Shore - WTF - Part 1

Dec 5, 2011

by Margus Riga

The North Shore of Vancouver BC is one of the hardest, harshest, gnarliest, scariest, most progressive riding areas in the world. A lot has changed in the last thirty years, and a lot hasn't. The weather still sucks, but the trails are a lot more fun to ride. There's also a lot more trails...both legitimate (city maintained) and illegitimate (privately maintained). And you can still find crazy, scary shit everywhere. But don't take my word for it. Just ask anyone who's ever lived here...

Al Crisp.

You need time on the North shore to acquire your 'Shore Legs'. Only once you have spent a considerable amount of time here, will you grow accustomed to the terrain and the riding techniques associated. Put another way...The Shore is like a good woman, unless you buy her a few drinks you're not getting a quality ride. - Cory Leclerc

One thing the Shore will never be... Boring.

James Doerfling, Ryan Berrecloth, Brett Tippie

Brett Tippie. Halloween ride.

I live on the edge...of the North Shore! ha ha. Although I grew up riding the dusty, dry, semi-arid deserty hills of Kamloops complete with sagebrush, cactus, gravel pits and wide open skies...I now live on the edge of the North Shore rainforest...tilted on a steep angle complete with anaconda snake like root sytems, greasy green rock gardens and shelfs, natural wooden stunts and the ominous fog banks that roll in and out like a mid-grade horror movie. It's so much fun...complete with ear-splitting grins of bravado satisfaction and shin-splitting flesh wounds of reality. Although everyone has heard about the North Shore gnarl, complete with 3000 vertical foot paved roads to the top. I'm now learning there's km's and km's of wicked all-mtn/XC flow that's scattered everywhere too. The North Shore will give you not only big smiles but also big eyes and brown shorts...all in the same ride!!! - Brett Tippie

Brett Tippie.

You 'gotta pay to play. Tippie...paying for his sins, one boo-boo at a time.

James Doerfling. His first ride on the Shore.

James Doerfling

James Doerfling

I have always said the North Shore is the Gnarliest place to ride in the world. Every trail is crux after crux. The fact that most of the time, it is wet and there are a lot of roots, says it all. - Richie Schley

Jay Hoots, on the rainiest day I have ever experienced up there. We literally got rained off the mountain.

Jay Hoots

Jay Hoots

Film days revisited.

Mario Lenzen. Mt. Fromme.

Fear, unknown, learning, confidence, comfort, complacency...oops - ouch! - Noel Buckley - Knolly Bikes

Ross Measures. Cypress Mountain.

Ross Measures

Ross Measures

Ryan Berrecloth and Geoff Gullevich

North shore; my home from day one. It's also home to some of the most diverse and technical riding in the world. If you can ride confidently here you can ride anywhere. - Geoff Gulevich

Geoff Gullevich, introducing Mario Lenzen to the drops.

Ryan Berrecloth. Always working on something new.

Wade Simmons with Ryan Berrecloth, and Brett Tippie with Andrew Baker.

Ryan Berrecloth and Wade Simmons

I learned how to ride on The Shore, and it has shaped me into the rider I am today. It doesn't matter if I'm out for a hike, riding or building my next line, I always feel at home when I'm in the woods of the Shore...love this place! - Ryan Berrecloth

Wade Simmons. Lower Ladies.

"Home." Wade Simmons

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Margus
Member since Aug 4, 2009
103 articles

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82 Comments

44 0

R-P-S FL (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:03)

Wow, what an awesome feature. Those pictures really capture the intangible feeling that makes going out for a ride in the woods really something special.

11 0

Drood (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:35)

They look and feel so natural. I always have the most respect for photographers who can capture 'life as it is'.

chyu (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:16)

Single crown? No problem!

Sysics (Dec 5, 2011 at 11:18)

Is it really this dark at the shore? Most of the pics are, for my taste, underexposed. It also can be the filter/photoprogramm he used.

leelau (Dec 5, 2011 at 11:28)

Not really except in fall winter (which is when these shots were taken). Not to speak for Margus but he's probably trying to achieve a certain mood and in that I think Margus succeeded.

VTwintips (Dec 5, 2011 at 14:34)

like 20 pods. In particular... www.pinkbike.com/photo/7463093 Left side there, www.pinkbike.com/photo/7463051 This pic, www.pinkbike.com/photo/7463052 that pic please!!!, www.pinkbike.com/photo/7463063 and maybe that one.

inakiarri (Dec 5, 2011 at 15:02)

yeah i loved most of them!! awesome shots realy

Rider656 (Dec 5, 2011 at 15:05)

I agree ^ so many POD's

scott-townes (Dec 5, 2011 at 15:17)

Jeeze Tippie, switching up the edge of town joke a lil, huh?

gypsyonwheels (Dec 5, 2011 at 21:39)

Please let me favorite this article?

crash21 (Dec 5, 2011 at 22:26)

WTF!! INDUBITABLY AWESOME, SIR.

17 0

gjmurdoch (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:08)

where the fk are the dinosaurs ?! this place looks unreal...

beast-from-the-east (Dec 5, 2011 at 16:25)

Never mind the dinos, where is Vanderham? Amazing photos and quotes though.

10 0

mr-ronton (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:28)

I would love to ride the shore, seriously... Someone give me a plane ticket.

rismtb (Dec 5, 2011 at 13:03)

Vancouver BC in general is constantly maintains a relative humidity between 90-100% for most of the year. North shore forests lock in this moisture under their canopies and create a perfect environment for the rotting bio sphere on the forest floor. Not a lot of light filters thru to trails below on Mt Fromme. When you enter this world to ride it's like going thru a door or looking glass and you are in a place that could excite you to pee you pants or scare the shit out of you. I love this place I invite everyone to come to see,smell,taste, Ride

justincs (Dec 5, 2011 at 18:09)

Don't forget the mosquitos.....

Gruta FL (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:00)

Makes want to go ride really bad... wait my boxxer broke... damn... amazing photography! I love the cold feeling you get from every single photo, Margus sir, you are a true master! Thanks.

sireatshitalot (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:47)

I feel like need to write an essay on why I love biking;

See the above sorry with amazing photos.

Best essay I have ever written.

bulldogg73 (Dec 5, 2011 at 11:42)

Lovely shots! The way the shore is portrayed, it looks like the home of Orcs and Elves. I'm not one for cold and wet riding, but seeing these pics makes me want to go out and discover the magic.

fantaman (Dec 5, 2011 at 7:59)

Riding there would be like being in heaven

fullbug (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:28)

one day ...big smiles, big eyes, and brown shorts for me! Always use to make it up to family in Seattle but I haven't been near that area since visiting Syncros when they were still in Vancouver. truly epic.

mulchee (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:35)

I'm born and raised in North Van, so nice to see the lenswork of craftsman Margus photographing the best AT the best place in the world!

jgottya1 (Dec 5, 2011 at 11:04)

The epitome of gnarly ! Awesome, yet beautiful pics !!! This is the type of stuff that I first saw on the old Digger NSX films that got me stoked to go out and act like a fool on my bike ! Viva la Shore !

browner (Dec 5, 2011 at 15:31)

Some of these definately have the look of film - then I saw the negative strips. Wonder what cameras are being used? what kind of film? all of them have such an excellent sense of light and dark. Where the flashes are used it is to perfection and not washing anything out.

jeffsworks (Dec 5, 2011 at 17:01)

This selection of Quotes and Pics has captured the shore better than anything else I have seen. Amazing job Margus!! Makes me feel guilty for sitting at a computer when i'm only 15 minutes from most of those trails!! I tell you if this was expanded to a coffee table book I would have one on pre ordered today.

SBK-ID (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:43)

is that an evil revolt got left out in the woods?

a0metal0edgeaaron (Dec 5, 2011 at 13:13)

I ride Bootleg Canyon here in Vegas alot, it has it spots but not like what i'm seeing here. It really is no wonder why so many pro names come from the north shore.

angrynipples (Dec 5, 2011 at 14:45)

bootleg has some of the most difficult terrain though dude, not so much drops and jumps and skinnies, but super sharp cheese-grader rock. If you shred out there enough and allow yourself to progress as a rider you could definitely be great as well.

DrFrantz (Dec 6, 2011 at 22:11)

I remember being down south, drinking coronas on a perfect beach, reading my Decline magazine and thinking: "man, I miss north van!"

The North Shore: best place in the world, period.

geoffwarburton (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:32)

Tho one of Tippie and his kid is the best by far.

cougar797 (Dec 5, 2011 at 11:26)

pretty much

IamGianluca (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:13)

Wonderful photos!! This work is just amazing

Where I can find them in higher resolution?

danmartynov (Dec 5, 2011 at 7:58)

Sooo many POD's! Awesome.

ButtonPusher (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:50)

So many POD's in there... Great riders + epic terrain x Riga = Amazing spread..!

KaiGazette (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:07)

soooooo stoked that im in this (:

punkrocka1992 (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:33)

Man these photos are some of the best ive ever seen. It makes me wonder why at least 1/3 of them arent choices for POM. Or POY.

brule (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:31)

They were uploaded this weekend. POY was pictures from the last year. POM is PODs from the previous month.

drjlorber (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:50)

great photos, how I wish I could taste some of these amazing trails, rain forests, fogs....ahhh how I wish!!!!!!

robinwood33 (Dec 5, 2011 at 13:58)

One feeling in my mind »»» EPIC

Gabe352 (Dec 5, 2011 at 16:51)

best photos iv seen in a while

Conor-Smith (Dec 5, 2011 at 19:40)

Was the second photo of Jay Hoots the same line that was in the Hill/Vanderham section of follow me?

caldwellvisuals (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:10)

Amazing photos Margus, I cant wait to ride the shore!

funkendrenchman (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:55)

I got muddy just looking at those pics.

bradwalton (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:23)

Inspirational. Thanks Margus!

skicorbiski (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:28)

So many sweet shots and some good quick reading too! Thanks!

rhiwfawrdirt (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:30)

theres alot of pods in this page

Sharonb (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:37)

captured the mood for sure!

neimbc (Dec 5, 2011 at 13:33)

Tippie Old Boy - two words - shin pads!! And tell me someone was also taking video?

Nobble (Dec 5, 2011 at 16:29)

is it just my computer or is the contrast wayyy off on most of those pictures?

Leeroyy (Dec 6, 2011 at 1:14)

In my opinion some of these shots are better than the ones up for photo of the year...0_o

MathiasWensveen (Dec 5, 2011 at 15:24)

Margus Riga is the cat's ass.

courtneywylie (Dec 7, 2011 at 9:47)

Goddamn Margus, you are inspiring.

jerryhazard (Dec 5, 2011 at 13:31)

Should make this in to a coffee table book...

TLDlover04 (Dec 5, 2011 at 15:25)

i love this page so much

nikoniko (Dec 5, 2011 at 21:47)

Awesome pictures and great story!

dvbwn (Dec 5, 2011 at 22:29)

More epic photos in a single article than i've ever seen before.

Luke-VTT (Dec 6, 2011 at 6:12)

Amazing pictures and a lot scary as well.

mastekolej (Dec 5, 2011 at 7:58)

good very nice

stayfortreats (Dec 5, 2011 at 7:57)

Soo friggin awesome!

geeKayy (Dec 5, 2011 at 7:59)

EPIC!

naptime FL (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:35)

amazing

amajors (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:37)

heaven!

dughead123 (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:53)

How old is Tippie?

dirtbagluvin (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:03)

Old enough to ride his bike!!

cougar797 (Dec 5, 2011 at 11:20)

He has tons of practice!

hillatoppa (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:38)

One word:
EPIC!!

hncreature (Dec 6, 2011 at 0:36)

Incredible photos!

lazymuf (Dec 8, 2011 at 4:32)

AWESOME....

lazymuf (Dec 8, 2011 at 4:34)

Awesomely Stoked

lazymuf (Dec 8, 2011 at 4:40)

Awesomely Stoked

rjmogul (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:38)

Wait a set, Tippie's only 74!

Below threshold threads are hidden

WAKIdesigns (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:08)

Beatiful indeed, yes... and recently I was told here that well, these forests must go down, otherwise try wiping your arse with plastic! I just hope I get to ride these before these forests are cut down to satisfy our demands. Amazing nature, will be a good story to tell to children.

jakwobr (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:16)

not going to happen^ the north shore mountains are provincial parks and are protected. They will never be logged.

WAKIdesigns (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:24)

good... but we do might get in serious need of toilet paper one day! you know it's a basic need!

leelau (Dec 5, 2011 at 11:07)

Jacob. Cypress and Seymour have provincial parks. Fromme has no park. Legal trails aren't allowed in the prov parks. Almost all the trails are in municipal land. There's no guarantees that they won't be logged or paved for houses but lots of bikers, hikers etc are very interested in keeping North Shore trails the way there are.

shishka (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:34)

Insane terrain!!!! Yo what happened to tippie? Look like a broken ankle?? Old dogs need to ease up in the trails, let the new guys take the heat. Tippie is already an og.

cougar797 (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:43)

Why?

shishka (Dec 5, 2011 at 8:59)

tuh? bikes? dirt?

fullbug (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:03)

as an old dog i get what ya mean shiska.. but it's hard not to wanna play! you know us old dogs and new tricks don't work out that well sometimes! haha

shishka (Dec 5, 2011 at 9:06)

Tippie the original freerider, I hope I can ride like that when I 75.

dirtbagluvin (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:02)

Riding w/ Tippie this past season, there's no signs of him slowing down!!! Then there's his Tundra......
Shit happens!! If your shins don't tell stories you need to ride harder!!
AMAZING PHOTOS!! Quickly becoming one of my favorite photogs!!

mulchee (Dec 5, 2011 at 10:32)

Tippie has always ridden harder than most, on the bike and the board. I respect that. Age is irrelevant, fitness and spirit of mind is the key.