Shore - WTF - Part 2

Dec 8, 2011 at 21:54

by Margus Riga

The first trail I ever rode on the Shore was Severed Dick. It was 1995 and raining. I had a borrowed Kona Kilauea hardtail with 1" inch of front travel, cantilever brakes, and no helmet. I remember thinking, how was it humanly possible for anybody to ride this whole trail? Everything about negotiating my bike down and over those glistening roots, and jagged, steep boulders felt so unnatural and totally impossible. Somehow, I made it down, but not without walking a large portion (most) of the trail, and a massive bruise to my ego. It took two-and-a-half hours...and I was hooked. Nowadays, kids can loop this "fun" trail from the bottom parking lot in a half hour as a mellow warm-up lap. WTF!

Oh no, not another "What does the Shore mean to you?" article.... - Johnny Smoke - Original Shore pioneer

Tippie, about to face his Darkside.

All is good on the Shore as long as Digger's truck is parked here, and I can just pop by anytime to visit Naz at Marzocchi's North Shore HQ.

The anticipation of a Shore ride, the moments and victories along the way and the sense of satisfaction and relief afterwards are unmatched anywhere else. Every time I ride the North Shore, I become a better rider. - PJ Hunton - Engineering Manager - Norco Bikes

I rode the shore for the first time when I was eleven, that was thirteen years ago. Since then it has taught me hard lessons about slippery roots, sharp rocks, and the ground. I feel blessed to be North Shore born and raised, no matter how it changes it will always be home. - Ross Measures - Pro rider and videographer

The North Shore is the reason that i first came to Canada, and I'm not going anywhere. There is no other place in the world like the North Shore to ride. Its a love hate with the shore. Bring your A game and you'll have an awesome ride. If you're not on point, you may see the North Shore devil. That's what I love about the Shore. - Matt Ryan - Enduro race slayer

The North Shore is one of the most challenging riding zones in the world - there is no shortage of trail choice and none of it is easy. For those that 'Ride' the shore there is often a small sense of fear that accompanies each ride. This is also called 'pucker', and that is how we like it. Respect and a little fear on every ride. - Andreas Hestler - Ex-Olympian and general Shore good guy

Tippie, satisfying his late-night addictions.

Ryan Berrecloth, lit.

James Van de Kamp, not on the Shore, but really damn close.

Frankie Vass, living the high life in Surrey...also real close to the Shore.

Classic mountain biking gnar! Look out for those roots... they're 'gonna getcha! - Garett Buehler

Garett Buehler, another day, another video edit.

Garett Buehler...Toonie Drop.

Left...James Doerfling. Right..."You chicken wire that stunt, I'll drink this beer." Ryan Berrecloth to Aaron Chase.

Bridge Jumps, North Vancouver.

Dustin Gilding, Sam Dueck, and Eric Lawrenuk...Afternoon session at the Bridge Jumps.

Self portrait.

Author Info:

Margus

Member since Aug 4, 2009
103 articles

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84 Comments

piperj3 (Dec 9, 2011 at 12:07)

Awesome shots ! It's been 3 weeks since I went to Vancouver , I just visited my Girlfriend , and I was amazed of the great mountains up there , those are awesome , I wish I could come back to the shore and take a ride.... awesome city . Just one of the trasures of the great north thanks Canada

thefisherman (Dec 9, 2011 at 1:22)

moving to vancouver island next year, just got back into DH after 10 years off bikes, am super stoked and cant wait to get there!

RedShredder (Dec 9, 2011 at 8:49)

Where abouts on the island? There's definitely some awesome riding on the island, but the Shore is a whole other story. If you plan on being on the island and riding the Shore often I hope you have deep pockets, the ferries are outrageous!

nobodyhasthisname (Dec 9, 2011 at 14:15)

where's the photo of the year?

MountainMonster1000 (Dec 9, 2011 at 17:07)

Parts of the island are pretty much like the shore, it just gets overlooked. The best kept secret

epavichthesavage (Dec 9, 2011 at 17:12)

true man

querbeetfahrer (Dec 10, 2011 at 3:49)

The Shore is for me a Place with a "must be there" Factor and i was so stoked 2004 when i put my feet on the ground of cypress mountain. This article and the pictures brings for me good emotions and is a special Place in the Bike-History and in the future of our Sport. In a couple of years i will be back with my children and then i show them this peace of Heaven.

omnicell (Dec 11, 2011 at 3:00)

Im wondering where all of this is going..... Will the shore be a secret for ever, meaning plenty of people have heard of it yet never been their. Or, Will it get over crowded with laws and regulations at some point with the wealthy left to buy the entrance tickets as they have the cash.. If this be the case, another shore somewhere else will be built. The counter of power as of present would be the revenue and national identity with mountain biking that helps the general nation in an acceptable way. As long as it remains the national sport it has power.. Mountain biking is here to stay. Very interesting. A world revolution on 2 wheels. I wonder if leonardo da vinci would have predicted this.... In the end it is about the relationship between the small child in all of us and God, And that God wants us to please him by riding our bikes.. That is the bottom line. And thus we will..........

alex888vf2 (Dec 9, 2011 at 6:02)

Its a dream for me to ride on the shore since 2006 when i got my first freeride bike, Its when i see those trail on pinkbike that take me into mtb. One day i will ride the shore

timikiwi (Dec 11, 2011 at 8:30)

My only experience of riding the Shore is my favourite riding memory. 2002 on holiday in BC. Went sight seeing up Grouse Mountain and found a bike rental place up top. Despite being somewhat inappropriately dressed and coming to terms with a RM Switch with the brakes the wrong way round (at least to us Brits!), my bro and I ditched our parents and spent the next few hours taking in 'Pipeline' and many other quality trails. Meeting Digger halfway down meant nothing at the time, but feel very privileged now. Good times!

epavichthesavage (Dec 9, 2011 at 0:13)

I'm going to Vancouver for schooling soon and I *was* pretty bummed about the possibility of not being able to ride anywhere...forgive my ignorance, I have been proven wrong

First time I've actually been excited about 'school' haha

45 1

nouser (Dec 9, 2011 at 2:43)

you cant be serious??? you never heard of the shore before this article?

10 0

danmartynov (Dec 9, 2011 at 8:12)

@ epavichthesavage, Its a funny comment coming from someone who rides a Norco Shore.

But don't you worry about having places to ride, we've got plenty.

epavichthesavage (Dec 9, 2011 at 11:31) (Below Threshold)

none of the locals would let me in on it when I was there :/
so come at me bros

n-lagasse (Dec 9, 2011 at 14:48)

^eh?

epavichthesavage (Dec 9, 2011 at 16:25)

Look. I think you guys misunderstood me. I know what shore riding is, what I meant is that I haven't seen/ridden anything there that would be considered ride worthy. The only thing the local bike shop people would point me to was lame ass local trails built for the community. So that's why I was bummed. No need to get all elitist on me

leelau (Dec 9, 2011 at 17:00)

Elitist? There's a guide book. There are free maps. Don't blame people for you not opening your eyes

KyleIsaman (Dec 9, 2011 at 17:01)

next time you go to a shop, ask to get a trail map. that will help a ton. will you have a vehicle with you?

epavichthesavage (Dec 9, 2011 at 17:14)

I used to live in Victoria and trying to find places to ride in Vancouver is about as hard. Most of the good stuff seem to be a secret, naturally...

and leelau it's kinda hard to find stuff when you don't live there or know what trail heads to look for, man relax, I'm not stupid
and Kylelsaman yes I own a vehicle, point me in the right direction

epavichthesavage (Dec 9, 2011 at 17:18)

and I would prefer to ride with locals in the know than dick around with maps, IMO

leelau (Dec 9, 2011 at 18:43)

epavich. Most people I know from PG are nice and don't have a chip on their shoulder. You otoh sound like a real class dipshit. Sounds like there was a good reason no-one would share with you. Have fun stumbling around.

epavichthesavage (Dec 9, 2011 at 19:02)

Wow. ...
What a mature thing for a "42" year old man to say. What are you talking about "chip on my shoulder". All I said was I was happy to go ride in Vancouver man! and you had to be immature about the fact that I didn't know what I was doing.
But, if it makes you feel better here's a plus prop you a*shole

leelau (Dec 9, 2011 at 19:48)

I just re-read what you posted and I was out - of -line. I misinterpreted what you said and am wrong and am sorry. Let me rephrase what I said. Use the maps and the guidebook as a starting point. Post on the pbike forums if you're looking for people to ride with. The trails will come to you

trimakas (Dec 10, 2011 at 7:35)

A bit more advice, get involved with a few organized build days on the Shore and things will rapidly open up to you. But in general, there's so much there that doesn't need a tour guide - go get lost on Fromme - you'll have a blast. And by the way, I too was amused that you had been bummed about a lack of riding...

hazbo (Dec 10, 2011 at 11:11)

This conversion is hilarious!

epavichthesavage (Dec 10, 2011 at 11:43)

well to be fair on my part, I knew there was riding out there, just wanted someone to show me where all the great stuff was located. .Like the trails in this article. Vancouver is pretty damn big for a small town kid like myself

KyleIsaman (Dec 10, 2011 at 20:48)

fromme, seymour, and cypress. all easily accessible. if you want some directions to the mountains, PM me.

epavichthesavage (Dec 10, 2011 at 21:19)

nice, when I am in town I will , thanks

slajax (Dec 11, 2011 at 13:10)

When I first moved to the shore me and my buddy got lost at least 5 times going down abandoned trails or taking wrong turns before we finally were confident about finding and riding trails. That was before wade's trail map came out. Now all you need is to give that thing a quick look over and watch for trucks with dakine matts and north shore racks. One of my favorite things about the shore was when I went from riding all the map trails, to finding trails that were lesser known. Something about searching and finding a trail makes the ride better. If you can't roll with that you should probably go to whistler.

epavichthesavage (Dec 11, 2011 at 15:53)

I'm all down for getting lost on a bike trip, just.. I don't have the wallet for my gas guzzler to go driving all over haha. I think maybe the local shop guy assumed I was all about lower level difficulty trails, when I aked him about some "sweet trails" I guess. I don't know, maybe not that many people ride like this in Vancouver?
Yeah I'm not crazy about Whistler, too busy at times. Prefer Silverstar

universe (Dec 12, 2011 at 15:09)

I found GMG the first week I lived there. With some effort you can find anything on the Shore, especially these days.

epavichthesavage (Dec 12, 2011 at 15:36)

well I was only there for around 3 days ':/

The-Medic (Dec 15, 2011 at 2:14)

What NORCO frame is that red one that dude is jumping??? I just looked at Norco's 2012 site and am quite suprised to see that the 4x4 and the "street/DJ" bikes seem to be gone... Am I missing something???

Edit: NM, they're now not part of the "mountain bike" section so...But no more 4x4??? LAME!!!!

milanulrich (Dec 9, 2011 at 0:21)

Good shots, but i don't like those photo effects. It looks better without them anyway.

bunkey (Dec 9, 2011 at 5:06)

I like how Margus shoots and edits but I think *some* of the processing is getting a little ott as of late. I'm sure the full res versions look dope but cut down to 1024px it's difficult to make anything out amongst the high contrast branches.

parisgore (Dec 9, 2011 at 10:05)

I think they are all film.. not sure though. they look great though! love em

fullbug (Dec 9, 2011 at 7:33)

Van de Kamp for the screensaver and my POY. great article and photos. more please.

biker-Boy808 FL (Dec 9, 2011 at 0:08)

So many pictures added to the apple's screensaver and desktop! Great words along with the photos! Stoked for part 3

16 2

turtlesauce2000 (Dec 9, 2011 at 6:55)

Was it really necessary for you to mention you use an apple?

20 0

nouser (Dec 9, 2011 at 7:33)

how else would people know?

nfiorito (Dec 9, 2011 at 11:02)

I literally just logged in on a public computer solely to prop ^ these two ^ responses

gwgardner (Dec 9, 2011 at 15:18)

The best part about owning an iphone.... calling your friends and telling them you have an iphone

biker-Boy808 FL (Dec 9, 2011 at 15:25)

jaimiemrclean94- You're sad you don't have an apple. I was just like you guys so don't worry i know how it feels. I just got my new computer and the quality of the pictures on the background of my apple is unreal. I know you won't understand. -gwgardner haha so true.

turtlesauce2000 (Dec 9, 2011 at 15:32)

I have a brand new windows laptop, its sick... and i still had enough money left for some drugs and a hooker

u jelly?

biker-Boy808 FL (Dec 9, 2011 at 15:38)

haha i sure am! funny guy ^

biker-Boy808 FL (Dec 9, 2011 at 15:55)

If i had extra money i would be riding the shore right now and if i won the big lotto then i would take the whole pinkbike community to whistler for a weekend! But have fun jaimieMrclean94 with your dugs and hookers.

turtlesauce2000 (Dec 9, 2011 at 16:00)

and my windows laptop, sure will!

turtlesauce2000 (Dec 9, 2011 at 16:02)

Also, whats with "jaimieMrclean94", my names not that far away surely it shouldnt be that hard to copy it?

biker-Boy808 FL (Dec 9, 2011 at 16:11)

My computer has copy past, don't worry i know how to read to! (thats why i can have a conversation with you) Mr clean sounds better for you. but since no one wants to read your comments because they are all off topic and pointless I'm not going to reply after this. I would suggest commenting on the article instead of doing exactly opposite of what the sentence says right above where you are typing. " Be constructive and on-topic."
I'm being constructive by helping you understand that you don't put stupid comments on pb because then you make yourself look like an ideot.

turtlesauce2000 (Dec 9, 2011 at 16:13)

Maclean is a toothpaste brand.... random fact of the day. North shore is sick! BOOM im on topic.

VIPEYcc (Dec 9, 2011 at 0:20)

I click on the first picture and it`s taking me to another one :/

stumper21 (Dec 9, 2011 at 0:49)

hahhaha that is true.

mattatattatty (Dec 9, 2011 at 7:22)

I can't wait to get back up there.

Ox-Bikes (Dec 9, 2011 at 9:42)

Traveled 10,000 km to ride there last fall. So worth it.

forasphoto (Dec 11, 2011 at 6:41)

Holy crap.. everyone of those photos was so beautifully exposed, i love the dark and damp nature of them, Amazing!

singletrailrider (Dec 9, 2011 at 2:16)

Quality shots!

oldschoolj (Dec 9, 2011 at 4:40)

i want to move back home, I visit the north shore every couple years, just never to ride it.

kntr (Dec 9, 2011 at 6:52)

When did digger get a new Mazda pickup?

leelau (Dec 9, 2011 at 17:01)

5 - 6 years ago

kntr (Dec 11, 2011 at 15:10)

Does he still drive the ranger once in awhile? I saw him just 3-4 years ago with the ranger.

flipfantasia FL (Dec 9, 2011 at 8:23)

Sick shots, Margus, that Friday ride shore day was sweeeeet!!

PIND-IT (Dec 9, 2011 at 9:00)

Beautiful photography. Captures so much of the unspoken appeal of mt. biking...

Sharonb (Dec 9, 2011 at 16:02)

my first ride was also on SeveredD in 1991 on a Kuwahara roc'dazur DX! Nice shots.

JHewitt (Dec 10, 2011 at 15:11)

wouldnt have thought severed dick was ever a good place to start

sheiffa (Dec 10, 2011 at 3:55)

I would love next parts of shore - WTF to appear endlessly!

Such a sick photography, sceneries and riding.

squawk3000 (Dec 9, 2011 at 8:40)

I miss home...can't wait to move back. Awesome self-portrait!!!

tsquared89 (Dec 10, 2011 at 14:00)

AWESOME Shots! Where is the night shot of Ryan B looking up

GermanyFreeride (Dec 9, 2011 at 4:24)

Nice.

connortieulie (Dec 9, 2011 at 5:54)

so many pods

jhowe001 (Dec 9, 2011 at 10:34)

let's see some more of the Toonie Drop shots!!! That's one hectic stunt...

wee-eck (Dec 9, 2011 at 14:42)

It's why I left Fort William, Scotland. The Shore is phenomenal.

Denniswoo (Dec 9, 2011 at 6:34)

nice pics!!!!!!

DUKEPRO (Dec 9, 2011 at 6:46)

See you again

ready23 (Dec 9, 2011 at 12:41)

Superb shots!

nouser (Dec 9, 2011 at 18:34)

directions to the darkside anybody?

andrew404 (Dec 10, 2011 at 16:09)

keep dreaming...

KyleIsaman (Dec 10, 2011 at 20:50)

hahahahaha!

bigburd (Dec 11, 2011 at 10:46)

use the force crapster...

stayfortreats (Dec 9, 2011 at 0:10)

Heck yea! sweet shots

kindad (Dec 9, 2011 at 12:22)

art

gladiax87 (Dec 9, 2011 at 12:48)

last pic have to be POD

giantcycles (Dec 9, 2011 at 12:58)

so wanna ride the shore

pbuser102331 (Dec 11, 2011 at 4:39)

niesen-ranger (Dec 11, 2011 at 13:30)

super shots!!