August 13, 2009

Fernie Bike Trip 2009

Danielle Drieschner from Lake Country, BC was the lucky winner of our Fernie Mountain Biking Dream Getaway, here is her story...

August 6, 2009

Crashing shoulder first into a sturdy tree on Silverstar’s Double Dog the previous Sunday had me worried that I would be hiking at Fernie Alpine Resort, rather than biking. But, x-rays, ice and several ibuprofen’s later, Damien and I headed out Thursday from Kelowna to Fernie! The drive through the Kootenays was awesome - no deer on the roads and we made it through the intense roadblocks in place for Salmo’s Shambhala festival. If you ever find yourself in Rock Creek, the Petro Canada makes tasty big sandwiches.

We want to thank Bike Parks BC and Tourism Fernie so much for this experience! Upon arriving in Fernie after midnight mountain time (hard to get used to that), we quickly found the Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge. It was late, but the staff member at the front desk was friendly and helpful, and most importantly, we soon discovered that we were in the deluxe French-themed Jacuzzi Suite! Damien is French and was right at home. This was so much more than we were expecting - jacuzzi tub in the living room, the most comfy king-sized bed ever, and did I mention a jacuzzi in the living room? On the big bed we found 2 cases of Cliff bars, 2 pairs of Ryder sunglasses, 2 2-day passes for riding, ride and dine gift certificate for the Lost Boys Café, and - almost as exciting as the jacuzzi - nachos and a jug of kokanee at Kelsey’s in the village!

August 7, 2009

I had never really been to Fernie, so waking up in this mountain town was pretty spectacular. The long drive and king-sized bed resulted in a few hits to the snooze button, so breakfast was quick and dirty in the Mountain Café. We then bombed it up to the resort, which is a short 5 minutes from downtown Fernie. The mountain staff were great at getting us set for the day, including a quick trip to the patrol hut for a wrist tape job - another casualty of Silverstar (this one for Damien) - and some tips on must-ride trails. The Elk Chair was the place to be on Friday - lines seemed to be non-existent with the diversity of trails available and the liftees were fabulous!

We first hit up Top Gun, which seemed to be most recommended for its berms, doubles and big tables in the trees (my photo skills did not give this one justice and I resorted to taking a video of Damien on our 3.2 mega pixel canon powershot). This run has some good flow and you can easily hit the big tables and then switch over to Aggravated Assault and Hollow Tree for more roots, wooden skinnies, bridges, A-frames and drops. Allflight Pattern brought more wooden goodness. These trails seemed to have something for everyone - a lot of the big stunts had a smaller counterpart nearby that was great for my progression into the world of skinnies, and they were big enough that I could still feel like a superstar.

The Elk Chair also provides access to several other runs for all levels. Power Carve and Trac II led us down the hill to a discovery of Monorail, which was short, but sweet with a lot of pop and berms - what you would expect when riding the Monorail (singing like Homer Simpson). Tips from some 15-year old rippers on the chair led us to discover Playground and Phat Larry’s. These trails offer steeper pitches, tight berms and an assortment of structures integrated into the natural terrain. The setting of these trails and the resort in general is utterly amazing! We rode until last chair, fully satisfied with a hard day’s riding and ready to hit up Kelsey’s in the village for our NACHOS! While it was not super busy being a Friday afternoon, the village had a great vibe to it, lots of hikers and riders, and we were pumped to find a sunny spot on the patio. Guillaume from St. Anne, QC brought us a very tasty platter of fully loaded cheesy nacho goodness - with a pitcher of Kokanee to wash it down. We were also educated on the rules and regulations of a ski shot, and understand that a bike version is in the works.

August 8, 2009

Woke up early, loaded up the bikes and found an Organic Café for a delicious omelette and latte. Then it was off to explore the Timber Chair, which opens up a whole other trail network with sweeping views of Fernie, the mountains, steep single-track darting in and out of the forest, and a hint of how amazing it must be in the winter. We opted for a little Megasaurus, mixed with Rumplestumpskin, TNT and Bin Logdin throughout the day, heading back to the Elk Chair now and then for the trails we couldn’t get enough of the day before. The Timber Chair of the hill is definitely more technical, or at least the rocks and roots at the top require more concentration. The flow and structures keep coming as you head down. The Lost Boys Café at the top of the Timber Chair had the barbecue running, and we again had a fabulous lunch in an even more fabulous location.

There is so much variety at this mountain, and we felt that we needed more time to explore - wish Fernie was closer! We actually had to check out the real estate when we got back to town, as this is definitely a scene we could get used to. Dinner was such a toss up between sushi and the Curry Bowl, but we went Curry Bowl and were not disappointed! A lot of talk about food, but biking all day makes a lady ravenous. The riding, food and friendly folks of Fernie, as well as the jacuzzi and king size bed, made this such a positive experience - we hope to come back soon.



Thanks again!!!

Dani and Damien

August 10, 2009

URT 2009 - Day 6&7: Whistler to the finish

Day 6-7: August 6th & 7th

After a good night sleep we left for the slopes again. The entire group dropped into Crank It Up. Half way through Dave’s previous day crash had not fully healed. Did I mention he crashed on his chest on a rock? Anyway way he did. He chose to sit the rest of the day out and headed up the mountain to try out the Peak 2 Peak (which is a recommended must if your in town).

The rest of us continued on. Today all of the lessons and experience were going to be exercised. Maybe it was just me, but I noticed the pace had picked up. Less breaks and more speed. The combo saw us shredding more runs than usual, but also tackling the big guns early. It was a really good start to the day. The upper mountain was in great shape and for once so were our hands.

Everyone was riding really strong, the progression was obvious but perhaps the fatigue set in. As we all knew it was our last day in Whistler we milked it for what we could. While tailing Shaums, Swiss Luc took one of Shaums’ lines over a small little side hit. Once you land you MUST hit a hard left. Well… how was Lucas supposed to know that?

Lucas missed the corner and went over the side of the trail, which happened to be a 15-foot near vertical bank to a ditch. He tried to ride it out but there was no chance. He was smacked up really good. He finished the run, but went straight for lunch and eventually retired from the Ultimate Road Trip (at least the riding part).

Andy suffered similar fate when on a famous ‘last run’ he went over the bars on an A-Line tabletop. While it wasn’t as bad as Luc’s show, it was bad enough that the party on hill was over. So it was just Nate and I left. We ran into Alex Conlon and did one final lap and called it a day.

The next time I saw the Swiss together I quickly noticed they had matching limps and bruised hips. It was pretty funny. We headed to Sushi Village for the final dinner where we had a few guests tag along. The Anthill crew was on hand as well as Kamloops freerider Matt Hunter. It was a great meal with great company and an even greater bill. Sushi Village never disappoints.

The URT crew limped over to Buffalo Bills night club, where it was time for rounds. You see at the start of the day we all agreed if you crashed you had to buy a round at the bar later. So our Swiss friends pretty much took care of us that evening.

Due to the 3 riders not being primed for a last day in Squamish and those same crashes resulting in too many rounds at Bill’s, our final day was a right-off. We took the morning easy and headed to Vancouver to drop our friends at the airport.

Another year in the books for the Ultimate Road Trip and once again BC's bike parks prove to be the best on earth. You really can’t beat a DH tour in BC. Every resort has its niche and is excelling at it. This year it was obvious that resorts are starting to understand what makes their resort special and are really focusing on keeping their experience a unique one. Try it for yourself, you won't regret it.

Until next year!
Ian

We broke though the clouds to find sunshine up top!

Alex cracks some style off the first set of jumps on Freight Train.

The light and mist was perfect for some photos.

Alex break in a brand new berm on an unnamed trail in Whistler.

Andy cutting through the fog on No Joke.

Shaums does the same but has to cut Andy’s dust too.

The culvert on Whistler makes for some good fun for Luc. It never stops here.

This is what happens when you miss your corner.

The Swiss are good friends, so good that when one gets hurt the other does too. Matching bruised heal limps and all.

URT 2009 - Day 5&6: Sun Peaks - Whistler

Days 5-6, August 5th & 6th:

We woke up to clouds on our final day at Sun Peaks. It was a great relief because the bone-dry mountain was in need of some moisture. After another feed at 5-40’s the rain began to spit. Raincoats were grabbed and we headed to the lifts.

By the time we got to the chair if was raining with some authority. The air turned crisp and for the first time on the trip we had perfect and tacky conditions. I think everyone one was excited for the traction but even more rewarding was that we could now follow each other with out being completely dusted out.

Literally when it is dry and you’re tailing someone you can’t see the ground, which makes it tricky for some who have never ridden here before. Anyway another great day was had, a few more laps down Sugar and then we took on the steeper descents of Kaboom, Honey Drop and Hi-Octane.

We had to leave today but a forest fire blocked our route to Whistler. So instead we drove the long way around adding an extra 2 hours. This was ok for the crew as it gave them more time to create a party in the van. As for the driver, after a long day on the trails and a long 6 hours on the road it was bedtime. The crew continued the good times on the town when we arrived in Whistler.

When the sun rose the next day we were all excited about riding Whistler. I could see all the new found confidence was about to pay off big for the crew. Whistler has a way of testing a riders strengths and endurance. Shaums gave the crew a refresher on hitting jumps and drops and soon we took the lessons to the actual trails.

All the goods were hit up on the lower mountain and we even made it up for a Garbanzo lap. Time really does fly when your loving life. Before we knew it we were running late for an ATV adventure with Whistler Outdoor Adventures. They have new terrain up Cougar Mountain and it really was a lot of fun and much more challenging than the previous tours on Whistler Mountain.

They have a really classy operation there; Lindsey our guide is awesome and quite familiar with our antics so her tours always make for some extra fun. But, truth be told we were filthy after. If hasn’t rained in Whistler for weeks and our next stop was the amazing Edgewater Lodge restaurant located on Green Lake. The view from there is simply the best in Whistler.

So what were 6 dirt bags doing in a fine dining establishment like that? I don’t know but the food and ambience was stellar. That meal pretty much shut everyone down and all had an early night.

Highway rest stop with Andy.

Shaums coaching Nate on how to get some pop at slower speeds.

Andy takes some time to practice his drop in the ‘drop zone’ at Whistler.

Lets meet the riders… David form Cranbrooks

Andy worked for DT Swiss in Switzerland

Shaums – Shaums is the boss.

Luc – Luc builds homes for the wealthy in Switzerland.

Alex – was a late addition on the trip, he wanted to race in Whistler so we gave him a ride from Sun Peaks. He is going to be one to watch over the years.

Nate – makes clothes called ‘dedicated’ look it up online in the next few weeks. Some really nice designs.

Luc takes the steep exit of Blue Velvet.

Shaums rides a long messy rock on Captain Safety.

David (no comment)

The ATV’n was amazing, a great time of day for some backcountry riding.

Luc, Nate and I, all taking a picture.
Doing it in Style at the Edgewater.

August 5, 2009

URT 2009 - Day 3/4: Silver Star – Sun Peaks

Day 3/4, August 3rd & 4th:

The last 2 days have been filled with a lot of dirt and fast riding. We started yesterday off with a quick breakfast at Bugaboos; they have the best pastries around. The German couple that own the café are great and add that extra authenticity to the meal.

We worked on a few more techniques and hit some of Silver Star’s stunt trails, every one in the group tackled the tasks with ease. Luc again continued his quest to crash the most with some more tumbly antics. His white jersey is not looking so clean these days.

After some double burgers at the Saloon and a quick film and photo session by David and Nathan we packed up for Sun Peaks. It is always sad to leave Silver Star but Sun Peaks is no slouch either, so fatigued smiles remain.

A short 2-hour drive and we were there and checking into the Cahilty Nancy Green Lodge. Before I even knew it, the crew over came fatigue with a few drinks at the local tavern and from what I heard a memorable night ensued. Unfortunately this guy had to stay in and catch up and work.

The next day was slow for obvious reason. After some guiding from Cam our host and new friend Alex (local ripper)- we started to get some flow going. Most notable was Andy from Switzerland, he decided to run every skinny in the park, he capped the day off with the ‘the shiezer’ (name not official), a connecting 5 foot long mess of skinnies. He rode it fast and clean. Every one was stoked!

The plus again this year is that everyone is stoked on riding and the results are 4 guys ripping. And for me what is most obvious is watching guys riding style and flow change from stiff to diving into and flowing linked turns. The MMR school of riding once again proves itself.
I should also mention we have been chowing down at Massey’s and dam they make some good food there. Thanks!

Shaums also wanted me to mention that he is still sweet and awesome. We all agree… it is off to breakfast at 5-40’s now and some more DH park riding. Later we will head to Whistler, the fires have shut down the Duffy Lake road so we’ll be driving the long way to Whistler- and extra 2 hours!

Shaums hits up a rock to dock gap on Sugar. On his first try he landed about 2 inches from missing the right side. Always an entertainer.

Nate has made some serious strides in his riding. It is good to see progression first hand.

Here is Andy on “the shiezer” – first try and clean. You’ll see the rest below.

Local ripper Alex gave it a go as well.

This is Sun Peaks jump park zone. There is something for every one in here.

A small section of ‘route 66’. I believe 66 berms in total. Trying to chase Alex down this was dangerous. Although I did have my most leaned out high speed - foot down and sliding corner I think I ever have.

Luc in back, Andy in the middle and Nate up front, coasting some Sun Peaks singletrack.

Shaums chases Alex down insanity one. These guys we going fast. Really fast.

August 4, 2009

URT 2009 - Day Two: Silver Star

Day Two, August 2nd:

Yesterday started with Breakfast at Bulldogs followed by sunshine. After a quick fix of bacon and eggs the crew was ready to hit the now famous slopes of Silver Star Mountain Resort. If you have not heard yet Silver Star is the only BC Bike Park that gives Whistler a run for its money. In my opinion, there is no question SS is simply about having fun.

The locals, the dirt, the metal blaring at the chair lift and the selection of beautifully crafted and maintained trails make it an easy choice for me. Best known for its endless burmed runs, but the slopes also host some classy and classic DH trails. Shaums gave the crew a quick MMR technique and skills session, after that he let the guys adjust to their new-found knowledge. The results were a day of high paced trails shredding.
We stopped for lunch at Isadora’s, a Swiss styled style restaurant in the heart of the village. The chef himself hails from the Switzerland and has a great reputation around town for tasty food and great prices. We all had the soup, sandwich and salad, once again highly recommended. The combo only costs 10 bucks! (See photo, it was as good as it looks.)

The afternoon featured faster riding and bigger crashes. Luc had a good one in front of us all, he was OK. His crisp white jersey became a tan dirty one in the first 10 corners of the day. We rode until close and finished the day off riding a ‘secret’ trail off the side of the mountain. It was old school shot with tech rock and really nice views.

Our friend Cam from the Saloon treated us to this run but also treated us to great dinner at his Saloon pub, where they premiered the 'Tipping Point’ by Clay Porter. But not before we all unleashed on each other with 3 rounds of high stress paint ball. If your in the Star - go play. Not only is it the best way to shoot your friends with guns but unconfirmed rumors tell us that it may not be around for long. 6 of us played for over an hour for just 90 bucks total. Pretty good value, just watch out for local snipers.

Now it is off to Bugaboos for coffee, German pastries and a half-day of Silver Star, before we hit the road to Sun Peaks. Until then enjoy some picks of the day…

Luc roosts up some dry Silver Star dirt.

Shaums shows the crew how to approach a rocky situation.

Luc takes a different approach.

Luc and Nathan dance through some downhill action on Dag’s.

Isadora’s head chef delivers the goods.

Shaums top out on the big burmed wall ride.

Luc closes out the day with some old school singletrack.

Shaums legs after a day in the dirt, or are they?

Sniper vs. sniper… some friendly war.

URT 2009 - Day One: The Ultimate Road Trip Begins

Day One, August 1st:

An easy start to an easy 8 days began yesterday. Shaums March and myself (trusty side kick/photographer Ian Millar) left our homes in Whistler and Squamish to hit highway 99 south to Vancouver International Airport. (Where Ian noted that the new Sky train from the down town to Airport was in operation or at least being tested).

We were off to pick up Luc and Andreas contest winners from Sass Fe, Switzerland. The European duo arrived just shortly after Canadian contest winners David Bennison and his shred buddy Jonathon from Cranbrook, B.C. After loading up the MMR Ultimate Road Trip van it was apparent that the Canadian crew was high on energy while the Swiss duo were a little jet lagged after 2 days of planes, trains and auto’s to get here.

The drive was typical and the pace was casual. A quick sushi stop and the road was ours. After 5 hours on the road we found our selves pulling into Silver Star Mountain Resort. Much to our pleasure Shaums and I had been upgraded from past years and our suite now had a deck larger than last years room. Did I mention our hot tub has a DVD/TV monitor in it? Now we just have figure out how to turn their tub cool to fight the 37-degree day ahead fill it with appropriate company.

It is off to breakfast at Bulldogs now, where last night they served up some highly recommended Jerk pulled pork dinners. So good. Rumor has it Arrested Development will also be there. I haven’t heard that name in while.

We’ll check back in the tomorrow. In the mean time here are few picks from yesterday.

Nathen enters the Ultimate Road Trip – MMR van.

The MMR road trip machine, fresh with new wheels.

Team Switzerland stretch out a few days of travel.

One of the stranger wild fire clouds I have seen. From a distance it looked like a nuke went off in Kelowna.


5 hours later and the crew arrived at the Snowbird in Silver Star.