So the other day after a long hard day of turning wrench’s and other varieties of flim flam, we were trying to wrangle up a group of buddies and go for a ride. After some debate over various locals input, we decided that we should go and check out the Montaine traverse to see what kind of condition it was in. We had heard different views on the condition of the trail ranging from great to too snowy and every thing in between. What better way to find out for sure then to go and session it our selves.
The Montaine traverse is on the north side of the valley, which generally means its an earlier season ride.
The trail is full of steep climbs, flowing single track and some wicked fun descents, a good mix of what the bow valley has to offer.
We met at the cougar Creek parking lot, and off we went on our early season adventure.
We had 7 on our ride for the day, the olaussens(2) , erics(2), dave, andy and myself.
The trail started off in great shape, nice and tacky as we ascended the first big climb. with early season legs still feeling the burn this is a climb that surely makes you feel alive. I was generously giving a play by play as i climbed the hill( a great form of amusement for the rest of the crew)
Trail conditions were amazing up until the first creek crossing, which usually has a BIT of water, not this time though. This time it was white water bike crossing. Booter #1
We succeeded in crossing with no drowning victims, which was nice, and continued on our way.
Not long after we encountered our first white zone(Snow….Doah!) A sight that would be all too common for the rest of the adventure
Dave showing us how to properly dismount in the snow.
After a few more creek crossings(more booter’s……DOAH) and really cold feet, we finally peeked out onto an epic view of the Bow Valley and some sun to warm us up.
not long after the epic view we were treated to a super fun flowy single track down into Harvey Heights.
Now, after/in the middle of a sweet descent what better way to contribute to a epic ride then…. a flat, no wait a minute, two flats. So we get to doing what we do best…fixing bikes, OH GOOD! And just when i think i am ready to reinstall my wheel….my valve stem decides it no longer wants to be part of my tube…….repeat flat repair process……OH GREAT!
Fed up and frustrated and cold and tired we continue on(at least i was all of the above)
Usually this point is where you decide which route to take home(boring), the road or the nice single track that extends a few km more to the over pass at the west end of town(fun). However, this was not the usual trail conditions for this section………
Instead of it being fun and flowey, it was more like a flowing river, with minimal trail to be seen. we meandered through the river(i only fell in once and almost drowned due to being high sided while clipped in) and made it out the other side only to be greeted with a wonderful head wind the whole way home.
At the end of the day, the conclusion was made…. this trail was not ready to be tackled in full. the first 2/3 of the trail was great and the last 1/3 was pure adventure, early rocky mountain style.
A great way to kick start the season for me is to get the worst out of the way first…….not with out a smile though.
