Wolf Moon Night Ride (1/18/03): Went out for a night ride tonight with a friend. Its the first full moon of 2003 and we had a great time on the twisty tight trails of the Tapeworm in Renton, WA. There were just a few clouds out and they gave a misty quality to the view of the full moon. Kinda looked like some of those horror film shots. Both of us were on our trusty SS bikes. The Tapeworm trails are not as tough as they used to be but they still give a good challenge during the day. Now ... throw in the cover of darkness, a singlespeed, and a bar light and you have the makings of GOOD fun. Really makes you be on your toes. These trails are the kind where if you find yourself going straight or picking up speed, you'd better get on the stoppers fast cause there's sure to be a sharp corner with roots coming up. There's a few short climbs thrown in for good measure. So we had to be prepared to give maximum acceleration last night at any given moment. In a word ... fun.

Pare o' DySS (1/28/03): Wasn't it a BEAUTIFUL day out there!?! Wanted to say thankx to GlennJ & KirkA for joining me on my little ramble through the Paradise Lake trail system. Hope my "ride leading" and SSing didn't hold things up too much. We had some mud, some puddles, "directionally challenged" moments, roots, logs, a rippin' good downhill and one flat (me). Oh ... did I mention FUN and SUN? Yes ... we had that too. I ended up on my rear a couple times from my tires slipping out on me but its all good. The trails on the plateau were dry as a bone and good fun. We didn't get to some of the areas that I'd liked to have explored but that just leaves something new for next time, eh?

The work sections from a few weeks ago are holding up really good ... the creek crossing is good stuff in my opinion. Reminds me of the pictures I see from British mountain biking. On my second pass through the creek crossing is where I managed to pinch flat.

The Unemployed Wanderings (2/4/03): I'm currently unemployed and it looked like the weather was supposed to be pretty good for the afternoon, so I decided to try something that I've thought about before. I've wondered if it were possible to ride from my home in Redmond to one of our good riding areas in the Seattle region. I set out to test that theory.

The plan was to ride from my home down to the Samammish Valley Trail (paved). Head up towards Bothell and catch the intersection with the Tolt Pipeline Trail (packed gravel). Go to the end of the Tolt Pipeline and then ride West Snoqualmie Valley Road & 264th St to the beginning of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail (graveled rail trail). Take that into the town of Carnation and go to the beginning of the singletrack trails at Tolt-McDonald Park. Take a loop around the park and then head back home the same way I came.

Harmonic ConvergenSS (2/9/03): The second running of this gathering of like minded souls down in Longview, WA saw a huge increase in attendance … both of the singlespeed and the geared variety. There were 54 riders chomping at the bit to sample the fine singletrack of the Stella Trail system, located west of Longview.

I caught a ride down with a Seattle singlespeeder (Tim) and his girlfriend E.J. We hit the road around 7:30am and pulled into the meeting location right around 9:45am. Cars and riders were strewn all across the lot. My jaw dropped open in amazement. Our host for the day (BobS aka Red-Haze) had indicated that there might be 30 riders. That in itself would have taxed the best of ride leaders. More and more vehicles kept coming in as we waited for the final straggler from Eugene, OR (General Coonskins) to show their face. Luckily, Bob had a couple helpers to break the group up (Joel and Ken). A huge thank-you to all three!

So … we had riders from Seattle, Eugene, Bend, Portland, Vancouver (WA), Longview, and even a couple from AZ (one of them recently moved to Eugene). Once the General drove up, the group quickly disbanded and headed to the trailhead. Unfortunately, our driver had just run off to see a man about a horse and we were left all on our own. Admittedly, I hadn't paid any attention to the directions Bob gave to the trailhead so we were a bit fearful of missing the ride altogether. We knew the road we needed to turn off on but not exactly how to get to that road. Fortunately, our driver had one of those Washington Topo Map books and we were able to find the correct road and get to the parking area in time.

We all headed up the gravel roadway for a nice 1-1/2 mile spin. We then stopped and split into three groups (fast, technical & enjoyment) according to our interest. I wrestled with my courage for a few seconds before I finally decided to join the technical group. The Stella trail system is very similar to the Tolt-McDonald and Paradise Lake trails in Seattle. Tight, twisty, rooty, convoluted, log ramped and fun! Throw in some really good log rides and you get the idea of the playground we invaded on Sunday.

After a couple hours of playing follow the leader and hearing the whoops of successful (and unsuccessful) riding up ahead of us, we all converged on the refreshment area. Bob had arranged it so the refreshment area was right next to another log ride so we could enjoy our beer & soda with riding entertainment. Lots of good riders out yesterday! Bob had B.O.B.ed in a trailer full of goodies the day before for our enjoyment.

After that, it was more of the twisties, another stop at the refreshment area to finish off the last of the refreshments, and then our group headed out towards the trailhead. There were several more stops as we regrouped at major trail intersections. At each one, Bob would tell us with a straight face that it was all downhill from there. As soon as we would get going again, we would invariably be greeted by an uphill section. After two or three of these speeches, we stopped believing Bob. J

We had no major mechanicals in all three groups. Just a couple flats (one of them mine about a mile from the vehicles) and a chain derailment or two. No injuries although there were a few rather spectacular wipeouts. One of them was mine where I tried to take out my driver. We were going downhill for a change and there was this little 6” log across the trail that you had to bunnyhop. Tim had mistimed his jump and was standing beside the trail pulling his thoughts together as I came down the hill. Of course, I too mistimed the jump and proceeded to head directly for Tim … figuring if I was going to wipe out I might as well take someone with me. Fortunately for me, I managed to NOT do as I had planned and just took a soil sample for myself.

After the ride was over, about 45 of the group headed downtown to the Masthead Restaurant for some refueling and refreshments. We basically took over the whole place. Unfortunately, we had to sit in two different areas since the group was so big but there was lots of fun in both camps.

Bavarian Bike & Brews Festival (6/7/03): Saturday was the sixth running of this mountain bike race and beer festival held in Leavenworth, WA. I'd attended last year's event but wasn't able to finish the race due to major mechanical difficulties with my singlespeed (long story but if you strip out your QR and have two flats you're done for the day). This year I vowed to make a better showing.

Friday evening after work, Jason, Ethan and I all piled our stuff into the vehicle and headed over Stevens Pass to Leavenworth. We got kind of a late start so didn't actually pull into town until about 10pm. This was to be Jason and Ethan's first foray into the world of racing. I knew what I was getting into having sort of ridden the course last year but the new riders only had my imperfect description to go on.

Saturday, we were up bright and early to head the few miles outside of town to the race site. Once we got through with the minimal registration (no NORBA license needed) it was time to get prepared for the day's racing. The sun was out and the skies were clear blue. With the way the weather patterns were going it was going to be pretty darn warm during the race. While I was riding around before the start of the novice class, I ran into a couple riding friends from the Longview area (Bob - a fellow singlespeeder & Joel), from the Yakima area (Charlie & Russ), and also one of the attendees at my little Red Green Ride! It was just like "old home" week.

Jason, Ethan and Bob rolled out in the Novice category at 9:30am. Sun was warm and I knew that by the time my start rolled around it'd be even warmer. I went back to the car and made sure that everything was ready to go. I even took off the old threadbare MudMax rear tire and threw on something with a little more meat.

10:30 finally gets there and its time for my class to go out ... 40-49 Sport. Bob had represented in the Novice class and I was going to fly the freak flag high in the Sport. The course starts off with a nice 1.25 mile dirt road climb followed by about 3.2 miles of singletrack ... climbing steadily all the while for a total of about 1800ft per lap. After you crest the saddle, its time to descend at warp speeds through a crazy minefield of rolling grade tank trap dips and bermed turns. It's a lot of fun but you really have to pay attention to what you're doing.

We rolled out at the start of the gun and turned our attention to the climb. I was able to hang somewhere close to the main group of racers (at least I could still see them in front when we got to the top) so was feeling pretty good. The weekly training rides seemed to be paying off so far. Now for the hard part of the climbing on the singletrack. For the most part, it climbed at a pretty steady grade but I knew that there were some pitches that would require an out of the saddle effort for me. I was running a 36x20 gear on my SS ... hopefully I'd have enough legs to keep the pedals turning over.

Pretty warm out of course but we did have advantage of a few spots of shade which felt really good. The singletrack climb is basically a long series of three switchbacks. There some really good scenery along the way and the nice trail allows you to quickly glance over to your right as you climb. Wildflowers are bursting out all over the place so it's really not an unpleasant time despite the fact that you're in a race. The second lap might be another story of course. I make it to the top of the climb with only one short section that I had to get off the bike. I've made it this far without any mechanical difficulties ... lets see if I can keep from getting any flats on the downhill.

WooHoo ... hang on tight cause here we go! Gotta love that big front tire and I'm enviously thinking of Bob's rigid SS with the 3.0 Gazzalodi on it. I stumble a bit though the deep V creek crossing but make it to the bottom in one piece. Dang that was fun ... lets do it again! I'm feeling the need for some energy on the climb so grab my gel pack and try to keep riding. It is SO much easier to do this with a flask. I'm wandering all over the road trying to ride with one hand while climbing and tear open that package with my teeth. Good thing I was out of sight of the spectators. :)

For some reason the climb up the second lap doesn't seem to take as long. Maybe I'm just able to zone out better. I catch one rider right at the end of the dirt road. He's got a campsite set up near here and stopped to get some more water. I take advantage of that and pass him for the lead up the singletrack. Unfortunately, that doesn't last long as a steep loose little section forces me off the bike. Not as much gas left as the first lap. The rest of the climb passes in a heat haze. Just - hang - on - keep - pedals - rotating. Instead of RPM's I'm beginning to think in RPH (revolutions per hour). Surprisingly, I begin to catch sight of the one rider who passed me at the start of the singletrack and am able to make a pass on him near the last part of the climb. Wonder if I can keep enough room on him to make it through the downhill? I also pass the entire Leisure Class on the second lap. Of course he *is* hauling a plastic lawn chair, a big shade umbrella and who knows what else tied to his back so its not as big an accomplishment as it sounds.

Finally, I crest the saddle and after dumping that nice and cool water over my head continue down the trail for the last descent. Not long after that, the rider I'd been dueling with catches up with me and passes me like I'm standing still. Ahhh well. Hang on, we're almost done! I exit from the singletrack and triumphantly scream down the last ¼ mile of dirt road to the finish line.

The race is over for me and I hang around to congratulate the other riders as they come in. The experts are out in the heat of the day and Jason Jablonski wins the race with an incredible (to me) time of 1hr 40min for three laps. Second place doesn't come in for a full 20 minutes.

After cooling down and eating some food, I get out of the race clothes and head on over to the beer tent. The beer tent opens at 3pm and the race results/raffle will begin at 5pm. People are grouped under the tent seeking the shade with some cool suds in our hands. I get several comments that I must be hard core since I brought a pint class with me instead of using the plastic cups provided. There's some killer GREAT burritos provided by Devo's Burritos. I split half of one with Jason. We had to flip a coin to decide between the apple sausage or the honey roasted chicken and garlic. The roasted chicken and garlic wins out and goes down really good with the beer. There are six different breweries represented this year. New Belgium Brewing (Ft Collins, CO) brought their Fat Tire, Sunshine, and Trippel - Orchard St Brewing (Bellingham) had their Pale Ale - Pauliner (Germany) had a Hefeweizen and a Marzen (I think) - Leavenworth Brewing contributed a pale ale (can't remember the variety - Big Sky Brewing (Montana) was there with their Powder Hound & Alpine Brewery (Oroville) was represented with a Marzen and a Doppelbock. I had quite a few pints to sample them all and decided that the winner of the festival for me was the Alpine Brewery Doppelbock. It's a dark beer brewed with a lager yeast and was quite tasty.

While all this is going on, racers and people who dropped in for the beer festival are mingling around and swapping race stories. There's a small trials ramp/course set up for people to ride and Kona brought out a couple FS rigs to demo. A local band is set up playing some cool jazzy blues type stuff and everybody is just hanging out and having fun. I had Jean-Pierre Chamberland come up and introduce himself as being from the BBTC. Jean had a crash and banged his shoulder up some so his arm is in a sling. Luckily his other arm is okay so he can hang onto the glass. I learn that Nic Valison took a big crash on the downhill section and couldn't remember the crash. We're all kinda worried about that and hoping that he's okay. Jesse Brazille shows up and I also run into a group of racers from the STMCC.

Five o'clock finally rolls around and the promoters begin to hand out the race tropies and the swag. Amazingly I hear my name called as third place finisher in my class. I guess the guy that passed me wasn't in my age group anyway! WooHoo! I don't win anything in the raffle but Ethan snags a glass pitcher from Kona and Jason gets a GREAT raffle prize ... season pass to Stevens' Pass/Mission Ridge/Sweitzer! He's in the Porta Potty when he hears his number called and we see him come running outta the little green building to claim his prize. Sadly, nobody is there to claim the raffle prize of a ride in the replica Shelby Cobra. The red w/ white racing stripe Cobra was sitting there just waiting but nobody came forward to claim the numbers called apparently. Too bad, that would have been a fun ride!

Test of Metal (6/21/03):
For the third year in a row I found myself on the road to Squamish in the middle part of June and wondering why I signed up for this particular race. It has something to do with the lure of the single big lap format, the camaraderie that you develop during the race with other racers who you've never met before in your life, the enthusiasm and excellent dedication of the volunteers and the Squamish community, the technical nature of the trails and the just plain challenge thrown down by your own inner goad ... can you beat last year's time.

My friend Anthony and I headed out from the Seattle area around 11am on Friday. The plan was to get up to Canada with enough time to actually see some of the Whistler & Squamish area. We were going to be staying with a friend of mine who lives in Whistler and the one who got me interested in doing this race in the first place.

We rolled through the border with no problems and since hit Vancouver before any of the afternoon traffic started to snarl up. We had wanted to stop and register on Friday but we got to Squamish about 2:30pm and the registration didn't open up until 6:30pm so we kept on driving up to Whistler. The weather was kinda cloudy and a lot of the views of the surrounding mountains were hidden but that meant that we wouldn't be racing in 90 degree weather either so it seemed like an okay tradeoff.

It started to mist and rain some by the time we made it into Whistler and pulled into the place where we'd be staying for the weekend. My friend Sharon was out on a run with her dog so we unpacked our stuff and enjoyed the limited views of the surrounding mountains. The rain kept on falling so we had to bag our plans for riding the River Runs Through It trail. Instead, we hooked up with some other friends in Whistler who we'd met on one of my previous Test trips and went out to see the movie The Italian Job. Pretty harmless fun movie fare and it took our minds off the coming day's race.

Saturday morning dripped over the horizon. The drizzle continued to fall in the Whistler area but we knew that the Squamish area is generally a bit drier than Whistler so were hoping for the best. We got up and went through the business of putting together the race gear for the day. Sharon was also going to hand out extra stuff to us at the feed station. She was going to do the race but a few days before, while pre-riding a section of the course, a jerk ran headlong into her on a blind corner. This morning, my stomach decided to get with the program finally and let me get some fuel into myself for the day. It might have been the beer that relaxed me the night before or it might have been the movie. Either way, I was thankful to be able to eat.

We drove down to the start of the Test in Squamish and picked up our registration packets for the race. A lot of people must have signed up the night before because the line wasn't nearly as long as it had been in previous years. Put the wheels on the bike, spin around the lot a bit to make sure everything is in working order, throw some more lube at the chain and the pedals and we're good to go. Riding a singlespeed sure makes it easier to get the bike ready to ride.

The On One Inbred is ready and raring to go. This year, we're decked out with a sweet Planet X saddle that has the Union Jack printed on it. I'm running the same gear as last year only this time I really know what that gear is. See, I'd ordered a 34 tooth Spot chainring and never bothered to really look at it. Just fondled it a bit and quickly put it on the bike. 34x20 ought to be a good gear for the big climbs. This spring I was out on a ride and while we were stopped I happened to glance down at the chainring. I saw this number stamped on it ... 36. Strange number to see on a 34t chainring. The truth slowly dawned on me ... I'd been running 36x20 all this time!

By now its 10:30am and the race starts at 11am sharp. The starting chute is already half filled and I get into line just a little bit past the halfway portion. Last year, we were much closer to the back of the pack and one of the racers who lined up right behind us was Martha Handford, the only entry last year in the Womens Single Speed Catagory. She's sponsored by IF and riding on of their super sweet looking SS bikes. I was looking around the pack trying to spot my friends when I spotted Martha lining up behind me again. Almost like we'd planned it or something. A lot of people commented on the cool looking green and white flame paint job on Martha's bike. There was also a guy there from OLN doing some filming of the weekend's events for their Ride Guide show. They did an interview with Martha and also did one with me since I was standing close. Maybe I'll have my 1.5 seconds of fame!

Its now almost 11am and the announcers are calling everyone to attention. A few race details are read out, they sing the Canadian national anthem and we're ready to race! Since you're lined up 800 riders strong in a long rectangular chute, the further back in the pack you are the longer it takes to get rolling. Its not much to really worry about since there's some sections of kinda stiff climbing on the road to pass people. Finally we're off and rolling through the cheering crowds.

Out onto the 1/2 mile section of Hwy 99 (closed down while the race uses it) and a right hand turn up into the residential area of Squamish. The streets are lined with people cheering on all the racers. Many of them have family and friends in the Squamish area and most of the houses along the route sport an individual bunch of people cheering on their favorite racer. Being on a SS, I'm spinning like a mad fool trying to not get run over. Its flat and I can only do the 110+ RPM for extremely short bursts before I have to coast for a bit. Finally, we start doing some climbing and I can keep up with people and actually start passing. So far so good as I'm feeling nice and strong on the climbs. The route makes a sharp switchback climb and then another that pitches up even more steeply before finally heading into the dirt. Racers are taking up the entire roadway and it kinda feels like I'm riding one of the big climbing stages in a European road race or something.

I'm able to ride the whole way up to the start of the dirt, only having to stand up for the last steep pitch. That's a good feeling since I had to walk that part last year. The weekly 20 mile offroad rides I've been doing seem to be paying off. On into the dirt! That's what we're here for! Through the basically doubletrack sections and I'm keeping pace with people even though I'm running full rigid (if they had a category for full rigid SS I might actually win!). We get to the first of the approximately 30+ miles of singletrack and also the first of the bunchups. It wasn't unexpected but still kind of bothersome. We're all following so closely that all it takes is one person to dab and the whole line grinds to a halt.

Out of the singletrack and onto the roads and dirt doubletrack surrounding Alice Lake. More people are out here cheering us all on. Then its back into the singletrack of Rock 'n' Roll. Winding through the north woods with lots of roots and rocks to trip people up. Its all rideable but especially on a singlespeed you need to keep your momentum going. We again experience a bunchup even before we get to the hike-a-bike section. Hop off the bike and join the toiling throng up the climb. This years weather is sooooo much more conducive to doing these slow speed grunts. Legs and arms still feeling strong and puttin' the power down. Top out of the hike-a-bike and the volunteer up there tells us that we've been racing for 1.5hrs. Where did the time go? I'd have sworn it was only something like 45minutes. When I start a big one lap race like the Test, I go into a time warp and don't really emerge until I cross the finish line.

After the bike hiking, its back to the saddle and a tre' cool couple sections of trails called Rob's Corners and Cliff's Corners. The trail is descending and snaking back and forth through a clearcut section of the woods. The rain the day before has knocked down the dust and made for excellent riding conditions. This is a good place to keep the hammer down and the speed up. Its not buffed singletrack either so while the grin factor is high you've got to pay attention to where your front wheel is going. Down through one of the big viewing areas called Killer Kona Korner. Kinda Korny Kname but you get the basic idea ... here's a section to possibly see some Karnage! No rolling helmet to beat me down the trail this year and I do elicit some specific cheers for riding a full rigid.

We're back onto the residential streets of Squamish and onto a long downhill section. WooHoo! Carry all the speed you can but make darn sure to not wipe out at the corner on the bottom. We're riding past a golf course and I see out of the corner of my eye some golfers teeing up. The ones not actually golfing are standing there watching the line of cyclists go past. They all have this strange look on their faces like "what the heck are you all doing"? I silently think back at them ... "what the heck are you all doing"? Some more dirt roads and we're finally into the Powerhouse Party and the first cutoff point. My friend Sharon is somewhere in there with race goodies to hand out but I don't spot her at all. Cytomax in the water bottle is at the 3/4 level ... water pack level feels good ... Hammer gel and Clif Bars in the jersey pockets ... gauges all in the green ... come on Bonk Hill, show me what ya got!

The main goal this year was to make both of the time cutoffs and finish. A secondary goal was to actually ride some of the Bonk Hill and Lava Flow Hill climbs. I had to walk the whole damn thing last year. The 36x20 is still turning over as we go up the hill. One of the race volunteers at the bottom of Bonk Hill says that we've been racing for 2hr6min. Wow ... doing pretty good! Stay seated as long as possible and keep the power steady. The hill isn't as unrelenting as I remember and I'm still riding and passing people! Back feels strong and the legs aren't complaining. Somewhere along the way I've managed to get out in front of Martha on her IF SS. Martha catches up to me on Bonk Hill and we'll battle back and forth for the rest of the race. The last really steep pitch just before the second time cutoff is where I decide to utilize the patented Shiggy 24" gear. As you get closer to the top of Bonk Hill there are signs along the route promising naked men and women just ahead. Beefcake pictures have been taped to the foliage alongside the road.

We make the top! I grab a cold potato, a section of banana, dump some cool water on my head and keep on riding. The road goes downhill for a blessed relief before making a couple shortish climbs, leveling out and then we're across the 9 Mile Bridge and into some more climbing up Lava Flow Hill. I utilize the 24" gear again but at least I'm able to ride some of the pitches. On into the Ring Creek Rip. The Rip is a basically downhill ribbon of singeltrack that has a few rock sections thrown in to keep you honest. My theory on these is to carry as much momentum through these sections as I can handle and hope to not hit the rocks too hard. It works pretty good although some of them finally get to me and make my arms and hands hurt. Next up is the Powerhouse Plunge.

The Plunge hasn't gotten any easier since last year and I honestly haven't gotten any better at steep technical riding. I walk/run the majority of the Plunge although I am able to get on at the bottom of it and at least salvage a tiny bit of my self respect. I keep saying to myself that I'd sure love to have that 3" Gazzi on the front. We cross back through the Powerhouse Party the second time and turn into the Crumpet Woods. I'm ahead of Martha at this point and still have gas left in the tank.

The Crumpet Woods I've heard described by racers as an evil place that you wouldn't leave your children in. The past two years I'd have to agree with that assessment. Its got a switchbacky climb and then a lot of rolling trail through the rocks and roots. This year I actually kinda enjoy Crumpet! I catch up with a pack of riders and we again experience the dreaded bunchup. Still, on the sections where I can keep my momentum going, I'm have fun. This is a new experience for me during the Test. All of us in the group are chatting with each other and cheering each other on as we make some sections or stumble on others. The Test forges your fellow racers into riding companions. Out of the Crumpet Woods finally and back into residential Squamish. Dang ... we're almost there! I can almost taste that finish line!

I talk some more with my fellow competitors as we're riding along. People are out in their front lawns cheering. That's another great thing about the Test. I've been at the tail end of the pack and it seems that no matter where you are in the race, people will still be out giving you vital encouragement. Back onto dirt for the section past the Smoke Bluffs. I'm smacking the rocks pretty damn hard as I keep the speed high. Fly down the Canadian granite section of rock and into the sweeping left hand turn. I hear a hissing sound from my rear tire! Dang ... it can't be happening! Not here where I'm soooooo close!

One by one, my fellow competitors that I've passed in the Crumpet Woods go past. Each one calls out a word of encouragement as I change the tube. I try to keep calm and concentrate on doing a fast yet correct tube change. Don't want to pinch the new tube just cause I was in a hurry. Man ... I'm wishing for a CO2 canister about now but I finally get it all done and the tire pumped up enough to where I can ride it. Martha still hasn't passed me ... I might be able to pull it off. Hop back on the bike and I feel how loose the rear feels. Really should have more air in the rear but I don't want to take the time. Just think light thoughts. I'm into the trail that runs alongside Loggers Lane. Not too far to the finish now! Keep pedaling! I'm going along when I hear another rider right behind me. Since we're on a flat section I really can't go any faster for sustained periods so I pull to the side and let them past. Its Martha. She laughs and says that I shouldn't have done that. Ah well ... the fortunes of racing. We roll into the finish line and I've completed the Test yet again!

My friend Sharon comes running up to me all excited. She's wondering why I'm not gushing with joy. Truth be told I didn't even glance at the clock when I came through. I take a look at Sharon's watch and to my astonishment I've done the Test of Metal this year in 4hr 43 minutes! I beat last year's SS time by 1hr 23min and my first years time on the gearie by 36 minutes! NOW I'M STOKED! This year is my best effort ever!

The rest of the afternoon is kind of a blur. I head for the showers and then make a direct beeline for some food and the beer garden. I stop to pick up my event T-shirt and also discover that I've won one of the random draw raffle prizes. This just keeps getting better and better! I'm sitting in the beer garden, sippin' some Howe Sound Brewery suds as the awards are handed out to the category winners. Big cheers for Martha as she again wins the Women's SS category. This year there was another lady SSer too! Hardcore riders both of them for sure.

Anthony and I head back to Whistler for a celebratory BBQ and some well deserved lounging. The food tastes super great, the "rehydration" fluids taste even better (mmmmmmmm ... beer) and we're both tiredly grinning like fools.

The next morning, instead of heading back towards Seattle, we go out and take a few runs in the Whistler Bike Park. Our friends in Whistler loan us a Kona Joyride and a Rocky Mountain Switch to tackle the park with. This is the first time that Anthony has ridden a FS bike on the trails although he is an ex-moto rider. For me, its the first time that I've been on a FS bike ever! We take a run down the beginner B-Line trail to get a feel for the bikes and also work off some of our nervousness. We're surrounded by all this freeride bikes, armor and full face helmets. Both of us feel out of our league and kinda intimidated. B-Line is fun and its amazing what the bikes will soak up. Point and shoot for sure! Back up the lifts for another run and we decide that we HAVE to try one of the intermediate runs at least. Eenie meenie miney mo ... lets try the Fantastic Trail. Dang ... I can see the attraction of riding this stuff! Fantastic is ... well fantastic fun! We finish out on Heart of Darkness and then we're at the bottom again. The park pulls at us for more runs but we need to think about getting back home and besides that, we've still got River Runs Through It to ride today.

On the way out of the Whistler Village, we go past a demo ride being put on by trials rider Ryan Leech. That's too good to go pass so we stop and watch the good show of trials moves that Ryan puts on. Then its back to the car to get loaded up and to the trailhead. We get to the trailhead with no problems and back onto our "normal" bikes. Feels kinda strange going from a RM Switch to a full rigid On One. River Runs Through It is a short but technical trail that I wish we had something similar in the Seattle area to practice on. Lots of rocks, roots and ramps. Somehow, we get turned around in there and ride the "old" section of trail ... completely missing the part that has the cool river bridges and low level ramps on it. Its all good fun though ... Anthony and I are seeing more of Whistler than we ever have on past trips. Gives us good reason to return and play some more!

We stop off in Squamish for some food at the Howe Sound Brewery. No time to watch the Trials competition going on right next door. We pile back in the car and head for the border. There is a 30 minute wait on a Sunday evening but I'm sure the main border crossing at Blaine has an even longer wait.