I woke up to Bernie, our lovely neighbours’ pooch, cheese lover and official Hammer Coffee mascot, excitedly barking outside this morning. His excitement provided early warning that the first snow had arrived in the Whistler valley. He’s absolutely mad about snowballs.
I admit, snow’s surprise early-November arrival (I mean, who knew!!), did throw shade on this article. You see, I’ve recently made a fun little habit of pouring a steaming cup of coffee and waxing lyrical about my slippery, Autumn riding exploits. It’s self indulgence really. Chrissy, thinks I’m working. I get to write about riding my bike. Entirely three people read the article. Win, win! Let me tell you about this week’s ride on White Knuckles (pre-snow...), located in Whistler’s somewhat notorious, but vastly underrated No Flow Zone.
It’s pouring rain as I pedal from our home in Whistler’s Alpine Meadows neighbourhood to Delineator. The trail is quiet, creeks are flowing hard under freshly constructed bridges (thank you WORCA). I live on this trail. Many times every week I escape to ride or run Delineator. I high-five an old friend, a giant Cedar, as I huff and puff past.
I’m gassed and happy as I reach the White Knuckles trailhead. Low consequence and high output make White Knuckles the perfect Fall trail. Fields of slick baby-head rocks covered in rotting leaves and lung-busting punchy climbs. What’s not to love?
Left turn up No Girly Man to extend the ride a little, past Ken Melamed’s menacing rock masterpiece The Thing, I’m met with a wonderfully soggy view of Green Lake as I rejoin White Knuckles for the final short descent.
Get outside and HAMMER!
