixing a shifter that stopped working (loose screw :) )


We got to the Chalet with no other problems (except for the damn loose rock, lots of 'tense' moments for me). I wasn't really in the grove yet.


Great setting






We left the lodge to go explore and see if we could make it all the way up to the actual ridge. The rocks got nasty and ugly. Bill stalled and I didn't see a safe way past. Neither of us managed to get the bikes going while on them. So we tried to push and then jump back on.

This is what my attempt looked like:


I guess the KLR got sleepy.

Also, this is where I need to insert the obligatory "it was much steeper than it looks".

I got some help from Simon to pick the KLR up and went back down. Bill and Simon went back after though and did a bunch of exploring.


I went back to the lodge and enjoyed the views




When the guys came back it was obvious that they had lots of fun


On the way down we stopped at this structure, I'd love to know what it used to be


At the bottom we actually rode some single track (no photos, I was busy keeping the KLR upright). Bills KTM decided to blow a gasket.


We went back to Squamish after a failed attempt to get through to some gravel at Alice Lake (damn wardens :) ).

After a quick snack we managed to find some more gravel and were in amongst a bunch mountain bikers. People were friendly and didn't seem to mind us riding there. After some more single track we found the trail we were looking for. It lead to this eventually:


Another different look at the mountains we saw from the skilodge, now further away of course.


A different view into Squamish


They are building some kind of tower


This was the best trail of the day. We reversed our route and went back into Squamish for some refreshments. Then back to Vancouver.

Except that Bill disappeared and when I went back to look for him, his bike had gotten sick and puked all over the pavement.


Back into Squamish I went to get some extra oil and then we nursed it home.

Made it home by 7 pm, dirty, tired and happy :)


A good day.

Bjorn

Photos from Lori & Jerry's wedding

It was a great night, one of the most relaxing and fun weddings I've been too :)

On the way there


Jerry before the ceremony


Waiting for the bride


She actually showed up!


Jerry already trying to get with women who are _not_ his wife!


Tony blowing bubbles in Matt's ear?!?


Photo op


Jerry and I post ceremony, doesn't he look more relaxed? :)


Jerry adjusting to his new role


Skull cufflink


"Photo of the photo"


There was some kissing (too dark I know, I didn't bring a big camera & flash :) )


Jerry Sr. playing & singing. Very talented!


Lori made her own wedding cake


... and hated cutting into it!


Jerry had no such concerns ;)


On his knees ...


Great time, good people :)

Bjorn

The Drunk-horse tour of Idaho, Oregon and Washington - Day 3

The real riding begins.

After some tasty waffles for breakfast I set out at about 8.30. I'd been in touch with Phil (HeadingNorth) and he'd made a number of suggestions about places to ride. In addition I'd seen other reports of the Lolo in a number of ride reports and was looking forward to it.

After Kamiah I started down NF 100 and the road is a ton of fun!


It twisted and turned like that for a while. I had a bit less weight on the bike as I left all the camping gear behind so the bike was more fun to ride as well.

Finally I thought I had a gravel road that would cut over to the 500.



But after about 5 minutes I found this blocking my path


And I only had a small hatchet with me. So back I went.

Just a few seconds up the road:


I swung down the road right in front of the sign and booted it ... only to realize I was on a road into a camp ground. Whoops.

Finally


The 500 is wide open and fast and after adjust to riding quick in the soft gravel I started having fun steering with the throttle.

Then onto the Lolo


Things got tighter and a bit more technical in a hurry.


I was having a blast. The weather was slightly overcast, not too hot, no rain, just a good day to be out riding.



At this point I was only stopping occasionally to take a photo, until I got to this spot. Time to get off the bike, have a powerbar and enjoy the quiet solitude.







Not too may places higher than were I stopped


After my snack it was back to riding. Every now and then I slowed a bit to take in some sights, but mostly I was focused on not running the bike off the path :) I haven't done that much solo offroad riding, especially when no one knew where I was, so I made sure to ride inside my comfort zone.

Two hours into the trip, I was about half way.


Note: If you click on the images you can see the details and should be able to read the text :)







This was one of the only places where you can cut out to Hwy 12.

Back on the trail though and the amazing scenery kept coming (I think this is just past the 'Indian Post Office')


The path runs across the top of the ridge


The road below


I was starting to get a bit tired, especially when I ended up on a freshly graded section. The loose rock and sand did not make for a very good ride. After about 30 minutes I finally reached the grader and was able to make it past.

At around 2.30pm I saw the sign advising of the Hwy 12 ahead.

One final look back


By now I was starved and turned into Powell Junction.


At the lodge I enjoyed an excellent Elk burger. YUM! If you're out that way I recommend you stop by. They have gas too, though I didn't think I'd need any and decided against filling up.

The rest of the trip back along Hwy 12 was pretty uneventful except for a number of construction sites which caused traffic to back up.

I had to switch to reserve just outside of Kamiah, but at least now I new the range when I ran a bunch of off road with load at elevation :)

A great day of riding followed by some beer and steak!