Single-track mining in the Birkenquille....

A few week-ends ago we completed a very cool exploratory loop in the Birkenhead Tenquille area.

The day started off with a pleasant enough FSR climb....  

After about an hour we were in new territory and found a very cool series of high alpine mines along the way.  

After the maze became a little confusing we back-tracked and headed for daylight. I've seen horror flicks start in places like this!

Core sample graveyard....

And then the push began....

With some scenic single-track sections in between....  

After a solid 6 hours we arrived in our final valley approach and looked for camp....      

It was a very nice spot....

We shared the sunset with Billy....

The next morning we packed up and headed in a new direction....

The morning included some beautiful sections of trail....

And after another long day we dropped into the Tenquille Lake trail descent and called it a success!

Shulaps n Relaxin....

I like to consider the first week-end of July, Canada Day week-end. So for part two of our celebration we set off for Bridge River Valley north of Pemberton in search of some high and fast alpine single-track. As we rounded the corner into Pemberton meadows Friday night, the full effects of the new and aggressive Boulder Creek fire showed itself. This fire was only a stones throw from the Hurley turn off and it felt as if we were in a war zone.          

Forest fires do make for the best filtered sunsets....   

Up high on the Hurley things improved vastly as the winds favored our direction of travel.  

The next morning we set off on the notoriously steep climb to access the alpine trail I had in mind.   

The temps were high and the air was dry so we hydrated constantly....  

Juneau and Danielle were in wildflower heaven....

After a few hours we were rewarded with some of the best Chilcotin vistas....    

This area has a very rich and storied history of Jade mining. All the different shades of green minerals are a feast for the eyes....  

At 2200m this valley is truly spectacular....  

And lot's of flowy ribbons of single-track make it a perfect day out....  

And just before the drop below treeline views of the Shulaps peaks tower above....      

After a 1600m descent we headed back to our beachfront accommodations.         

Not another sole was in the area....

Sunday we spent relaxin at Tyaughton Lake where all the riders were rolling in after their big days out. Another week-end in paradise....