Bellingham-based Kona Ambassador, Erica Kutz and friends ventured up to Squamish for the day in search of roots, rock and elusive granite slab. Here’s what they found…
We stumbled upon some grippy(ish) space dust, with fast and loose conditions. Some corners so dry, that the dirt was almost like powder. Earlier this summer was unusually wet- but the hot, dry summer had squeezed most moisture out of the soil.
The size of our crew grew from two… to twelve. A local in tow, decided to befriend us and join in on the fun, he ended up showing us around! Besides, bikes are always more fun with friends.
Yips, hoots, and hollers echoed through the forest as the stoke train wove through the spaghetti-like web of trails. Some of our favorite quotes that summed up the day:
“On the outside, I’m Hootin’, On the inside, I’m Hollerin’.” – April
“Dusty musty, a little bit crusty in the busty”- Paul
The first half of our day at Alice Lakes was followed by a quick dip in the cold lake, and a parking lot picnic alongside the highway. As soon as everyone was satiated on their grocery store sammies, olives, dips, and chips, we ventured to Diamond Head for the fun, flowy stuff.
After one last sunset lap, we visited Alice + Brohm for coconut-based ice cream infused with fresh, local berries to finish the day off. Truly, no better way to end a long day.
Squamish will always hold a special place in our hearts, because of the mountain-coast collision. Each time you get a sneak peek of Garibaldi or a glacier across the sound, there’s an extra bit of joy sparked. The feeling of being nestled amongst giants. There are not many places like this in North America, being so multiculturally influenced, and a recreational hub at the same time.
It always feels like a privilege to be able to make the pilgrimage up North across the border- to play outside with friends, old and new. The bond over bikes, and to these special places, fosters a sense of love and stewardship for the land that has been loved by many for thousands of years.
Celebrating the arrival of the Fall equinox, we wanted to make the most out of dry, early-season conditions, pre-precip. Using bikes as our ‘rain dance’, if you will.
Erica’s Ride: Kona Process, 134 CR 29
Photos / Illustrations: Paul Kalifatidi (@paul.kalifatidi) / Erica Kutz (@mountainmind)
Riders: Julia Poepke, Ella Hall, Paul Kalifatidi, April Poco, Harrison Winkel, JC Canfield, Galyn Bunnell, Felice Artuso, Myles Trainer, Erica Kutz
Gear: Arc’teryx Seattle, Woolly Merino, High Above
