Au Naturale

Tim had called me a few days earlier to see if I would like to hit The Woodlot for a ride or build or a combination of the two today. Early morning, back around noon......what was I to say to my buddy that I had not seen in months.

So Tim picked me up at 6:30a.m. sharp with a couple Tango Hotel XLDD's in hand:one for me and one for Nikki. We loaded my bike into his VW Transporter and off to The Woodlot it was.

At this time of day we were assured to be the first on the hill. The weather was sweet. There was a tiny bit of thin morning cloud that would burn off in the morning heat, the ground was slightly moist from the rain was had a few days earlier, the bikes were all tuned up and things were all in order.....basically all was well in the universe.

We started our climb up the hill and decided what trails we were going to hit and our route on the way up. We decided that we would simply make our way to the top of Snakes and Ladders, make our way to where we are building and hammer out some sweet flowing single track. As we passed by Quick Hit I had a look at the trail to see if anything needed attention and as it turns out there was a rather large tree down across the trail. It will need to be taken out if the trail is to be ridden anymore.

So up to the top or Snakes and Ladders it was. I was in a bit of a climbing mood. I was able to climb on my Heckler all the way up the logging skidder road to the turn off to Snakes and Ladders.

Once rolling on Snakes, I had a hoot shadowing Tim on the woodwork, jumps and single track. The vibe was alive. At the build area we rolled up to where I had done some work the last time I was there, found the tools and got to work. Tim worked on buffing the end of what I had worked on and I worked on the beginning. Within a short time we had about 40 feet of super buff dialed single track. Then it was time to work on a tricky section that involved bracing, rock work and dirt work. I went further down to work on the next section off trail. The key to making new trail is a mattock and hard work. I used the mattock to remove all the duff and get down to dirt on what is turning out to be an absolutely wicked flowing line.

Tim DIALED his section and I got mine to 90% dialed and then it was time to pack up and head out. With the progress we made today and if we continue at this pace, we 'should' be done in no time at all......at least this initial cut and dial of this line.







We each rode the new line twice and then rode out to the bottom and off to Shotgun. Once again we played our cat and mouse on Shotgun.....soo much fun. At Tim's VW we talked a bit about when we can get back up here to do it all again and then headed back to my place. Absolutely wicked au naturale build and wicked ride.

Quick Ride, Building Flow

Today was a quick ride in the early afternoon. It had been raining over night but at 1:00pm when I arrived at The Woodlot, it was overcast, but no rain was falling at all. Basically I rode up to Snakes and Ladders, built on the new extension for forty five minutes then rode out on Shotgun. On the ride up I passed a couple guys with dogs that were pushing some big bikes up to Snakes. They were on their second lap and were having a good time on their bikes.

I fixed a couple pieces of missing rung on the last ladder section on the trail. It seems as though a few pieces of rung cracked and there were a few gaps that needed some attention. A few nails and the folding saw made quick work of the ladder.

The new extension is so flowy. So far once you are rolling it is all pumping and not even any braking needed. The section I have worked on is really only roughed in and needs to get buffed, but it is really coming along well. Right now I am really enjoying building, especially a basically natural line that flows.

Cambodia

Today was an early evening shuttle on Seymour with Rob. The goal, to ride elusive and famous epic trails on Seymour Mountain.

We were a little behind schedule leaving but once at the top we had loads of time to ride the trails we had on our itinerary. It had rained the night before and was overcast earlier int he day, but by the time we were riding, it was warm and the weather was sweet. At the top when we were unloading our bikes the black flies were un-freaking-believable.

Due to the covert location of one of the trails we rode, I am going to comment on each but not exactly in the order in which they were ridden so as to keep the location of the said trail concealed. ;-)

Cambodia - After about an hour of searching and using the option of phoning a friend or two, Rob and I were finally able to find this gem of a trail. WOW......it has everything on it. Steeps, rocks, gaps, drops, wood, loam, single track...you name it. I loved it. Not a trail I will ride every time I hit Seymour, but it was a hoot.

CBC - ........well what more can I say about this trail that has not already been said. Utter sweetness and an absolute classic.

TNT - This was the first time I had ridden TNT, interesting little gem of a trail. I will definitely ride that again soon.

Dirty Diapers - another interesting trail. Nothing too hard, but it sure was fun in parts.

Bottletop - not a bad rip at all. Fast and fun.

So over all the ride of Seymour today was a long epic ride that took me to several trails that I had never ridden before but opened up my eyes to a whole other side or Seymour.

I cannot wait to ride Seymour again and hopefully ride some other trails that are new to my tires.

Building Flow

I went to The Woodlot.

I rode my Heckler.

I rode Tsuga.

I went to Snakes and Ladders.

I picked up a tool.

I used the tool.

40 more feet of FLOW.




FLOW is is good, FLOW is really good.

I rode out on shotgun.

I smiled.

Content in the hills

This was my first ride after returning from Regina.

To be honest, bitter sweet. Mixed feelings of content and regret. In the end, I am at peace with my decision.

I rode Snakes and Ladders and then Shotgun.

Good times.