10 Cardinal rules for trials riding in BC

Posted on October 8, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

OMFG!!

A blue sky, warm temps, killer trails and snow capped mountains! Awesome. What through me for a loop though was the steepness of the trails from minute one onwards. Guess I’m used to a smooth, gentle rise in elevation. BC single tracks, in general, are pretty tough and I admit that the narrow paths, steep granite walls, and slick roots made my heart patter more than once. My years as a downhill racer led me to race more than once on BC trails so you would think I would be used to the difficulty. I have come to accept that I am green. My skills on a trials bike is negotiable and my friend Jon has now rated me as a beginner. After todays ride I accept that I am a newbie.

The technical – a 12.4 km ride, with over 800 metres of climbing in 4.5 hours (break time, photo time) and approximately 2 litres of fuel used. The start, as mentioned, clearly took me by surprise as the rapid narrow ascent became gnarlier and greasier as rocks and roots jutted in all directions. While you are visualising this throw in about 10 tight switchbacks into the mix. I surprised myself being able to keep up with Jon and Steve. I dabbed my foot on a slippery rock and that threw me off and I landed hard on my right hip. No problem. Pick up the bike and keep going. If I stop it’ll be that much harder to get going again so … ‘don’t stop’ became my mantra.

Eventually the trail straightened and a sea of lush green moss welcomed us into the higher levels. Only a few deciduous trees remained while big cedars and Douglas Firs (I think…I’m not really a botanist) lined the forest standing tall and majestic. The trail continued upwards but relaxed a bit in the steepness until faced with a few monstrous rock walls slick from moisture and drizzled with moss. I realised then I should pay heed to the kind words given to me by Jon before the start of the ride – he calmly and clearly stated for me not to be afraid to ask for assistance. Looking up at my first obstacle it didn’t take long to first laugh at the thought that I would even consider attempting this and finally, cave in and loudly cry ‘help’!

Now before I paint a picture of myself as some unskilled damsel I would like to say that I have matured and grown during my last two rides in BC on my trials bike. Clearly, it was evident that at times I was not going to clean some sections. And in an attempt to keep both myself, my bike and my friends happy I accepted the help and let the guys ride my bike up on some of the (as I found out) intermediate to advanced climbs. Afterall, we were riding a single black diamond downhill trail backwards so I guess I shouldn’t feel too bad asking for help once in a while. Besides…riding is way more fun than falling and fixing myself and my bike.

As I lay in bed that night I had some time to reflect upon my first two rides in BC on a trials bike and realised that there are 10 Cardinal Rules for Riding in BC. Along with my own thoughts, words of wisdom from both Jon and Steve led me to the following:

1. Be prepared – for me that means bring zip ties so when I loop my bike I don’t have to rely on friends to put my fender back on.

2. Tire Pressure – they are pretty much flat right now and grip is much better.

3. Back to the basics – clutch control, balance, body position need to be well rehearsed.

4. Commitment – Give ‘er!! is appropriate at times. Whatever the case…follow through and don’t back off.

5. Whoa! – and sometimes we need to stop and look before we ‘give ‘er’ as steep drops and giant boulders are the norm.

6. Feet on the pegs – self explanatory. If you must dabble at least keep on foot on for traction.

7. Plan a route – that means plan your route of attack before actually trying it.

8. Plan an escape route – just like the above plan an escape route should you not attain your goal and decide when and how to fall should the need arise.

9. Breathe – do not underestimate this Cardinal Rule.

… and the top cardinal rule …

10. Ask for help – there is no shame asking for help over an obstacle.

I cannot thank both Jon and Steve for their assistance. Without them I would have missed out on an incredible ride. I have learned a lot and plan to continue learning. One day I will tackle that monstrous granite wall…but maybe when it’s a bit drier. For now I am a beginner and loving where it takes me.

'Up, up and away'. Jon tackles steep, slick rock. I chose to take photos instead. — ‘Up, up and away’. Jon tackles steep, slick rock. I chose to take photos instead.

Steep, slick and full of cracks. One slip and it's a long tumble down. — Having made it the highest Jon is King of the Hill as he tackles this steep, slick rock face. Can we go back so I can get more photos?? Need to work the rock on my end to showcase how steep and long this wall is.

There goes my Gas Gas expertly being ridden by Steve Bonnet. This was a 3 stage climb - the entrance steep, narrow and slick with a thick root at the top followed by a tight turn. Still charging upwards, parallel to the rock, and finally another steep, right turn and over some more greasy roots and rocks. Thanks Steve!! My bike and my body appreciate your help :) — There goes my Gas Gas expertly being ridden by Steve Bonnet. This was a 3 stage climb – the entrance steep, narrow and slick with a thick root at the top followed by a tight turn. Still charging upwards, parallel to the rock, and finally another steep, right turn and over some more greasy roots and rocks. Thanks Steve!! My bike and my body appreciate your help 🙂

Taking a breather and soaking in a few rays.

Steve laying down the law over the trail.

Steve clearly lacks technical skills... — Riding the front down the hill. Steve has some serious bike handling skills that I can only dream of!

© Cecile Gambin Photography — ‘Roots, what roots? There ain’t no stinking roots here!!’

reworked image for client of Colbourne XC race

Posted on October 5, 2013 by cecile

Just reworked a photo for a client. This was his first XC race and was on a CRF450R mx bike in the woods. A hand full I bet. We chatted a bit via online and I am happy to say that he is looking forward to more trail riding next year!! And, yes he has since purchased a pipe guard, hand guards and a skid plate since the race 🙂

Tomorrow I am heading out on my Gas Gas TXT200 with my friend Jon somewhere near Squamish or if the weather is good around Whistler. Squeeeeeee…I want Whistler!! I’ll be heading out with my camera bag locked ad loaded on my back of course and look forward to some awesome riding. According to Jon I am officially my riding skills hover in the beginner ranks (yes…my ego is bruised) but hopefully I will be able to post some pics of our day just as long as I don’t fall (hard) and damage my camera gear.

Shopping, Trials & Tribulations in Crumpit Woods, BC

Posted on September 23, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

I think I have a bag fetish. A camera bag fetish to be exact. In preparation for my first big trials off-road ride in BC I marked the event with a few new purchases shopping for both myself and my trials bike for the unknown ride in Crumpit Woods. And by unknown I mean just that. Riding new terrain, in a new province, in an area that my good friend Jon Mutiger had never been to.

To start off my new adventure I decided to purchase a Lowepro Flipside 15L Sport Backpack which came the day before my ride. I needed a camera bag that would allow me to bring one pro camera body with either 1-2 lens and an external flash. I also needed a bag where I could store a few non-camera essentials such as bike tools, spare spark plug, some food, my phone, a point & shoot camera and some water. Water proof capabilities, adjustable straps and easy access were also high on my list. The Lowepro did not disappoint. It rained throughout the entire ride and the inside of the bag remained dry thanks to it’s external rain cover. The beauty of the bag though, and ultimately what sold me on this model, was how easy it is getting my equipment. I was able to stay on the bike, swing the pack around and grab my camera through a unique rear panel. Genious!! My only complaint would be the zipper system, and the waist band. I would prefer seeing a more rugged and waterproof system to keep out dirt, and dust as well as a padded waist belt.

My second purchase was for my bike. No longer wishing to carry extra fuel in my back pack I purchased an Acerbis Auxillary Fuel Tank for my Gas Gas TXT 200 Pro. This also meant that my camera equipment would be that much safer as I never really liked packing pre-mix along side. A relatively inexpensive addition ($99 plus free shipping from MX1) the tank, despite it’s garish looks, functioned flawlessly, providing me with an extra 3L of fuel (bringing the total up to 6L for me to play around with). The idea behind the tank is rather simple as the gas is drawn from the auxillary tank first and once empty it would take from the OEM tank. I should note though that I lost my breather hose in one of my ‘few’ falls. Victim of the trails I suppose.

So, it became quite clear that my first off-road motorcycle ride in BC was going to be a wet one as the weather man correctly forecasted foul weather. No matter…I was pumped and a ‘little’ rain did not damper my spirits as my friend Jon and myself headed towards Crumpit Woods just outside Squamish. The main trail head is in a new subdivision. Various mountain bike groups were assembled and ready to ride when we pulled up with our two Gas Gas’s on the trailer. No questions were asked or eye brows raised.

After checking the map and being gleefully delighted at all the trails available we hopped on and began our trek into what became a maze of never-ending trails. Meandering across the forest, the terrain varied in elevation and continued to twist and turn across rock and root infested trails in one area, and smooth, flowy turns and straights in another area. As we gained elevation the paths led us up steep granite hills. I tempted a few, fell, and than happily watched Jon as he gracefully manoeuvered his bike up and over the slick rock. I won’t bore you with the details of my falls but will tell you that my ego was bruised and I need to replace my front fender, bracket and possibly handle bars after a few newbie moves!

I followed Jon as I clearly had no clue where I was going. We had a blast exploring and thought at one point he was going to run out of gas, or me having to drag my bike out of the woods due to a mangled front end – details not available 🙂 Click on this link to see our route as recorded by Jon’s phone: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8Oj9VklLPwjS0NhMERYem1sdWM/edit?pli=1. I’m not sure how long we rode for nor the distance. I did go through approximately 3.5 litres of gas riding at a slow to medium pace.

Despite the wet rock and terrain I was amazed at how well the trails held up and how little mud there was. Being my first ride in BC I cannot tell you if there is a better trail to ride on a rainy day but I can say with certainty that Crumpit Woodss is a great place to ride in the rain with great traction and no wear and tear on the trails. Our faces weren’t even mud speckled! I will be back to visit Crumpit Woods again.

Thanks to Jon for a spectacular day. It was great to ride with him again!! Next up is a ride on my big bike with Kellee Irwin. I do not know where she will take me but I do know I am in for another great day of riding 🙂

Moving

Posted on August 17, 2013 by cecile

Hello!

Cecile Gambin Photography is moving to Vancouver. During this time of transition my website will remain fully active. You may contact me via this website, or through my Facebook page Cecile Gambin Photography. I will be up and running again in a few days and be ready to take on new photographic jobs and challenges at this time.

Thanks for your understanding.

Cecile

CGP captures one sweet Pimped out Toyota Pick Up

Posted on July 30, 2013 by cecile

I was recently asked to capture photos of this stunning pimped out blue Toyota Pick Up Truck and I jumped at the opportunity. This is my first car shoot and I can tell you it was a blast on so many different levels.

I am really happy at the way the photos turned out and did a lot of homework before the actual shoot. I wanted to incorporate my style blending fine art with my two or four wheeled friends. First up was the location. I wanted to find the proper background for this truck that suited both the owner, Kim, and her sleek low riser. Kim is not your typical ‘foo foo’ woman and is not afraid to get her nails dirty. I really wanted to find a location that suited both the edginess of the truck along with her personality. From drop down skirts, chrome mags to full on handcuffs this truck was tastefully done up.

Next up was researching what makes a good car photo. Lots of information out there – some good and some really bad stuff. So I took notes and learned. We decided on a day and I prayed to the weather Gods for weather that I wanted and they listened. Thank you!

I was stoked to find that the locations I chose worked perfectly. And luckily, I had chosen a few as we had to move from our first location to the second one. I will admit that I thoroughly enjoyed taking photos like this. I really liked researching my ‘subject’ and working the car. Taking photos of this truck opened my photographic vision to a whole new ball park and I would love to have the opportunity to try it again. In an odd sort of way this photo shoot reminded me of people portraits. Although my subject didn’t move or frown it did have it’s own ‘quirkiness’ that I needed to adapt to. Both come with their own set of special challenges!

I would like to thank Kim and Alex for giving me this opportunity!! And I can say with certainty that I am looking forward to another car shoot in the future. Any takers?

the 2013 ojibway Club annual art show at Pointe-au-Baril

Posted on July 26, 2013July 26, 2013 by cecile

The 2013 Ojibway Art Show is on this weekend, July 26-28. I am continuing my digital art series concentrating on photos and images from the Pointe-au-Baril, Georgian Bay area.

This year I went ‘birdy’ and included our fine feathered friends in a few of my fine art prints.

This is a superb show and if you are in the Pointe-au-Baril area grab a water taxi and get yourself over to the show. There are a host of wonderful artists representing the Bay through oil, acrylics, water paintings, photography, wood sculptors, jewelry makers and more. For more information please click HERE.

My take on Niagara Falls

Posted on June 24, 2013June 24, 2013 by cecile

Today, my family, and my brothers family who is visiting from Australia, went to Niagara Falls. It was a hot, humid summer day and nothing my Aussie family wasn’t used to. For the rest of us…it felt great to finally not having to bring a jacket!

Of course, I decided to showcase the Falls in the not so normal way. Take the above photo for example – if I were to name this I think I would call it ‘What Comes Around Goes Around’ or ‘The women of the Falls’.

I chose to bring one lens and it was my Nikon 105 mm f/2.8. It’s a very specific lens but one of my goals today was to capture my nieces as I see them – great kids that are fun to hang around with. And this lens makes great portraits.

I also wanted to check out my camera as I just got it back from Nikon a few days ago. I sent it to get cleaned as over 2 months of shooting in dry, wet, dusty and muddy offroad events took a number on my equipment. Sadly though, I forgot they readjusted everything and didn’t realise that I was shooting JPEG and not RAW. Ugh!

My Aussie nieces enjoying their time at the Falls.

2013 Algonquin 2 Day Ride Photo Report

Posted on June 17, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

The 2 Day Algonquin Ride is best known for being a difficult trail ride and this year was no exception as the recent rains created numerous mud and water holes. Part of the KTM Trail Ride Series, The Algonquin, or The Madawaska Ride, features the best of Ontario from unforgiving Canadian Shield to flowy pine tree sections to endless water holes. A must-do ride that should be on everybody’s bucket list.

For event photos please click HERE and scroll down to the bottom to find the albums.

Beautiful blue skies prevailed Saturday treating the riders to spectacular views and stunning Ontario scenery as trails led past slabs of granite rick, lakes and rivers. Sunday was equally as beautiful. Sadly though, the rain began shortly after 6am and did not ease up until noon. I will admit to having thoughts of calling it a day and heading home early to celebrate Fathers Day but decided to stick it out. And, I am so glad that I did because some of my best photos were taken early Sunday morning. I thank all the riders for sticking it out on this cool, wet morning.

Haliburton Trail Riders put on an exceptional show. Typically Saturday is the hardest day with over 150 km of trail and access roads covered. Optional route lines allow beginner to expert riders to choose the trail of their choice with respect to their ability. Sunday is the easier of the two days with approximately 100 km of trails. Having said this, Sunday might be easier technically but it does not fall short on the beauty scale as riders are treated to quiet winding dirt roads and lush single track.

© Cecile Gambin Photography-2 — Looking down the easy part of the first pink section on Saturday – the Extreme uphill rated at a 5/5. Lots of people trying – some made it and lots didn’t. Great entertainment for those watching below on the snowmobile bridge.

A huge shout out to all the volunteers for the countless hours they put in to get this trail ride ready in time. Rain or shine - it doesn't matter - they are working hard to showcase our beautiful trail system and wonderful sport. — A huge shout out to all the volunteers for the countless hours they put in to get this trail ride ready in time. Rain or shine – it doesn’t matter – they are working hard to showcase our beautiful trail system and wonderful sport.

Lots of wildlife to be seen. Found this moose wandering this swamp off Highway 127.

Found this Snapping Turtle on the side of the dirt road early Sunday morning - apparently enjoying the rain showers more than me. — Found this Snapping Turtle on the side of the dirt road early Sunday morning – apparently enjoying the rain showers more than me.

Just one of the many demanding mud holes Saturday.

Taking a break on this slippery off-camber, root infested hill made difficult by the rain.

© Cecile Gambin Photography-13 — In driving rain only 14 km separate these riders from the finish line.

Hi Guys - Thanks for braving the weather and saying hello :) — Hi Guys – Thanks for braving the weather and saying hello 🙂

See you next year for another edition of this classic Ontario Trail Ride!

SCORRA Ladies Training Day 2013

Posted on June 13, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

It was all thumbs up for the SCORRA Ladies Training Day. A day filled of learning, bikes, laughter and good food is always an great day. Thanks to Jenn Cole for organising this years event and to Todd and Angie for graciously hosting, and building, the track, log section, mud pit – basically our entire training ground. My goal for this year was to build on what we had been working on over the last few years and gradually increase the level of intensity and difficulty for the advanced riders.

Again, we had the use of the entire field and Todd did an amazing job of building what we asked for. Having a large open grassy (and muddy in some areas) is always a great idea for teaching offroad clinics as it builds confidence and is safe. We divided the group into three according to ability and comfort level. Megan took the beginners and ran them through a series of skills and drills. By the end of the day their comfort level had increased ten fold. Some even graduated into the intermediate group by the afternoon! Jaime, Tammie, Melanie and myself took the intermediate to advanced groups where we worked on getting the front wheel airborne, gradually progressing them over logs of various widths, mud, jumps, berms (both the offroad and the mx way), and turning the bikes at either a slow or fast speed. As always it was great to work with experienced instructors: Megan Grummet, Jaime Kowitz, Melanie Lamoureux, and Tammie Wilson.

By the end of the afternoon I took out my small point and shoot camera and managed to grab a few photos. I decided to leave the big camera in the bag so I could focus on the instruction. We will just have to meet for a ladies ride and I’ll break out the real camera then 🙂

I do have a few more photos and was running out of room to upload them all on this blog. Email me with your bike and name and I’ll fire off a photo for you (intermediate/advanced groups in the afternoon only – sorry can’t be in 2 places at once). It was great to see everyone…many returning and lots of new women riders out there. See you next year.

Albalea – Offroad Ontario XC #4 Photo Report

Posted on June 9, 2013February 4, 2016 by cecile

Today I could not ignore the sheer beauty of the 4th installment of Offroad Ontario’s XC race at Albalea. To view or purchase event photos please click HERE and, if you are on FaceBook please feel free to visit my page at Cecile Gambin Photography for updates.

A little bit of mud was found among spectacular scenery. The raw beauty, lush vivid green plants, majestic trees, moss covered rocks and slabs of Canadian Shield that graciously lined this property reminded me of the infamous ‘North Shore’, BC and I was giddy at having this wonderful opportunity to photograph here. Everywhere it was eye candy – I didn’t know where to begin and realised that another trip here in the future is a must.

This race was both good and bad for racers and myself alike. Good news – if you raced and finished this puppy you’ll end up a stronger and better rider. Bad news – many riders succumbed to the physically punishing mud pits that grew in size as the races progressed. For me the good news was the action and the shooting in a photogs dreamscape. Bad news – I had a equipment malfunctions as my big flash did not want to talk to my small flash which resulted in several misfires and a few flashy pics in the morning class. I suspect there is more than just ‘anger’ issues with my equipment.

I also apologise in advance on the handful of photos I was able to take of the afternoon race as time slipped faster than expected…I got lost while taking a shortcut back to the start line which took me in the wrong direction resulting in much wasted time.

I was lucky enough to pre-ride most of the course as Andrew Ralph and his wife Kelly graciously lent me ‘Lucy’ – her KTM 105. I eagerly jumped on wearing my bicycle helmet and rubber boots as that was all I had with me. With flailing feet I came back grinning ear to ear with what has to be one of my most memorable rides in a long time. Despite the 105 bogging down a bit at lower revs, it was nimble, light, easy to handle and at the perfect height for me. On the pipe the bike sang. If I had a million dollars I would have a few bikes and this one would find a home in my stable quite easily.

Another huge shout out to all the volunteers, BMA, Woodys and OO for another successful race. Alabalea has the reputation of being the hardest race on the circuit and the 2013 edition did not disappoint. In fact, I think it will remain one of the hardest races for a long time as riders at all levels endured fatigue at all stages of the race. A big thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Seniors (grandma and grandpa), their son, and his son Andrew for graciously inviting us to race on their gorgeous property.

Finally, congratulations are extended to all racers for having endured this tough as nails race. Good luck to everyone tomorrow at Free Flow MX – I will not be there as I will be busy prepping for my sons birthday party later that day.

By the afternoon race the holes were deep enough to swallow front wheels.

By the end of the race (or during for some) this is what most riders did.

Pro Men Podium: Leonard Loic 3, Brian Wojnarowski 1, Josh Long 2. — Pro Mens Podium: Leonard Loic 3, Brian Wojnarowski 1, Josh Long 2.