‘Winter’ in Victoria is a misnomer. It’s not that the Island doesn’t experience winter; it’s just that we don’t experience it to the same degree as the rest of Canada. According to the impeccably scientific Wikipedia page for Victoria, BC, ‘’like much of the Pacific Northwest the
Koppen climate classification places it at the northernmost limits of the cool, dry-summer subtropical zone, or cool-summer Mediterranean Climate due to its usually dry summers.’’ What this gallimaufry of a sentence means, however, is that Victoria is blessed with the ideal climate for mountain biking. If you don’t mind a little rain, you can ride year round.
Making a ‘Winter’ video in Victoria was actually more difficult than expected. The same climate that makes for ride-able trails in February also guarantees snow days are a rarity. Hoping for powder in Victoria is a bit like searching for fog; chasing a meteorological Unicorn where forecasts are as reliable as chicken bones and tarot cards. Between ferry trips, torrential downpours, building beers (
Phillips Blue Buck of course), spotty light, and fulltime work, Howey managed to shoehorn in time for riding. And LaRocque finally got to test out his shiny-new baby: a Panasonic Af-100. The results? Well, they speak for themselves.
I have a quote pinned up on my corkboard that reads, ‘’with a vision, a positive result may materialize.’’ Howey and LaRocque knew what they wanted and executed with Dexter Morgan-like precision. They keep on upping the ante, it’s stressful but they wouldn’t have it any other way. Enjoy.
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 Fog rolls in and graces us with its presence only to dissipate and blow through as soon as cameras and wheels are rolling. |
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| A few big, high consequence moves are executed to ice the cake |
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| This feature sat untouched for 14 months before stars finally aligned and we had our chance to strike. Brendan logging air miles. |
 | It's sick working with Aaron because he knows how to make eveything look good, all I gotta do is have fun on my bike! -Brendan Howey |
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| Brendan stoked on getting the shot. |
| I've shot in all types of places in many different countries and 'The Island' never ceases to amaze. It's one of the most unique and diverse places you can imagine. -Aaron LaRocque |
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| LaRocque behind, and in front of the lens. |
Rider: Brendan Howey
Video: Aaron LaRocque
Stills: Mike Zinger
Story: Scott Secco
Additional Digging: Piers Zdan/Rob Dunnet
www.commencal.comMore Howey/LaRocque videos:
Winter Edit V1.0The Clear CutAre your trails snowed in? Is this Howey's best video yet? 
Can't wait for more Larock!!!
