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photo by Taylor Leigh

Today was a typical day in the mountain bike world on Vancouver Island, and a testament to what makes our sport so great. My friend (and amazing filmmaker) Aaron LaRoque and I decided to go shred and film at Mt.Prevost in Duncan and, like usual, we had no idea how we were going to get to the top of the mountain. Riding the road up would take us a few hours or more with the camera gear and hitching a lift with the local gun-toting rednecks was the only other feasible option we could think of to get to the top. We were ok with that, but of course, not overly thrilled.
On our way into Duncan we stopped by “Experience Cycling” to buy a tube and one of the employees heard us brainstorming about how we would get to the top of the hill. He immediately chimed in that it was his lunch break and that he’d drive us to the top. We couldn’t believe it, but of course, we didn’t refuse.
This is what I love about mountain biking. Like most sports, it’s a thread that ties strangers together but unlike some sports, riders always want to help each other out and spread the love of the sport.
As most of my friends know, one of my favourite things to do is surf, but you would never be able to go into a surf shop and have an employee volunteer to drive you to their secret spot! It just wouldn’t happen. That person would be chastised by his or her peers and probably not allowed back at the break. Ok, maybe that’s a little extreme, but I’ve heard of much worse things happening at my local break.
In mountain biking however, it seems like everybody is there to help everybody else have the best time possible. There is little territorialism, and even where there is (like at the dirt jumps), it’s minimal.
So thanks to Matt from “Experience Cycling” for being such a great example of what mountain biking is all about. Your Toyota Tacoma was much more pleasant than sitting in the back of a Bronco with a gun rack.

Darcy

Today was day six of the Norco Road Trip to California. One day, two fabulous rides. We started off by meeting up at the Bike Magazine office in San Juan Capistrano. We were given a quick tour then whisked off to ride at the top of Bluejay Canyon. After arriving at the top, we parked the van and started yet another epic shuttle. Alan and Ryan from Bike Mag along with local rider Travis all joined us for the ride down the mountain. The trail involved some steep decents, countless rock gardens and a whole lot of fun. Taking approximately two hours to get down with a few climbs speckled throughout, the trail has become another favorite. If you are ever in the area, head on over for a ride, but; Make sure you stop in at the Candy shop along the way. After the ride we headed down for some burritos with the crew before moving on for the next venture.

Our second ride of the day was with Nicole and Jason from Bicycle Retailer. For those who do not know, Bicycle Retailer is an industry magazine that is distributed in both the US and Canada to manufacturers and retailers. The mag discusses industry trends, government legislation, new products etc. etc. Basically anything that affects the back end of the Cycling industry. Anyway, Jason and Nicole took us out for a ride in the Laguna area to what is called ‘The Top of the World’. This was a steady climb to an extraordinary view of the California coast followed by a fast, burmed descent to dinner below.

Two more great rides, One amazing day.

Dustan

Bike Mag Ryan Testing a Fluid LT

The other Ryan. He ripped his shirt shortly after this!

Ryan riding the rock line

Nicole from BRAIN

It must be hot if there are Cacti.

Nicole, Jason, Ryan

Nicole overlooking Laguna

Laguna Vista