Alex & Robin's Adventures in AB/BC
- Thread starter Robin
- Start date
THATmanMANNY
Well-Known Member
please tell that supabikewrecker fat bastard on the right I am mad jelly and to break a leg. Just like that.
All of u have fun ok f couse but that is without saying. How could u not!
Robin
Well-Known Member
Sunday 8/12
today we had one big ride planned...it was going to include a fair amount
of climbing, but the views and descent would be worth it. This is where we were heading - Castle Rock.
we broke into 2 groups with Alex, myself, Mark, Lance and Donna heading
up with our guide Ryan. it seemed like we were climbing forever...we stopped for a break at the first lookout.
Phew. I compared my Garmin with Alex's to make sure it was right...we had only gone 4.5 miles since the house yet climbed 1500' already. Most of my rides at home totaled that. And we still had more climbing to do.
We continued on and climbed up Castle Rocks. We left our bikes for the last few hundred feet and hiked (more like scrambled) up to the peak. it was amazing. we managed to climb almost 2300'...in 5.5 miles. Insane.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/209897409
we could see the other group at one of the intersections - waved, took photos, and headed back down. On our way down Hyper Ventilation and Hyper Extension, we stopped while the guys fixed Lance's tire. We met a guy...who was on a singlespeed. Amazing. End's up he's a Fernie local, who helped build a trail "Dirt Diggler".
We arrived for lunch and switched out pedals to play in the dirt jumping park and practice our skills. Our guides, Johanna and Ryan were amazing - giving us pointers and practicing with ramps and a teeter totter.
Video of Johanna and Ryan killing it in the dirt jumping park. Mark had a blast too.
today we had one big ride planned...it was going to include a fair amount
of climbing, but the views and descent would be worth it. This is where we were heading - Castle Rock.
we broke into 2 groups with Alex, myself, Mark, Lance and Donna heading
up with our guide Ryan. it seemed like we were climbing forever...we stopped for a break at the first lookout.
Phew. I compared my Garmin with Alex's to make sure it was right...we had only gone 4.5 miles since the house yet climbed 1500' already. Most of my rides at home totaled that. And we still had more climbing to do.
We continued on and climbed up Castle Rocks. We left our bikes for the last few hundred feet and hiked (more like scrambled) up to the peak. it was amazing. we managed to climb almost 2300'...in 5.5 miles. Insane.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/209897409
we could see the other group at one of the intersections - waved, took photos, and headed back down. On our way down Hyper Ventilation and Hyper Extension, we stopped while the guys fixed Lance's tire. We met a guy...who was on a singlespeed. Amazing. End's up he's a Fernie local, who helped build a trail "Dirt Diggler".
We arrived for lunch and switched out pedals to play in the dirt jumping park and practice our skills. Our guides, Johanna and Ryan were amazing - giving us pointers and practicing with ramps and a teeter totter.
Video of Johanna and Ryan killing it in the dirt jumping park. Mark had a blast too.
Robin
Well-Known Member
oh yeah...forgot to mention...no problems adjusting to the smaller wheels...it actually feels good. I feel like I have more control, especially when descending. And I'm thankful for that little chainring!
Lance used his bike the first day and wanted to try FS - he had the choice of a 29er or 26er...and went with the 26er.
We did notice that climbing, the front comes up more/off the ground - and we need to get further up on the saddle and lower.
Lance used his bike the first day and wanted to try FS - he had the choice of a 29er or 26er...and went with the 26er.
We did notice that climbing, the front comes up more/off the ground - and we need to get further up on the saddle and lower.
Robin
Well-Known Member
Yeah, she's awesome...she's my hero. An incredible rider!
As for converting back...I'm not sold either way right now...I see Mandi kill it on a 26er...and I'm not that much taller than her. I wonder how I would do on rocks with the 26er. I didn't really "ride" until I got my 1st 29er...hmmm...
650b has you written all over it..
ebineezer
Well-Known Member
That's why you need multiple bikes! Best of both worlds...
Robin
Well-Known Member
Monday 8/13
So today we had the day to ourselves - meaning, we could decide what we wanted to ride. We spent the morning in town tooling around...here's how one mom gets her kids to town.
The option of heading to Fernie Alpine Resort for some downhilling appealed to all of us.
We used our FS bikes and bought lift tickets. Both Alex and I opted for our clipless pedals. Yesterday my feet were bouncing off my flats - and I was not confident enough to stick with the flats today.
This was my first time downhilling as well as Lance's. Alex and Mark have done it before, and Alex gave me some pointers and ideas on what to expect. We got off the chair and headed down...and it was scarier than I thought. Just like skiing, the trails look easier from the chair...and then your realize what you are riding.
I opted to stay with Ryan and Donna, while Alex, Mark and Lance went with Johanna. Ryan was incredibly patient with us and gave us both a lot of great advice and help on how to ride down with confidence. By my last run, I was all smiles and had that "ah ha" moment. I was learning to lean the bike more, not clamp down on it and let it flow. Granted, I was riding greens and blues, I still felt like a rock star. I could see myself trying this again once we are home.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/210453048
Later, one of the local shops had us over for a mechanic session, pizza and beer. We learned about adjusting derailers...and the boys were mesmerized with replacing Johanna's derailer internal cables. T
Tomorrow we head to Nipika, which is remote and off the grid. We'll be there for the next few days - enjoying hot springs and awesome riding. Looking forward to it.
So today we had the day to ourselves - meaning, we could decide what we wanted to ride. We spent the morning in town tooling around...here's how one mom gets her kids to town.
The option of heading to Fernie Alpine Resort for some downhilling appealed to all of us.
We used our FS bikes and bought lift tickets. Both Alex and I opted for our clipless pedals. Yesterday my feet were bouncing off my flats - and I was not confident enough to stick with the flats today.
This was my first time downhilling as well as Lance's. Alex and Mark have done it before, and Alex gave me some pointers and ideas on what to expect. We got off the chair and headed down...and it was scarier than I thought. Just like skiing, the trails look easier from the chair...and then your realize what you are riding.
I opted to stay with Ryan and Donna, while Alex, Mark and Lance went with Johanna. Ryan was incredibly patient with us and gave us both a lot of great advice and help on how to ride down with confidence. By my last run, I was all smiles and had that "ah ha" moment. I was learning to lean the bike more, not clamp down on it and let it flow. Granted, I was riding greens and blues, I still felt like a rock star. I could see myself trying this again once we are home.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/210453048
Later, one of the local shops had us over for a mechanic session, pizza and beer. We learned about adjusting derailers...and the boys were mesmerized with replacing Johanna's derailer internal cables. T
Tomorrow we head to Nipika, which is remote and off the grid. We'll be there for the next few days - enjoying hot springs and awesome riding. Looking forward to it.
Last edited:
SpartaBard
Well-Known Member
Have you found any teaching jobs up there yet? 😀
Robin
Well-Known Member
Quick update...in the remote area of Nipika in Kootenay National Park. We are off the grid and relying on solar power. I am typing this from my Kindle and managed to get on the resort's wifi (not sure if that's ok...).
Will be back in "civilization" either tonight or tomorrow to update with more photos and recaps.
Already sad our trip is wrapping up...we already thought about booking next year's trip!
Will be back in "civilization" either tonight or tomorrow to update with more photos and recaps.
Already sad our trip is wrapping up...we already thought about booking next year's trip!
