Final Ride

Well.. I'm getting ready to head home and have lots to get done before hand.

How could I refuse an offer like the one Michael from the West Coast Freeride Guides put to me - a trip up to the top of Rainbow mountain in a helicopter - free :)

It had snowed overnight so we didnt expect a great deal from the trip and decided to take our small bikes up to see how they were up there. (Giant VT and Banshee Scirocco)

When we got up, it was beautiful. 10cm of fresh snow and it was pretty warm in the sun.

FRESH TRACKS!

We took our time over the first few steep pitches, riding what we could, as a heli evacuation is a pretty expensive chore and we wanted to savour the flowing singletrack lower down. We took photos as we went and just enjoyed the day.

As we got lower and the terrain eased into the more friendly trails. We were still well in the snow, but the small bikes shone and were so lively and responsive that it was so much more fun than riding a big DH bike. The SPD's weren't too keen on the snow and getting into the pedals prooved harder than i'd have liked.

We packed away the photo gear and just rode the trails, making the occasional stop to take in the shear enjoyment of the riding and giggle like kids.

With all the hype this week surrounding the new Scott Ransom at Interbike, I would have loved to be on one. The way a lighter bike coped with these trails and the reports that the bike has been getting, suggest that it really could be the definitave heli-drop and Spruce lakes bike.

Once we were through the snow, the trail just kept getting better and better. There was more traction than there has been all season and the 2.1" tyres coped pretty well.

We chose to ride out on Y'elp D'huez (27 switch backs) as we all had places to be and the bikes were great through there too.

I think a 6and6 bike is the way forwards for me now. A pair of Fox 36's up front and i'll be a happy chap.


Well.. this season has re-opened my eyes to mountain biking and the fun that can be had. I've had fantastic experiences in the Interior, on the Shore, in the races and in the parks. I hav eto say though I can't remember enjoying a ride so much as I did the snowy heli drop today.

What a way to end the season!