Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Bridge River Valley back-country riding season opener....



Every year I count the days leading up to the May long week-end. We typically spend it in the Bridge River Valley where the mountains are waking up from a long cold winter. Everything in the valley becomes alive maximizing the extremely short sunny summer season. It's always the first time of the year that we really feel like summer is just around the corner. After this year's overly harsh and cold winter we were more than anxious to push our pedals on some long rides.



A couple of weeks ago I parted ways with my 11 year old Tacoma that took us into these mountains more times than I can count. On this drive we broke in the new Tacoma and took her to into her natural environment where she'll spend most of her life....          



Saturday morning we woke to a glorious day at Tyaughton Lake.  


And stopped by the Bralorne museum to check out opening day....


The plan was to hit a few low level trails in the valley and figure out where the snow line was. Bralorne's Carl Creek was first on the list so we headed south. The views across to the Dickson Range were spectacular with the low and deep snowpack hanging on tight....    





Then we headed over for a lap on Gun Lake's Zola Palooza....


 

Back at the cabin we met up with King and Bingo for some well deserved beverages....



Families that shoot together stay together....  







The girls were enjoying the evening....










On day 2 we headed to the Jewel Bridge and set off for Spruce Lake. I was well aware that we were in for a big blowdown clearing mission so we came prepared with some saws.        




Some busy beavers were also adding to the work load with a big section of freshly fallen trees from our Canadian icons....    




Classic corners along the classic Aspen forests of the Gun Creek trail....




Nap-time...


Amazing views of the mighty Mt Dickson where we had one of our best and most memorable trips only a month earlier.... 








Looking promising on the southern slopes of the South Chilcotins....



I couldn't keep the girls off my new ride!





Day 3 we enjoyed a smorgasbord of trails above the cabin. First we hit up the flowy Molly Dog to Pepper Dog....      


Followed by a lap on Johnny's look out....


And finished with the classic North Cinnabar loop....  



And some well deserved dock time....





We wrapped up the trip with a great evening watching the light fire on the Bender Range just across the lake. Bring on back-country riding season!