NSMB Team in Salmon Arm
A few weeks ago we released Wild ‘n Out, which featured riding from our recent team trip to the BC interior. Did you miss it? Here it is again:
But photo galleries were also promised, and photos you shall have. Part one corresponds with the first couple days of our trip in Salmon Arm. Long known as a house boating mecca (in other words, getting trashed on big slow boats in the middle of Shuswap Lake and “docking” with other boaters), it would be unfair not to mention the other outdoor pursuits on offer in Slammin’ Arm: climbing, hiking, backcountry skiing, fishing – all good ol’ BC boys’ faves. But, and this is with all due respect, we didn’t think there was riding of note there before we started planning this trip. Sure, we assumed there must be some good XC loops (what town in Western Canada doesn’t have those?), but none of us really thought Salmon Arm was a true MTB destination.
Then a chance conversation Cam McRae had with Matt Hunter revealed that it was one of the Kamloops native’s favourite places to ride, and we knew we had to give it a look. We spent our time riding the Rubberhead trail area (I almost don’t want to link to it so it remains so unspoiled) and it… delivered. For speed, berms, tight sidehill Jedi action and hound-dogging your buddies in the trees, it was just the ticket and the perfect way to get the blood flowing at the start of the trip. We have to hand it to the folks at the Shuswap Trail Alliance – they’ve done a great job with their local trails and now that the word is out, they can expect more traffic coming their way.
Before we get to the pics, we have to throw out some thank-yous to some people that helped us pull this trip together. Darren Robinson and the Shuswap Tourism Board did a lot to get us organized, including setting us up with accommodations at the Podollan Inn, which had friendly staff but also deserves mention for their pillowy soft beds – they were soft like ducks stuffed with marshmallows (and firm enough for bad backs). The Podollan’s restaurant, Table 24, hosted us for dinner one night and you’ll see from the photos that it was just what we needed after a full day of riding and shooting. Lastly, we may have mentioned it already, but it was great to have Dylan Sherrard along to hang out and be the rad individual that he is. Thanks, buddy, we would have only taken half as many wrong turns without you.
So grab a mug of something and enjoy Morgan Taylor’s shots. Remember to click on the images to call up our image viewer and see them in full size.
Loaded up in the two Team Tacomas we were keen to lay tires to dirt on the Rubberhead trail network. Kamloops shredder Dylan Sherrard joined the party to show us some of his favourite trails.
Mason, Mark, and Dylan each display their own versions of beating the heat.
You know you’ve escaped the city when you’re rolling up an ungated shuttle road. Team riders Stephen Matthews and Mason Mashon soak up some morning rays.
We may have overdone it on the first lap though… the brand new truck came down with a flat. You know what that means…
Beer O’Clock! A team was quickly dispatched to practice what they’d seen watching NASCAR all those years…
We focused more on riding that first morning, and less on shooting – so this is the first riding shot of the trip. Canoe Beach is a must do when you’re in Salmon Arm.
Not bad at all…
This is the life. (Good job on the photobomb, kid.)
After the much-deserved lake time we headed back to the Podollan Inn for dinner at Table 24 and an excellent local ale from Crannog Brewery. Shuswap Tourism rep Darren Robinson (left) might have told a joke, or Cam may just be basking after a day of sheer awesome.
Tales of the afternoon’s exploits quickly gained momentum.
Roggey was back on the big bike and loving it.
That last beer tasted like another, and was accompanied by some sort of rabbit appetizer. Tasted like chicken?
The main course was freaking amazing though. Prime rib always does it.
We headed back up the hill to grab some shots before the sun disappeared. We didn’t know how long we’d have, and it turned out to be very short indeed. Paul and Stephen kept spirits high while Mason lined up the shots.
Paulo brushing shoulders with golden grasses.
Stephen dropping in as the sun said its final goodbyes.
You might recognize this section from the Coastal Crew’s film, From the Inside Out.
Paul Stevens and some more shrubberies.
Sherrard always having fun on the trails. Stump slash above Shuswap Lake.
We decided to head back first thing in the morning when the sun had done a full 180.
Stevie came along for the ride in spirit.
Now that’s a bike pile.
Our trusty old Tacoma might be showing signs of shuttle days outwardly, but we still love it just as much as ever.
Suiting up for a lap on some freshly cut singletrack.
Paul’s zebra goggles were the envy of the group.
Mark can’t be faulted for putting his socks on sideways… there’s always next time.
We dropped in and started scheming on turns and side hills.
The boys played rock paper scissors to decide who would ride in the dust bowl. Mason won.
A terrible photo but a good example of how hard these guys shred. Stephen’s front tire is on the lip while Paul has yet to land.
Man train!
Pump, pump, pump, turn. And repeat.
Matt’s steadicam work can be admired in the Wild ‘N Out video.
Mason and Mark topping a lofty rise and into another sweet berm.
Side hills for days. Sometimes blue trails are the most fun.
As evidenced by Paul and Stephen in yet another photographic masterpiece.
Any trail is a blast when you have a creative viewpoint.
Mason’s Undead is still going strong.
And still trying to kill him on occasion. Overzested it.
Salmon Arm trail builders, we’re really sorry about this corner. Holy crap was it fun though!
The sun came out and we started to get antsy for a cold beverage. Spotty light was cited and we rushed for the trucks which hosted cold Cariboo.
Having a good time on Salmon Arm singletrack.
Paul and Stephen beat the heat.
And when the riders disappear all that’s left is a lonesome Matt Dennison on another sweet corner… we’ll catch up to them in Revelstoke!
Salmon Arm was a great start to the team trip and we’ll definitely be back to sample the goods again. Stay tuned for the steep and deep of Revelstoke…
Comments
dutch
10 years, 7 months ago
Epic intro 🙂
Reply
Please log in to leave a comment.