Monday, 01 June 2009 22:33

What a difference a few short months can make. The riding over the last month has been nothing short of stellar. I was up today and got in a couple of laps including rides on 2Cents, Skidder, Hidden Pleasures, Terdferg, Dilemma, MongoLoyd, Mexican Ninja, Electric Lettuce, Mango and Femur. With the exception of a tree across Femur (just after the first couple of berms), all the other trails were minty with superb traction and near summer riding conditions (bluebird sky and 27 degrees). To my delight, I had the only vehicle parked and saw not another soul during my 3 hours of heaven.

During this time of year, I am always cautious of encountering bears as there is still a relative scarcity of food (though it is coming on fast now). I have seen lots of bear in the past but did not see any today. However as I was riding up the road, a big male Bob Cat sauntered out of the bush and onto the road in front of me. He emerged about 30 feet ahead of me, looked back at me and after determining that I posed no risk to him, proceeded to mosey his way up the road in the heat of the day. He maintained a distance of about 30 feet, routinely checking over his shoulder, for about a kilometre before darting in to the entrance of Tripower just after the Skidder entrance. This little encounter was worth the whole trip up and I would have gladly given up my ride to spend more time with this fellow. I will never know why he decided to grace me with his presence today. I am constantly reminded that when we are riding, we will rarely see these cats (and their bigger cousins the Cougar) but you can be assured that they routinely see us.

Enjoy the ride.

Mark Steinebach, VMTA