NYE- High Raise

Decided to do a trail out of trail magazine.

Up from Grasmere via Easdale to Steel fell then climb up to High Raise at around 800m.

We were above oceans of clouds with peaks peaking through as far as the eye could see and no signs of civilisation below- awesome. We were bathed in sun at the summit and hardly wanted to go apart from the knowledge we needed to get down by 4pm before the sun set!

We lost our way on the way down and ended up a much longer route making it 7hrs of stomping! amd we got back in to Grasmere at around 5pm just in time for a hot chocolate and a honycomb crunch Yummy! Top day. Sore feet!

I had a fantastic snooze as I was whacked out! Then we had M&S party nibbles for dinner and NYE celebrations with great pressies from Isobel in crackers and a berghaus top! Then we hit the White Lion in Ambleside for Auld Lang Syne and seeing 2009 in. I headed home around 1pm and to bed but the others drank on til 3am. I just can't get in the drinking mood it seems. Prefer my sleep and to feel well in the morning.

Helvellyn via Nethermost Pike

Climbed up from Patterdale to Nethermost pike and down Swirral Edge as the exit via Dollywagon was covered in mist whilst Swirral was bathed in sunshine!

Views forever above a sea of clouds as we had an inversion.

Whinlatter Altura Trail

MTB in Whinlatter forest- The Altura Trsail North loop and South loop- 18km.

I drove up to the Lakes last night and stayed in Bowness at Laurel cottage,a great B&B,cheap, nice staff, parking and great brekkie. I wanted to get a couple of rides in before the rest of the gang arrive for scrambles and walks.

Thought I'd check out the new built trails at Whinlatter forest near Keswick. In the car park at 10am it was -2 degrees and I did not like the thought of cycling in so many clothes but I braved a compromise and set off. My 66's were way too tall so the climbing up the North loop trails was slow going with my weight so far back but the trails were fast, rock hard and frozen but dry as the sun was shining all the way- and the views were breath taking. The trails and the little black stunts were great fun to do and after the singletrack then doubletrack climbs the rolling trails and downhill singletrack were awesome.

I carried on up the south loop but these trails were on north facing hills in the shade and were completely frosted over with hoarfrost. My back wheel skidded on almost every switchback and I was off. Then once at the top it was a lot of rolling down with no brakes or skidding a lot! Pretty tough going. On the last DH track with berms and TTs I rolled 3x TTs then decided to jump the last one as I had so much speed, I landed fine but... headed for the berm to scrub speed off but ended up skidding on it and taking a tumble. The guy behind me almost landed on me too. I took off in front of him again only to come off again trying to make the turn at the trail exit. He went ahead and came off on some rock slabs enetering the last bit of singletrack. I tried to ride past but skidded off the rock too! After that it was plain sailing but I think I'll stick to the sunny trails for now!

Great day riding- so glad to be back on a full sus with proper working forks, be even betterif they were the right height!

Must be 10 or so years since I was last in the Lakes and the beauty today reminded me why I used to love it so much- I really should make the effort more, (I know a 6hr drive is painful but this has to be worth it!)

Boxing Day North Downs Ride

I watched the boxing day sunrise over box hill from my bed and was almost as excited as the kids to get out of bed and start the day but for me it was to "get out and Ride".

Sure I had no new presents or gadgets to go test out but I had just built my Cove Hustler back up and added a new hope quick release seat pin so was excited to get away from it all and enjoy the crisp countryside again.

My bike unfortunately had a seized jocky wheel as well as a bottom bracket that did not like turning so in the 1 degree temps I stripped it down washed them and lubed them up til they were operational again and I was outta there.

Glorious views over Denbies as I rode up to Ranmore- sunshine and rows of vines. Every set of walkers out with their family I cheerily greeted and got big smiles and greetings in return. I headed up to White down across to Holmbury and then climbed to Leith hill. Fantastic clear views and warm sun even though the air was chilly at 2 degrees and my thumbs were numb.

I played on rollercoaster and then shot along Summer Lightning.

Oh what a pleasure to be back on a full susser again, even though its heave and laid back too much with these 66 forks on it will be sooo great when I get my 55's fixed or replaced with a lighter lower fork with travel adjust.

Once down Summer Lightning I had to grind back up towards Denbies and over to Westhumble and although it was a shame to finish my thumbs were very cold- I washed my steed down,packed it up and shot inside.

The house was empty now sp sneaking a slice of pavlova I watched Wallace and Gromit in peace, showered and headed home- so nice to have been with people but so nice to be back home on my own and do what I want when I want!

Great Boxing Day- I feel mellow!

Stockings are full

Christmas day started at 6am for me. Woken gently by an over excited Ella (aged 6) and yanked from my bed into the master bedroom where 4 hyper kids were shouting "he's been" and starting to pull presents out of stockings.
Each present unwrapped met with a yelp and a "look what I got mummy!".
After an eggy bread breakfast they all sat round the tree gasping in awe at the number of presents there and hardly able to contain their excitement to start opening them. Gareth handed the presents out and the next unwrapping frenzy began.
I snapped away getting pics of delighted faces from each one that opened my presents.
Then it was my turn to open all their boxes and unpackage the toys that are sooo tightly tied in! Place batteries in there and snap pictures of them playing for those of the family not present.

Too soon they were dressed and whisked off to start Xmas day all over again with their other parents (the exes). And we became a group of knackered adults.
The sun broke out briefly and we climbed Box Hill, meeting Jackie and Richard on our way back down and taking a swift couple of pints in the Stepping stones as we walked back.
The parents then snoozed in their chairs and dinner cooked way to late for my poor stomach to cope. By 10:30 when dessert and Articulate came out I had overdosed on company and interaction and just wanted to snooze in front of the TV. Instead I washed up and headed to bed.
A good Xmas day considering I was due to be a passenger on anyone's Xmas this year and would rather have been over in Canada in the snow having my own Christmas.
My only disappointment is that no-one watched the annual review in pics that I lovingly prepared again this year and its so disappointing after all that hard work not to be there to see the reactions on people's faces when they view it.

Last Afan fling for KL

For Ken's birthday we went to Afan for his last mountain bike fling before leaving the UK for real. We stayed at the Llynfi B&B and rode from there to ride the Wall trail in the morning and the Penhydd trail in the evening, clocking up about 40km all in all. After the traumatic start you can read about below we had a great ride despite the mood. No rain, barely any wind, glimpses of sunshine. 

That night we watched Wales lose to New Zealand and England to South Africa dismally at Glyncorrwg bike centre over a great meal and beer and hardly anyone there so we had deep sofas all to ourselves.

Sunday we rode Whites level, the long long climb which we barely stopped on. We rode the black run on our hardtails which added a whole new element of excitement to the ride. I managed to ride the rock ride at the bottom but almost felloff on Ken passing me on the left.

Windy pass was extremely windy,energy was excellent and grins were all around. Everyone was chatting at the end of each trail cos they were enjoying it so much. After yesterday it was glorious to be among a community of riders who share their fun as much as they shared in supporting someone in need.

I rode the Darkside with packed down forks- (I think they are broken again so will have to go back to windwave)- I made it. It started to rain just as we got into the visitor centre and we had lunch with Tim and Dave who we'd met at the B&B- all grinning with post-ride glows!

Back in London we grabbed a meal at the pub to say farewell to Ken- I don't know when and what countyr we will meet in again and now I'm home. 

Eventful but great weekendnin the end.

Life Support on the Mountain Bike Trails

Today we got wrapped up in an attempt to save a life of a mountain biker on the Afan Argoed Trails. We believed at first that he must have fallen or crashed his bike on the singletrack and been knocked unconscious but in fact he was just cycling along the flattish bridleway when he suffered a heart attack and just collapsed off his bike.

So what happened... well we headed out to Afan on Friday night and stayed in the Llynfi B&B. We had a late breakfast and set off at about 10am, after debating which trail to take we decided to head off on the Wall trail first. We were pretty mellow chatting away and relaxed as we pedalled the easy going doubletrack route at the start. We lifted our bikes through the gate at the Rhyslyn car park and started to pedal into the valley when a runner was coming towards us with a panic look on her face and arms flailing. Out of breath from her sprint she told us a biker had fallen off his bike and we could hear the ambulance sirens on the road across the valley, heading the wrong way. She asked us to go and intercept the ambulance as we would be faster on our bikes than her running. So we started off and I looked over my shoulder and said is he unconscious to which she said "Yes". 

Adrenalin kicked in and I sprinted back to the gate, threw my bike over and cycled down to the road and back up to the junction of the A4107 and B4287 at Pontrhydyfen. Of course I did not know any of that detail at the time but as I cycled along I took note of all the signs ahead and behind me.

No sign of the ambulance so I rang 999 and spoke to the call centre to get the Ambulance back to us. The forest warden arrived first and Ken went off to direct him and I stayed for the ambualnce. When that arrived I directed it up and cycled after it,  then I heard the 2nd ambulance so I turned around and pedaled back to them and told them where to go on the bridleway.

Only now did I pedal up to where the casualty was and it was pretty clear to me he had had a heart attack and 3 paramedics were doing CPR. I immediately worried for his survival as it seemed such a long time since we first met the runner and he was still in need of CPR.  

Watching from the side it suddenly brought back memories of the first 2 CPR casualties I had ever dealt with and I welled up with emotion before I quelled it again, feeling helpless now I'd done my bit. I hoped they could revive him but felt it was hardly possible to do so.

The helicopter ambulance came to take him to hospital and suddenly all was gone from the trail and we pedalled off to continue our ride in silence.

Later that day we were able to find out that he never recovered and our mood was very sombre thinking about his family and what he had left behind.

The whole incident has made me revisit my first aid skills and equipment. I am planning to renew my CPR and 1st aid skills and carry a resusci-aid to give my buddies a chance if the same should happen.

This was not an incident caused by mountain biking per se, but the remoteness of mountain bike trails just make it much more important that we mountain bikers can take care of our buddies if an accident or illness arises. I will urge those I ride with to get the skills too.

Here is a checklist of things to be aware of -

1- If an accident happens evaluate the full situation , get a history of what happened

2- Carry a mobile and contact emergency services asap

3- Pay attention to where you are at all times, even mountain bike trails signs have numbers on it that help the emergency service locate the casualty.

4- Carry a first aid kit and know how to use it.

5- Learn how to do basic CPR- you are the ebst chance your buddy has until the emeregency services can get there.

6- Send someone for help but make ure they know where you are excatly and what the incident status is.

I think the guys here did the right things, they sent runners to get help, they called the ambulance, they started CPR. I did the right thing in calling the ambulance again and telling them where to go because I'd look at all the signs around me. I was worried I might be interfering calling again but the more accurate the information I could give the quicker the services can respond. I should have asked for more info from the runner before I rushed off though, as I was unable to answer all the ambulance call centre questions. Easier to think that in retrospect of course.

My thoughts and condolences are currently with the family of this mountain biker, who ever he was, I'll probably never know.

We will remember them.

Nov 11 2008

90 years ago an armistice was signed to end the 1st World War. My Grandfather served int hat war on the western front as a Driver in the Royal Field Artillery 250th Brigade. Part of the 50th Northumbrian division. He was wounded by mustard gas on May 28 1918 and was invalided back to Tooting hospital where he no doubt celebrated the Armistice announcement.

Oddly had he not been gassed he may never have met my grandmother. He met her while sitting on the hospital walls as she and her friends walked to work at a munitions factory. As he was a Wolverhampton boy he probably never would have come to London at all. So in a "sliding doors" kind of way, that nasty evil gas resulted in my Dad and in turn me and the rest of my siblings and offspring being here today.

I will always honour the 11th November and encourage the kids as they grow up to do so too. When I visited the memorial in Ypres to the Northumbrian division it was quite overwhelming to see my grandfathers fallen compatriots in the 250th RFA. So many and so young and many were nameless "A soldier of the Great War - known unto God".

I never knew my Grandfather as he died 6 years before I was born but I wish he had told more of his war story to my father and he to me. For now I have traced his medal record and read the war diaries of the 250th RFA to get a glimpse of the terrible times he strived through to ensure I can have the great lifestyle we live today.

I will again visit France and Belgium to see the places where he fought and pass my respect to all  those who fell who left no descendants to remember them as well as those who were there and came back nursing their wounds be they physical or mental. Theirs was a hard life.

Am I an addictive personality?

So first it was Battlestar Gallactica- once Tom introduced me to that I could not stop watching and yearning for the next episode until I had made it through to the last episode of Season 4. Once I'd finished that one I worried about withdrawal symptoms until the rest of season 4 is aired. Solution? If I watch them all again it might just take me through to January and also I'll learn more bits I never saw first time right?

But I'm no Sci Fi trekkie fan! What's happening? Luckily youtube fills the gap with some snippets and stories about the actors  while I wait for Season4.5(?) but I needed another outlet.

After all I'm not travelling for the rest of the year, I'm home alone a lot,  I mountain bike but the weather and dark nights mean I don't go out there as much these days.

So along comes Guitar Hero on the Wii. It took me a while to give in and buy it

but boy now I can't put the thing down. In fact I'm only writing this now to give my fingers a rest from the guitar and RSI!

I NEVER thought I would get so addicted to playing musical instruments. OK well I don't play an instrument but this is the nearest I'll get to playing one! It's so de-stressing, and at the same time frustrating, after all I'm competitive and a perfectionist right? So I'm trying to unlock all the other songs as I progress in my career at the same time as trying to hit 100% of notes on 1 or 2 fave songs!

Well I sound like I'm mastering it but I admit I'm still on easy! I have only been playing for 3 days now (and don't worry I don't mean ALL day, one has to work and mountain bike, oh and eat and see the kids for fireworks etc, hmm did I sleep at any point? I don't recall. If I did I was humming Barracuda in my sleep).

Right! Withdrawal symptoms setting in. I'm off for another hit! Barr-a-cuda!

Woooh Ahhhh look at those fireworks!

Woooh Ahhhh look at those fireworks!, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Nov 8th- Bonfire Night

Bangers and mash with the kids before we loaded up, 3 in my car and Cal with Garerth and Jules and headed to fireworks at Bramley.

We arrived just in time to get 4 torches and light them for the Torchlight parade. They were tin can's stuffed with petrol soaked tinder and wired on to a stick. 4 under 7's carrying them was worrying so we ended up carrying them with or for them!

A massive crowd paraded to the green through the deep mud. Ella lost a welly at one point and was rescued by a man behind her. Once on the green we threw our torches on the huge bonfire to burn many many guys at the stake! Then we waded through the mud to queue for hot dogs and roasted chestnuts.

At last the fireworks were set off just as the rain started (a typical British bonfire night then) and the oohs and ahhs rumbled through the crowds as the bangs in the air made our hearts thump faster. The sky was lit up completely by an array of colours one after another and the kids were loving it, looks of delight and amazement on their faces although some hands on ears were required.

There were even 2 cyclists lit up chasing one another and some tanks/ships shooting.

Just when we thought it was over another mass of fireworks shot up and lit the sky for a grand finale, one dropping into the crowd near us, but quickly stamped out.

What a great display! And so we walked back to the cars through the village and the mud, a little damper, but thrilled by the spectacle!

2nd night ride of the year

Nov 5th-

Unbelievable I know but I went back for more! It took quite some effort to get me off the couch and shut down my PC. A flat tyre almost gave me a get out excuse but I disciplined myself and fixed it.

The guys were also amazed thatI had come back for more but it was said with an element of respect, I think. Simon introduced himself and I felt like I was less of an outsider this week.

Still the pace was furious as we set off and I quickly got dropped as we headed towards Redlands and up a huge off-road climb that killed me at that pace. Being on a hardtail took a bit of getting used to I was bouncing on my seat a lot and felt very inefficient. The Fenix headtorch works great but once we got on the singletrack this week I had my supercharged up Lumicycle HID and that made a big difference to the speed I could go.

The ride was very boggy and again I wondered what on earth was I doing chasing these guys around from the back. They stopped and waited for me and set off as soon as I arrived so I really went non-stop for over 2.5hrs until we got to the top of Leith tower where we set off a couple of fireworks. One never made it off teh ground so we all scarpered for cover of the tower itself as it exploded on its stick. The other did not have a stick so we duck taped one on and set it alight eventually and it shot in the sky and exploded several times whilst we all still cowered behind the tower! Very funny moments!

We stopped at th Plough and I felt accepoted more as jokes at my expense and teasing started. After a couple of drinks we shot down summer lightening and Rookery at a fair pace and back in our cars.

Both my Fenix torch adn my Lumicycle HID with Lithium Ion battery lasted the whole ride. Pretty good going! It shows that reading reviews online really helps you choose the best products.

30km and 3.5 hrs- exahusted again but feeling good about myself for doing it!

First Night Ride of the year!

October 29th

I must be the queen of procrastination this year. I've been looking for people to ride with for ages, I've been surfing the web and seeing group rides being advertised but never getting the motivation enough to get out there and join them, preferring to go ride (and play on my bike) on my own at a time and place only I have to agree with myself. But... I've yearned to do a night ride and I just am sensible enough to realise I really should not go night riding on my own.

So... I blocked out my Wed night work diary so no-one could book a call, I charged up my lights (or so I thought) and packed my muddy bike in the car. After my last work call I grabbed my lights, tested them, aaaagh one works but the best one does not! How come? It's been charging for 8hrs! Surf to www.lumicycle.com check charging instructions- ah- should have plugged battery into charger before plug charger into socket. Let's try that, yep its working but too late for tonight, I'll just have to survive on backup light from Fenix, strapped on helmet.

Arrive at Nirvana 15 mins early. 3 other riders there but gradually that builds to 12 riders, all blokes and all regular riders with mainly light XC bikes or hardtails. mmmm my idea that we would play on Singletrack for a couple of hours may not be realised! We leave sometime around 6:45/7 and sprint off into the cold night. There is snow around in places remnants from the sudden drop in temp last night and snow storm.

The pace is fast but George hangs back with me and keeps me chatting. My bike and its extra pound of mud seems inappropriate for this riding style and I start to worry. We pick up Dave at Abinger and continue on up to Holmbury. I'm always at the back with someone, the pack always waits for us but as soon as I arrive we head off so I really get no breaks.

It's dark and I'm chasing lights so its tough to realise where we are in the Downs but I soon realise we are approaching Peaslake. Now I'm worried if I'll have the stamina and pace to make it back! I drop my saddle to ride Golden Birdies for the first time in the dark at least I know where the diagonal roots are as its pretty wet and slushy with melting snow.

But we go further and soon I can see we are over at Winterfold woods and there is talk starting of stopping at the pub (I realise I forgot my wallet- I'll be popular!). We lose the rest of the group at a singletrack turn we missed so we scoot around our own trails to try and regroup. Someone comes and finds us and leads us on. We're back in Peaslake and climbing to Holmbury, down Yoghurt pots which is surprisingly drier than I expected and then the off camber bit under Telegraph. Finally arriving at the Kings Head in Holmbury for a drink after George took a tumble off a climb.

Getting cold in the pub and pulling on that fleece and buff that I threw in my pack as an afterthought (thankfully). We still had to get back to Westcott! Now its only 1 degree outside and my clothes are wet. My teeth start to chatter as we ride down the road and I cannot control them however hard I try, my whole upper body is shivering uncontrollably. George, Hugh and I cut off up a climb which helped warm us a little and by the time we got to the A25 we were ahead of the pack. At Wotton Hatch we cut off road again and no more climbs to Nirvana and said my goodbyes - quickly packing my bike in teh car and whacking the heater on high for the drive home. Home by 11:15- a bit more of an epic than I thought.

Will I go back? I thought not at first but then it will be good for my fitness, so maybe I will build up my hardtail so I can ride a lighter bike around and not hold the back so much.

Glad I finally got out there though.

North Downs with Pete and Lee

October 18th

Wow people to ride with at last! Pete actually made it out on a bike and Lee came down from Oxford for his first tour of the North Downs singletrack.

Pete ahd a route in mind rather than just playing on singletrack. Recently I've been riding on my own a lot so I've started just playing and sessioning the best singletrack routes. Parking at the Holmbury village CP climbing up to Homlmbury hill viewpoint and heading over to the reservoir via black hole and then sessioning "Golden Birdies" 4 or 5 times (takes about 5 mins to get down and 10-15 to climb up) and "I should coco" a couple of times, then back via "Yoghurt pots" and "Telegraph" back down to the CP. Dry trails and fast tracks.

So anyway today we start in Peaslake and climb up Pitch hill and play on some of the singletrack that I think is called "T1, T2" which has been logged a bit but the route is coming back now and then down "Baptista" which has been logged a little too but is still fun, twisty and challenging but not so much to manoeuvre your handlebars through nowadays and back down to Peaslake.

Too early for tea so we climbed up to the reservoir and top of Holmbury, yoghurt pots, then the off camber parallaling Telegraph and the new stuff Dave showed us (nameless). Took the bridelway past the school until we climbed almost to Leith. At Leith Tower we had tea and sandwiches and cake of course and bumped into Simon from Nirvana, reminding me I must ride with him again.

"Windy Willows" was the usual fun but a bit muddy over the log jumps at the end!
Scuttled down the steep descent towards Friday street then climbed up via Simons Copse and back down the bottom of Summer lightning to Rookery. Cross the A25 and along white Down back across A25 and climb up near Abinger to Holmbury.

Lee thought we were done but we pointed towards Peaslake and how much further we still had to go. He was sprinting ahead on his light 24lbs Specialized hard tail and I steadily did leg presses on my 33lb Hustler FR set-up to climb on up to the top of Holmbury.

Finally we had the fun fast fling down Golden Birdies which was massive fun as usual such sweet singletrack! And of course tea at the bus shelter at the bottom and cake AGAIN!

40km done, 6.5 hrs out, moving for 4.5 hrs (so lots of chat and tea breaks going on!)

Back at Pete's Is had cooked a Vegan meal for us and Lockey came round so it was good to catch up after a few years absence!

Lazing on a Sunny afternoon!

Lazing on a Sunny afternoon!, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

What can I say September has won me over - another Sunny weekend.

Saturday I fixed my Marzocchi 55 ATA2 forks back on my bike after Windwave bled the TST cartridge for me. To test them out I rode 32km from Reigate through Colley Hill to Headley, top of Box Hill back down to the A25 then along from Brockham to Dungates lane and the bridleway back. They are sweet again now they are fixed I love them- I just hope they stay that way as its such a hassle to take them off and send them in to get sorted.

Got a HC then off to G&H for dinner and movie.

On Sunday it was gorgeous again so I rode Bracknell singletrack with J&M for 25k, couple of hours. Aliens and twsited sister then over to do the DH with the tabletos which I flew over asnd cleared 2 of them. Then I raced back to the picnic area to meet the kids for a picnic, played in the playground then off for a walk/run/walk in the forest. Finished with a piggy back race and an ice cream.

Weekend was only dampened by Mum having a fall and texting to say she'd sprained her ankle and passed out with the shock! Dad feeling a bit twingy too in his back. Nurofen on drip feed there right now.

Afan Argoed - 21 Sept

Afan Argoed - 21 Sept, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Sept 21/22 2008

Another great weekend- September beats August for sure.
I shot off to Afan rode the Whytes level from 4:30- 6:30 pm and camped over.

Sunday I rode the Wall then headed home. Perfect conditions, dry trails, warm sunny wetaher but not too hot!

Great!

Long shadows at Box Hill

Long shadows at Box Hill, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Sept 14 2008

Such a beautiful weekend at last! I took a long ride from Denbies up Ranmore over to White Down across and up to Leith Hill via Friday street, played on some singletrack and back down Summer Lightening then across and back up to Denbies and westhumble.

Some 40 odd kms! I finished around 6:30 in the long evening shadows as the sun set beautiful!

Sept ride at Granny's

Top of the Hill, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Sept 13th

Before I headed out for a ride on the North Downs I had a ride with Cal and Ella and Ella was brave enough to ride down the big hill with me so we did that over and over and over.

Then Ella even rode my bike with the saddle down but I had to sprint next to her in case she stopped and fell off sideways. This pretty much exhausted me before my real ride!!

Coed Y Brenin

Coed Y Brenin, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

After a meeting in Birmimgham I headed up to CYB and had a wet then dry run around the MBR ride now clle the Dragons' back although I extended it with a fe other bits of singletrack.

I was going to stay ov er but I'd actual;ly forgotten to put my tent in and the weekend looked wet so I drove home and rode there.

Reigate Hill

Reigate Hill, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Finally a Sunny day so got out there rapido to climb up Reigate Hill and have some fun on my bike- wow what views and much less mud!

Yep I know this pic is repetiive but the view was the sme and the day was great so here it is again!

Reigate Hill

Reigate Hill, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

I've been back in the UK 5 days and the weather has not been that biking friendly, its not pouring but scattered showers and occasional storms means muddy trails. I jumped right out of my desk chair yesterday following a clap of thunder and lightening so loud I thought a gun had been shot by my window!

The weekend forecast is for showers unfortunately, but today was sunny so I got back on my Cove Hustler for the first time in 9-10 weeks and it felt so light and fun. Weird to have no armour on, no full face and a light bike (albeit 33lbs still)- great spin up Reigate Hill the chalky steep climb and along the ridge to Headley and back down to Reigate Heath and Skimmington. A lot of fun! Legs feel strong!

Finally got a short haircut- my hair was so long (for me) and thick it was great to lose it at last. Then I started my chores by cleaning the windows which were thick with dirt and cobwebs from my long absence. Dinner with G&H to catch up on their last 3 months and swap stories.

Whistler Day 26

Ride don't slide climb, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Friday August 8th
Bear Sitings = 4
Kms= Don't know GPS stopped
Runs=
Crank it up
Garbanzo DH top to bottom= 30 mins
Crank it up
Ride Don't slide (1 hour up, 1.5 hrs down)
Picture= Ride don't slide climb
Beers= Dusty's post ride rehydration!

Today was my last day riding in Whisler- boo hoo :-(

Tom, Paul and I started out on Crank it up and I was flowing well, then John joined us and we rode Ninja Cougar, Karate Monkey into World cup then B-line to GLC.

Tom and Paul took a break while John and I went up to the top of Garbanzo and decided to see if we could do top to bottom in one go following the course for the Garbanzo DH during Crankwork on Sunday. We took a photo at the top to see what time we set off, so we could estimate how long we took. John was out of my site in no time but I paced it so I could keep going although I think I was going faster than ever. I took the drop between the trees and roots on Original Sin top section (which was good) was overtaken on the climb to the scenic view. Dropped into In Deep and over the woop de woop wooden ladder onto the rock roll down and suddenly there were 2 riders right on top of me I lost attention and dropped off my bike sliding down on my back-ow! Crash 1, New bruise.

I waited 30 secs to get my breath back and for these faster riders to leave and I took off down In Deep a section I have not done this year so I was slow. Eventually I came out onto Duffman and I really enjoyed that section.I kept on going with sweat dripping in my goggles, breath heavy and arms and legs cramping up. Onto World Cup Singletrack much smoother- time to relax a little.

Finally Ho Chi Minh a bit too fast and into the rocky berm that turns left into the woods I hit the tree and was over the bars on the floor. I jumped up and headed down Upper Heart of Darkness across Double vision into Monkey Hands and GLC drop. Exactly 29 mins top to bottom. Exhausted!

We had lunch at GLC and I felt sapped and ill after wards but we rode Crank it up then I took a break for powerade to try and recover enough to do the Epic ride this evening while the others did one more run with Liz too.

We headed up to the top of Garbanzo again then down Original Sin and Freight train and the bit of No Joke under construction til we found the fire road up to Ride don't slide. We climbed (Hike a Bike) up this severe gradient for 40 mins in full body armour on a hot sunny day. I remember the bad feeling from when I climbed to Khybers pass with Pete in 2005. It hurt.

Then we dropped into this loose and loamy steep descent, I was so tired I wondered if I could cope with the extreme riding on this trail. Lots of roots and pretty skiddy on the steep loose stuff. The trail was great though and I loved it even though I got off and walked a couple of sections and I crashed on 2 sections. I even made Tom crash into me.

From Ride don't slide we dropped into BC's which was just as steep but not loose, rocky instead! We kept on for 1.5 hrs at least and I was sweating heavily, panting heavily and drinking all my camelbak contents. We arrived at the Oasis of Dusty's in Creekside, with a hail of hallelulah, at around 20:30 for pitchers of Kokanee, some Nachos and wings to recuperate. Exhausted!

Now it was dark and I had beer in me we cycled the Valley Trail home which was rather dark and collapsed with Pizza at 11pm too tired to hit the Crankworx parties in town.

What a great finish to my holiday/ working holiday!

Whistler Day 25

CK Schleyer drop, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Thursday August 7th

Bear sitings= 3 (really close up, too close for comfort)
Kms ridden = 40 DH, 10 XC
Picture = CK Schleyer drop

Worked from 6am-3pm but nipped out for lunch hour ride on Lost Lake loop on Keith’s Banshee Pyre. A sweet bike for cross country, it rivalled my Cove Hustler on those trails and really and zero bob on the climbs. It climbed well and was light but stiff. I’d certainly consider it as a replacement but I guess I want to move up from 4.5 inch travel to 6inch All mountain so I want to try out the Banshee Rune first.

After work I met John, Paul and Tom and we rode the park from the top for my warm up on Original Sin to In Deep and Fatcrobat then too tight and angry pirate, and Crack addict. On Crack Addict John took a nose dive off the skinny log ride and hit his head hard but luckily he had a Giro Remedy full facer and it really saved him. He only ahd a Dainese shaped scratch on his forearm!

Paul and Tom called itr a day but John and I rode til 7:55pm and narrowly missed the last lift back upm for another run! We rode the whole Garbanzo DH course but with a few break stops. I finally rode the left hand rock corner on Original Sin after the viewpoint- I have had such a mental block there!

Duffman and No Duff were superb fun- I’m riding the tech stuff faster. Thankfully it’s all dry but getting loose again.
We met Keith and Marcello so went to ride Crank it up then we rode Schleyer but after the wooden drop we stopped to tighten John’s headset and were then warned by everyone on the chairlift about 3 bears on thye trail heading towards us. I took a look and there not 2 meters from me was a cub and a little behind it -Mum and another cub. We moved away swiftly and they headed up Joyride to the dismay of riders descending that! We were safe to ride down Schleyer. Then we ventured into Lower Whistler DH and Rock City where I showed John the lines down the huge rock rolls- scary!

A great day riding AGAIN, then beers at Amsterdam – go to your head immediately! Tom cooked a great meal of Pork chops and we relaxed at home- late!

Whistler Day 24

Banshee Pyre, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Wednesday August 6th

Bear sitings =1
Kms ridden= 40

James left today and Paul and John moved in so we had a spring clean and a room swap around.

Today I headed up to the bike park around 4pm and met Tom, Paul and John and we rode laps until 8pm (at leat John and I stayed to the bitter end). It was extremely busy with Phat Wednesday race down the Canada cup course and with Womens Wednesday goups going out. So after a long lift line we headed to the top and rode Freingth train Original Sin and Duffman and No Duff. This was great fun- I love No Duff !

We also sessioned Ninja Cougar doing skim jump bounces from berm to berm, and Crank it up really flying over the table tops.

We joined Dan from T2R and Tom and Paul in Longhorns for a pitcher before returning home for pasta with Keith and one of his riders Marcello.

Another great finish to a work day!

Whistler Day 23

Flank Trail view point, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

August 4th

Bear and Cougar sitings= 0 (phew!)
Kms= 25
Ascent= 850m
Descent=
Picture = Flank Trail view point

So I worked today and it was tough as it’s so hot outside and everyone else was riding, but hey I knew that and I can ride later and one does have to work to pay for this fun!

I finished by 4 and went out for a long cross country/all mountain ride. I hike a biked up Rick’s Roost to Rainbow-Sproatt Flank trail – tough work. Some fantastic view points of the valley below and all the mountains and lakes. I rode down and counted the 27 switchbacks which was so cool, across a beautiful waterfall and then climbed back up the Flank trail sometimes hike a bike with my 40.8lb Cove not really made for climbing.

Eventually I got to my target trail “Cheap Thrills” a double diamons black trail. Oh and boy was it worth it. It started rolling rooty and rocky then a great little rock roll past a mini waterfall (see video)- some bigger rock rolls and wood work and some real skinny skinnies with a “must not fall” drop on the left (I walked those). More switchbacky, rooty rocky rock slab features all with loads of flow then a couple of huge vertical rock drops that I clambered down (not to be attempted alone!).



I emerged and took Blue trail Beavers Pond to Beavers pass and climbed up to the power line and rode half the rock slab not making the right turn half way down. Rode the rest of this rooty tight trail with a few pieces of woodwork until I emerged at alta lake and took the valley trail home- exhausted 4.5 hrs of riding later but glowing with the exhilaration and energy expenditure achieved.

This is the real old school riding style, earn your turns but still have a challenging descent.

Whistler Day 22

GLC rest stop!, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

August 3rd
Bear sitings = 0
Kms= 45
New riders= John and paul
New bikes= Keith's Legend finally arrives
Picture = GLC rest stop!

Today thye road opened from Vancouver after the rock slide was cleared and so Tom headed off to collect John and Paul. The rest of us recovered our hangovers. I bought some 5-10s and then we sat in the sun searching for sight of Keith's Legend that was apparently being ridden on the park. Finally he has his long awaited bike!

John and Paul arrived, built up there bikes and joined me in the park with Tom and James. I was riding really well and the park conditions were superb, really fast, the smoothest ever after the rain had dried out and the loose dirt was gone. I had already ridden Crank it up, Schleyer, karate monkey, Angry pirate to Crack addict.

We rode crank it up and I was flying so fast, too fast for the tabletop before the wall ride and I overshot it by a mile landing nose first on teh flat and squirming til I crashed and hit elbow, knee, and helmet pretty heavily. Whoa! I've gone from crashing cos I ride too slow to crashing cos I'm riding too fast?! Gone from landing on teh top of even the small tabletop to overshooting the mid sized ones and landing the big ones! Anyway I tore my cove shirt :-( and got a lump on my elbow and thigh but got away with it- good old body armour does its job.

We rode until 8pm when the lift shut-Upper Whistler DH, Angry Pirate, Crank it up, B-line to Karate monkey. Great fun I loved it today really in the flow even after crashing.

We celebrated and relaxed over beers and food at the GLC- mellow.

Whistler Day 21- Pemberton Shuttles

CK on Cream Puff, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

August 2nd
Bear Sitings = 0
Replacement parts = 0
Kms= 15
Shuttles = 5
Drinks= too many
Dancing= some
Picture= CK on Cream Puff

Pemberton Shuttle day
We drove up to Pemberton in Tom's pickup with the bikes strapped in the back and headed through the gravel pits up the steep rutted stony fire road, bumoiung around like crazy.

James and I rode first down Cream Puff, we found the trail head without issue and headed down the first jagged loose rock descent then the one pictured but shortly after that we lost the trail as it petered out into a cleared area with a new logging road. Eventually we found a trail and followed it . It turned out to be Moby Dick and Dark Forest and brought us back to the rail track and to where Tom was with the pick up but it took us an hour.
Tom in the meantime had got stuck with the pickup on an alternative way out but managed to recover and came back the way we went up.

I drove up next to top of overnight sensation and dropped Tom and James, they had a very long ride down and I waited near the railway bridge at the bottom trying to dry my shoes out in the sun.

We had some lunch at the Pony Espresso which was great food and we were glad it still existed given that Pemberton seems to be developing rapidly with new buildings and shops as well as houses and hotels.
Next we drove up to Hawaii and Toma nd I rode that and Indy 500 down- it was steep and loose in places, I did the first steep rock roll and the very tight switchbacks and after that it was fast and loose. Weird conditions and not much traction.

Then we drove up to PHD and James and I did the final hike up to the trailhead where James tweaked his bike and then we hit the trail. The first rock descent looked a little damp and rather long so we did not ride it (later Tom told me what speed you get on it so I am glad we rode around it). We did not ride the short steep one with the sharp right either but after that we rode all the rock slabs down.

Here's some quick footage of Tom on the 2nd roll.

We met Tom at the fire road crossing and turned right to pedal back up a few hundred meters and then drop in left across a wood bridge ride and then hike up in full armour and very hot day! Ow! Soon we were rolling again over steep short rock decsents and roots. It was a real fun ride from then on and I remembered it all. At times I felt my bike controlling me rather than the other way around and the rear wheel had a few skids but that added to the excitement.

At the bottom we were exhausted even though it was only around 5km descent! I drove the next shuttle and by the time they were down PHD again it was 7pm so we headed home.

Quick shower adn out to the Brewhouse for dinner and then Amsterdams and Maxx Fish club for drinks and a boogie. But that made me feel a littel old as the music was not really my style nor the people, I'm just getting too old! But we danced anyway first on our bar stools and then on the floor where you get bumped around a lot. Rolled home at around 2am.

Whistler Day 20

James on muddy ride day, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Friday Aug 1

Bear Sightings = 3 (Mother and 2 cubs)
Replacement parts = 0
Kms = 49
Rain= lots and lots :-(
Picture= James' new sauna suit

The forecast was for a few showers but James and I went out and were on a dead empty lift by 10am and by the time we reached mid station it was raining. We rode the blue lines as it was wet and muddy. The trails were great though. We rode B-line top to bottom then B-line into Karate Monkey. Muddy goggles soon became the issue of the day and next run down Crank it up I really could not see much at all just ride by feel.

Then at Bike and Bean I had my pic taken and got interviewed by the press on my thoughts re the rock slide and how it was affecting Whistler this weekend. I'll try and find the link to put in here.

New goggles were in order for us both and tear aways made the afternoon rides a lot more visible and we rode Crank it up a few times, Golden triangle (which is the easiest blue and really boring technically), B-line and Karate monkey again. Not tempted to go to the top or black diamonds as the trails were really slick and getting muddier.

Had to wash bikes and selves under the hose pipes at the bottom for the first time.

Park was really quiet today but as we left at 5pm the sun came out and a few more hit the lift.

Whistler Day 19

Alan styling it up, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Picture = Alan styling it up
Thursday July 31
Bear Sightings = 0
Replacement parts = 4 (Forks, brakes x 2, pedals- James)
Kms= 0 on Thursday
Rain= lots and lots 

Thursday started dry and we watched the guys at the dirt jumps – Alan impressed everyone with his bag of trips. Spike on the other hand took a face plant and broke his nose- but I did nor get that one on camera.

My bike was at Fanatykco where I had a chain device fitted and James had a good upgrade shop- some new Marzocchi 888s, Avid Code brakes and 5050 pedals- so we spent ages just rebuilding his bike outside the shop then it started to rain.

Unfortunately it rained a lot and instead of riding we went climbing at the Core climbing wall. It’s a good little set of walls, a bit short but plenty of variety and I was very rusty having not climbed for ages indoors. There were also 4 self belays so after we had belayed each other for a while and James went to do some horizontal bouldering I tried the self belay. It was rather disconcerying just letting go and hoiping it would slowly lower me but it did nindeeed do that and after a while that was fun in itself! We ended up doing loads of self belay til our forearms were starting to ache.

We wanted to keep fresh for riding tomorrow so called it a day.

Tom was playing pool at Longhorns and getting lightheaded and we joined him at Merlins later and had a bit of a night out but never caught him up in the inebriation stakes! James ordered pizza delivery at midnight and fell asleep before it came!

Whistler Day 18

James and Tom Joyride, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

July 30th
Bear sitings = 3
Replacement parts = 1 (Chain device CK)
Kms ridden= 69km
Picture = James and Tom from helmet cam footage

Yesterday it rained all day. We did not ride at all so I worked. The trails really needed the rain so we kinda wanted it but it was frustrating not to be able to get out and ride at all. (Of course we could have ridden but after great weather and dry trails its not tempting to ride slippy wet roots and mud and get bike and self filthy, plus its good for the trails not to get ripped up when wet).

Today was much better, a little cool but sunny with clouds at the tops of the mountains. We rode the park all day and took some helmet cam footage (to be edited watch this space).

We rode a lot of trails including Crank it up (several times), Schleyer, B-line, Karate Monkey, Upper Joyride (lower was shut), Drop park (I rode the highest drop for first time- double diamond black), Freight Train (I rode the wooden drop, then the next wooden drop and the drop over the rocky section - latter was my first time over that), Dirt Merchant- I rode the first 2 drops but still need to work up to properly hitting the rest of that trail as the jumps are big).

After struggling with my automatic gear changes on my chainrings, I finally decided to get a dual chain tension device from Fanatykco. So that is where my bike is now. The good thing is that thay also adjusted the cones on my new Chris King rear hub that had developed some play already. Good service from this team as I've come to expect but always gives me a feel good factor. Feels like they really care that I get a good ride on the mountain so they'll make sure my bike works just right.

James and I watched the PHAT wednesday race from Longhorns over a beer and then dinner at the apartment was Chilli.

Whistler Day 16

Tom In Dep, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

July 28th
Bear Sitings= 0
Replacement parts=0
Picture = Tom In Deep

James' first day and we rode the park.
Crank it up
B-line to Karate Monkey
Schleyer to Whistler DH
Original Sin-In Deep-Fatcrobat- Too Tight
Freight Train-No Joke-Duffman- Renegade-Dirt Merchant

Whistler Day 15

July 27
Bear sitings = 0
Riding = 0

Today it rained :-(

But the trails needed it.

We watched the Red Bull Round up on Double Vision on the bike park. Alan Hepburn was riding for Banshee so Keith was there to support him. And then Alan came back to stay with us so we all supported too.
The comp was to start at 1 but was rained off til about 3pm. The last jump to the finish line was a huge box over a gap to a steep transition. Most of the riders looked nervy about it. In the comp most of those who jumped it did not pull a trick until the last few riders. Some did not jump it at all. Well the riders were aged 14-21 so not surprising.

It was not a great spectator event, mainly due to the rain and not knowing what was going on in the competition i.e. who was leading etc. The coverage of Day 1 looked much more exciting in a Vancouver film set that looked like 1930 Chicago where they built up a bunch of stunts. The Red Bull truck was really cool, big black old jeep with LCD screens that protrude out and big sound systems, speakers that looked like old jerry cans for gas/petrol.

I definitely missed riding today and can't wait to get out tomorrow now the loose trails have been dampened down.

James arrived from UK and with Alan here there are now 5 in our 2 bed place.

Whistler Day 13

CK gets air, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

July 25

Bear sitings = 3
Replacement parts = 0
Kms= 30
Working hours = 0.5
Playing hours = 8
Picture = Whistler Dirt Jumps

Long sleep in today after a long week and a late night watching Batman- Dark Knight, plus I'm not working today.

This morning we went dirt jumping. I just went to take photos but ended up having a go on the small ones as you can see I even got 2 wheels in the air and in fact I cleared a couple of the table tops.

Keith went for the big ones and got a lot more air on his Banshee Amp dirt bike. Even tweaking it up a little.

Tom took a good crash which I missed as did the camera and he is nursing a grazed and bruised hip and calf, but he got back on his bike and still managed some good air.

We watched Battlestar Galactica as Tom is hooked on it and is educating Keith and I but we have a couple of series to catch up on. Then we mooched in town for lunch at Behind the Grind and to buy a Dakine tailgate cover from Summit.

Finally we took a late run up the mountain bike park, Tom and Keithon their hardtails we did a no pedalling race down EZ does it - I was miles behind on my big bike, then we did B-line finishing on Monkey ~Hands and GLC drop and that pommeled their arms and legs to bits so they gave in and went for some anaesthetic at the GLC- i.e. Beers and Nachos.

Guillame (a Banshee Scythe owner from France) and I went back up and rode Crank it up twice top to bottom and I cleared every tabletop and it felt good, so floaty in the air and flowy on the ground hitting thos down transitions. I finished with a rund down B-line into Karate Monkey, World cup singletrack, A-line, Hornet and GLC drop.

Tonight stir fry in and another Battlestar Galactica.

I'm back on holiday now! :-)

Whistler Day 12

Kill me Thrill me, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

Bear sitings = 0
Crash replacements = 0
Birthdays = 1 (Keith's 25th)
Trails ridden = Kill me Thrill me (pictured)
Movie = Dark Knight (Batman)

Work hours = 9
Play hours = 3.5

Dinner = Earls steak



More news and video to come re this trail

Whistler Day 10

River runs thru it- Log bridge, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

July 22 2008
Bear Sitings = 0
Replacement parts = 0
Work hours= 10
Play hours = 2
Trail =River runs thru it
Picture = Log bridge

Movie= Snakes on a plane

Whistler Day 9

July 21
Bear Sitings = 2
Replacement parts = 1 (Tom's hardtail cranks)
Kms= 12
Work hours completed= 10
Riding hrs = 1.75

No pics today 'cos - Today I worked! Well it wasn't so hard to do as it means I'm saving my real riding days for when my ankle is better.

I took a quick ride round Lost Lake singletrack this evening and it was a great hot evening, sunny but a bit of breeze at the tops. My Cove G-spot is a little heavy (almost 40lbs)for cross- country style single track but I managed to climb most of the short rock infested climbs and it was a good workout for legs and lungs. The downs were of course a dream and with all this suspension my ankle felt just as good as usual except I made sure I did not plant it on anything less than level when I had to dab or get off.

On my way back a cyclist from the gravel paths nearby shouted for me to stop as there was a bear on my trail walking towards me. I froze still and watched it and it watched me back considering whether to walk towards me or away. It seemed like ages it was looking at me then eventually it sprinted and then wandered off away. Unfortunately that was the way the trail went so I followed it in trepidation but it was gone.

I was a little more bear aware after that but stuck to the singletrack and 2 mins later I disturbed another bear at the left of my trail and he got up and sprinted away so noisily that it startled me but I kept riding and he never looked like heading my way. Boy they do move fast and if they wanted to could have sprinted my way very swiftly- fortunately I'm not tasty to them so I'm glad they took off. My heart was raised and I sprinted on down the rocky downhill and fun woodwork and it was quite surreal to 10mins later be cycling the valley trail past people in the bike skills area and skate park and dirt jumps oblivious of the bears I had seen. We live side by side and blissfully unaware of each other's presence so much of the time.

Keith cooked a great pasta bake tonight and educated me on how he designs bikes, I was fascinated. Hopefully I'll get to demo one or some of them to understand how the science transfers to the ride feel. For a work day what a great day! Working again tomorrow.

Whistler Day 8

Tunnel vision, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

July 20

Bear sitings= 0
Replacement parts = many (Keith's bike build)
Kms completed = 32 (no chair lift assist!)

Today my ankle did not look so big but my foot looks enormous! All the swelling has sunk into the foot and is making me look like elephant man as well as making a disconcerting squelchy feel as I walk around. The black and blue toes are particularly attractive! Arnica galore please!

So I knew the park was out of the question but I wanted to ride. I took off down the valley trail all strapped up and I felt fine. Then headed up Riverside trail a blue singletrack from Function Junction where all the work is going on to build the Olympic athletes village.

It's a beautiful trail, gently rolling with fantastic views of glacial run off rivers and fallen trees and rocks. Just a few rocks and roots and switchbacks to test out the shock absorbing power of my foot. Not bad so far!

I rode across the wobbly suspension bridge, then up Highline trail for quite a hike a bike til I got to the start of Tunnel Vision (pictured). I love this little trail- marked black diamond on the old map but clearly downgraded to blue (probably as BD in the park is way harder).

I rode all the rocks rolls and generally tried to use my good foot to do the suspension bit and I only felt small twinges of pain nothing major. As long as I did not have to put that foot down in a hurry or awkwardly I'm alright. I even rode the wooden ladders except the drop offs as that would be too much impact to test my foot so soon.

Feeling good I rode up Kadenwood several tarmac switchbacks to Steps and into Big Timber down to Creekside gondola. Lunch at Subways although Dustys looked tempting (but I was keeping it cheap. )

Back along the valley trail and up and down Blueberry a blue singletrack with 2 black diamond descents joining Alta Vista to Whistler Cay- this time I just went for the black diamond rocky descents and my foot took it well.

Keith and Tom were in the apartment competing at http://fr2b.fr/ and I joined in too. It was so addictive that they never made it out for a ride in the real world! (See photo)

Dinner was at Brewhouse- a great pasta to replenish the energy burnt. So great to get out today and pedal up aswell as down and test those lungs again!

However I know I can't take this ankle back in the park yet so I'm going to work for trhe next 2-4 days and see if I can get fully recovered for next week riding the tough stuff.

Whistler Day 7

Hiking Lost Lake, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

July 19
Bear sitings = 0
Replacement parts = 0
Ice pack treatments = 3
Riding = 0 :-(

Woke up with extremely painful and swollen ankle and could hardly hobble. Decided to walk it off and get some mobility back so did a hike around Lost Lake which is beautiful. I totally forget every year about the landing stage where the nudists go, and so as you stare, absorbed by the glacial blue waters, you suddenly realise a naked man is in his full glorious view standing on a log on the water and you look like you are staring at him!
Turn your gaze to the ground and stride on rapidly!

My mobility for walking is improving when in sneakers but my foot is getting black and blue now and not reducing the puffiness yet.

Whistler town is extremely busy due to the music festival and lots of tourists for the weekend- a good day not to be in the park. Although I'm yearning some riding and worrying about when my foot will be able to cope with it again.

Whistler Bike Park Day 6

Crank it up Box, originally uploaded by kendyck1.
July 18
Bear Sitings = 3
Replacement parts = 0
Crashes = 1 Injuries = 1 (my ankle)
Picture = Crank it up Box

Today I was riding table tops so badly this morning (either nose diving or landing on my back wheel on top) that we took to the more technical style trails like Schleyer into Karate Monkey , then Whistler DH course and Rock City- I took it easy on the entry to the rock rolls on the latter trails but I did them. On Whistelr DH there is one dusty roll that heads straight down over a log and then sharp left. I made it down but kinda got stopped by the left turn cos I was going too fast to make it round. Still I was pleased to make it down.

Then we headed up to the top of Garbanzo again but this time from Original Sin, Blue Velvet we headed into In Deep and then straight up onto Captain Safety. This sounded like a tough Double diamond even Tom had never done but we took it gingerly and it was not too bad. Similar to Original Sin but with one loose dirt covered rock roll that I walked even though I should be able to do it next time.

From there we rejoined In Deep down the steep rooty rock roll and then off into Fatcrobat which I actually bailed off for the first time. I seem a bit unbalanced today.

Later we sessioned Crank it up and Tom followed me to give me some Table Top tips as I was clearing them now but apparently I'm compressing so much off the lip I'm losing my height. I'm supposed to manual off them more so we had a run where I tried that to more and some less success!

Then we did Schleyer and I diverted off to do Smoke and Mirrors only to have a moment lapse of concentration on a right hand raised wooden ladder turn - my rear wheel dropped off and surprised me I fell to the left and put my foot out onto a small fallen tree trunk turning over on my ankle with my full weight on it. OH MY WORD the searing pain! For a moment I worried I'd cracked it and I could instantly feel it swelling up.

But aftera few mins lying still the pain subsided a little and I got up, back on my bike and cycled down to meet Tom. I called it a day as I wanted to get iced up and Tylenlol'ed to reduce the swelling ASAP and save my next rides! RICE!

Currently sitting strapped up and raised with an ice pack and a beer! Cross fingers the swelling goes down by morning!

Whistler Bike Park Day 5

CK on Fatcrobat, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

July 17
Bear Sitings = 0 (where have they gone?)
Replacement parts= 1 (brake pads Tom)
Picture= CK on Fatcrobat

Today started with much pfaffing to fit my Hayes Stroker Trail brakes. Rear was no problem but front needed the adapter from 6inch to 8inch as I had expected it would need so I phoned around and once again good old Fanatykco came up trumps. I pedaled Tom's bike down there to pick it up and I fitted the front brake.

Then Tom had hassle trying to change his brake pads so I went up for a run alone, by 1pm we were on the mountain.

We rode Crank it up, Schleyer, Karate Monkey, GLC, then up to ride Original Sin, Blue Velvet, In Deep, Fatcrobat (see photo).

Tom rode filthy ape and then tried to launch the step up on Blue Velvet but hauled up on the ramp as it was pretty big and hardly ridden. The route the other side of it was loose steep unridden and not trail built so I left him to it and rode out Blue Velvet.

I finally rode the rocky gully on In Deep but still can't get round the rocky right switch back on Original Sin that is my ghost riding nemesis.

We went up again and I sessioned Crank it up while Tom took a ride down A-line. I'm really riding so much faster and flowier and now taking the bigger table tops and clearing a lot more of them - it's so smooth when you hit the down transition. These brakes are great for me, 1 finger braking at last and more modulation than before plus I don't have to drag the brakes all the time to know I can reach the lever. (I have v. small hands). The brakes are pretty much broken in after a day like that!

We finished early today and did our supermarket shopping! Dinner was kebabs in wraps at home and some Alexander Keths Indian Pale Ales.

We watched an hilarious movie called Tank Girl- very weird but very entertaining.

Whistler Bike Park Day 4

CK on mid GLC drop, originally uploaded by kendyck1.

July 15
Bear Sitings = 0
Replacement parts = 2 (brakes F&R)

Kms = 42k

Here I am dropping off the middle GLC drop. This is my build up to dropping the big one by the end of the holiday.

Today I rode so much better as my arms are getting used to the pounding, my confidence and skills are returning and my bike bits are performing so much better.

Crank it up sessions in the morning were smooth and I cleared more TTs than ever before, even flying high on some. Then we rode Schleyer and Whistler DH course.

In the pm we rode B-line, Karate monkey, smoke and mirrors then from the top Freight train where I did a "pay it forward" deed and helped a guy who had crashed to fix his headset but at the end of the day his hand was probably broken so he could not ride anymore and he downloaded. I carried on even hitting the freight train wooden ramp drop and sitting so far back I had tyres skid marks on my shorts- Wow!

Then we rode Original Sin and I rode Drop in Clinic for the first time- a steep rock roll. Once you commit its easy but tipping over the edge down a steep roll takes some guts. Then we were into No Diff - more rock rolls and rooty stuff to keep thois tyres brushing my backside or vice versa rather.

Later we rode Upper and Lower Joyride which I ended up walking a few bits but I did ride the woodwork at the end which I had never done before. Finally I took a run down smoke and mirrors and off the GLC again (3 times today).

So lots of accomplishemnts today.

We ended up at the Amsterdam and got very merry in our bike armour before cycling home in a rather wiggly manner!

Fantatstic weather, trails are very dry and loose. Really feel like I am on holiday today, relaxing and enjoying it so much more.