Whistler, B.C. July 8th

Riding Bikes Makes us Smile

Now that there's a full house, everyone's getting stoked on all the great riding options in Whistler. We've been having some fun times on Lower Smoke and Mirrors, Angry Pirate, Fade to Black, and the jumps in Whistler Valley. Many thanks to our fine photographer, Sean, for providing all the photos for this post.

Amber having fun cornering out of Lower Smoke and Mirrors.

Amber exiting the woods on Lower Smoke and Mirrors.

Amber dropping in on Angry Pirate.

Amber and Jason cruising in the woods on Angry Pirate.

Jimmy and Tammy cruising in the woods on Angry Pirate.

Jimmy smiling because he's doing some jumps in Whistler Valley.

Jimmy playing on some jumps.

Tammy playing on some jumps.

Jason riding up on Fade to Black.

Jason enjoying a second go on Fade to Black.

Jason dropping in on Fade to Black.

Jason going for it on Fade to Black.

Whistler, B.C. July 5th

Busy Times in Whistler

There has been so much happening recently in Whistler, as Tammy and Jimmy arrived filling up the condo with Lana and Jason. Jimmy busted out the grilling for dinner, and Tammy got Jason and I over to the Air Dome. Bishop and Moab are stoked on all the attention from Jimmy, and we're enjoying all the mechanical help and group cooking from Jimmy. Life is good!

Sean at midstation on the mountain with a clear view in the background.

Sean having fun on some Smoke and Mirrors on the mountain.

The clear days are few around here so far, as you can see a downpour is always good for cleaning the mud off the shoes, as evidenced by the sopping wet shoes and pants of Sean and Amber.

The Irish Pub at the base of the mountain has provided some excellent lunch breaks, especially with their Murphy's stout and their two for one Fish 'n Chips Mondays.

A friendly reminder at midstation on the mountain, in case you're uncertain about where to pee.

Sometimes it's nice to get off the mountain of awesome downhilling and do some cross country riding. Here is Moab and Amber on River Runs Through it in Whistler Valley.

Amber having a go at some wood features on River Runs Through It.

Amber on a few more fun wooden features on River Runs Through It.

Bishop and Moab enjoying the river on River Runs Through It.

Sean getting ready to head out on the extremely well-signed trail, River Runs Through It.

Another great break from the mountain is the Air Dome. Above you see Jason giving it a whirl at the Air Dome.

Jason and Sean doing some brake maintenance just outside the condo.

The Nature Trail by Lost Lake is a fine place to walk the dogs. Here Bishop is shaking off in the water.

The river beside the Nature Trail.

Bishop crossing the river on a log by the Nature Trail.

Whistler, B.C. July 4th

Another day of playing on the mountain with Sean, Jason, and Lana.

Jason going for the Container.

Lana going for it on In Deep.

Amber in some roots heading towards some mud on In Deep, while Sean was clearly being the photographer for the day.

Whistler, B.C. July 3rd

Lana and Jason arrived in Whistler and the day was filled with riding and relaxing.

Amber doing the Drop In Clinic in the wet.


Jason and Lana getting a bit muddy on the mountain.


Moab chewing a stick in the river after sleeping on the couch all day.


Bishop excited to sprint and stand on the beach after hanging out indoors all day while we rode bikes.


Bishop and Moab playing in the water during their afternoon walk.


Sean getting a jet massage on his knee.


Silly close up shot of Sean and Amber taken by Jason.


Jason all smiles in the hot tub.


Sean and Amber laughing and relaxing in one of the few hot tubs Amber gets to go in, since it is thankfully not treated by too many horrible chemicals.

Lana chillin' and Jason making faces.

Beginning of Vacation 2011, Whistler, B.C. June 30th - July 1st

Last night, a co-worker of Sean's invited us over for a Canada Day dinner, so we celebrated with them and then we headed over to the village and watched fireworks with them and a bunch of other locals and tourists.



The bears are out and about around the condo, as well as on the mountain below the lifts, and running across the trails in front of mountain bikers.


Sean took this helmet cam of us riding mountain bikes on opening day on Garbanzo, complete with a bear crossing his path.





Parts of the trail were so misty and impossible to see that Sean had to edit out the complete gray zones of the trail in the helmet cam. It was fun to ride in mist in an adventurous, exploratory way.



On opening day of Garbanzo, we rode through thick mist on parts of the trail. I wished for a fog light as I could barely see the trail in places.





No, we are not on a skiing trip, although the top of the mountain does make it look a bit that way. The Whistler crew has dug out some trails on the upper Garbanzo zone.


The dogs have settled into the condo, enjoying the inside and the outside. Life is good!

Spring in Moab

3/12 Lazyman DH
3/13 Lazyman DH
3/19 Lazyman DH
3/20 Lazyman DH
3/26 Lazyman DH
3/27 Lazyman DH
3/30 Sovereign Singletrack
3/31 Porcupine (twice) :-)
4/1 Porcupine
4/2 Amassa/Rockstacker in the morning and Porcupine in the afternoon

Fun Trip Back to El Paso, TX 2/18 - 2/21

Sean topping out on some amazing, beautiful, chill boulders.

Amber getting on things and giving it a whirl.

Warm sun made the trip SO pleasant and relaxing.