The Green Room

#followcamfriday giving you a taste of the green room in the dead of winter. Just trying to keep the levels elevated for the people. 

So much desert riding lately. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love smashing into rocks and hucking off of cliffs, but every once in a while, I need to be reminded of the forest. Mostly, I have been spending time in the white room lately, so this change of color is a good reminder of why I love bicycles so much. 

Would you just look at it.... This section of forest on Maroon Mountain in Terrace, BC is basically my happy place. Loam, green, mist. All of the ingredients to create the perfect recipe for mountain biking in its purest form. Right now this is buried meters deep in snow. Snow that will eventually melt and produce more green. And so the cycle goes. Free refills. 

You always carry a saw when you ride, right?? I was fortunate to get the locals tour of the Maroon Mountain Trail from Theo and Tyler. Tyler is the president of TORCA ( terrace off road cycling association). These two gentlemen have poured many hours of time and many droplets of sweat into the local trail system. In addition to being amazing hosts, these dudes work their asses off to make sure that mountain biking has a future. Much respect. 
Please consider donating to TORCA HERE. Anyone who owns a $5000 mountain bike can surely spare a few bucks to insure that our sport has a future. 

Terrace is world renowned as a Steelhead and Pacific Salmon fishing destination. Basically the Moab of the fishing world, so I'm told. I grew up fishing but have not thrown a line in the water for more than 20 years. Perhaps it is time to rediscover a less dangerous sport. A sport that I can feed myself with. There is a joke in there somewhere.... What is the difference between a professional mountain biker and a pepperoni pizza? A pepperoni pizza can feed a family of four. Zing. But I digress. 

Now here is something that I am familiar with. Snow in the alpine in late June is perfectly normal. My feet were far too dry anyway. Pro tip for traveling and living out of a van- bring extra shoes. Your feet will still smell, but at least they will be dry. You are welcome. 

I've said this before and I will say it again. Trails that you CAN climb, are usually not worth descending. This one was basically 1000m of pushing and granny-gearing to reach the alpine. I wouldn't have it any other way. The sustained pitch on this one was unreal. If you do ride this one, make sure your brakes are working properly. 

It is also worth noting that the lower trailhead for this one has the absolute worst mosquitos that I have ever encountered. Thick. Just go right ahead and spread that high-chemical bug spray DEET crap all over yourself. You are going to need it. Seriously. The mosquitos were blocking the sun. It was fucked. Fortunately, the skeeters make you move as fast as possible on the hike-a-bike sections. Very motivating indeed. 

Good dog. I don't know you, but please stay close to me to attract some off those mosquitos away from my skin. You are wet and smelly, but I like you. Good boy. Pete would be so jealous. 
​The green room is good for the soul. Go there whenever possible. 
Big thanks again to Tyler and Theo for the hospitality.