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.
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!
Ok…so this picture isn’t out of the norm but I liked the colours.My son burning off excess energy and chasing seagulls with the stroller under the pavilion.Jump!My Aussie nieces enjoying their time at the Falls.
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.
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.
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.
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.In driving rain only 14 km separate these riders from the finish line.Hi Guys – Thanks for braving the weather and saying hello 🙂See you next year for another edition of this classic Ontario Trail Ride!
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 nameand 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.
Offroad Ontario XC #3 is in the books as racers tackled the course looking to build points towards the 2013 provincial series. Event photos can be foundHERE.
The 16 km track led the riders through fast, open straights, flowing single track, pine trees, sticky mud and the motocross track. Because of the course length the morning class completed an average of 4 laps while the pros on a slightly altered course logged in 6 laps. This made for a very scheduled and organised photo session as I knew I was not going to see the riders often. So, to maximise time and run an efficient shoot I decided to stay of the trails and take advantage of the track. Not only was it a treat to work the track but it was real nice not getting attacked by trail side mosquitos and poison ivy which I know runs rampant at RJ’s.!
Once again, thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and if you are purchasing, or thinking of purchasing photos, please know that before I approve any photo I make sure its ready to go by making final adjustments to crops, colours etc. In particular, for the PM riders please note that the photos taken on the downhill side of the table top can be cropped either vertical or horizontal. I cropped them horizontal as I liked the look but they can be reverted back to normal.
On a different note, I really appreciate those people who take the time to acquire a photo through the proper channels. Just saying that when I upload photos for my photo reports it does not give you the right to lift them. I wouldn’t dream of helping myself to your stuff that’s left out in the open. Thanks for your understanding.
Thanks to the OCMC and the OO crews for another fine event!! Already looking forward to next weeks double header. BTW, don’t forget to follow me on my Facebook page under Cecile Gambin Photography for current updates.
Elmo Rutnik looking sharp on the flip side of the table top.
Offroad Ontario XC #2 held at MotoPark, Chatsworth, Ontario this past weekend is in the bag and all event photos can be found HERE.
I have fond memories of MotoPark having first visited back in the mid-90’s for the XC Mountain Bike Provincial Championships. I think I ‘podium-ed’ so was happy. However, my second visit last year dampered my spirits as the rock laden course broke my back (not quite literally but close enough). Unable to finish the race I was faced with the daunting task of walking back to my car, loading my bike and driving back home in excruciating pain. My downfall was from coming back too early from a previous injury, setting me back for another 3-4 months. A hard lesson learned. This is my type course – rocky, flowing and technical. But I remember all too well the pain, sleepless nights and not being able to chase after my then 2 year old that I turned to my camera instead of my bike this time around and made sure I had a full bottle of Advil in my car. Just in case.
Juggling for the hole shot is always risky and this long fast straight made for some exciting action shots at the start line of the morning race.Rocks everywhere even when you least expect it. Solid rocks, baby heads, moving rocks…at least they were dry. Terry S. showing us how to ride the line cleanly.In the afternoon race similar carnage took action this time that nasty metal and plastic crunch was heard ejecting the rider off his bike.Rider #538 pinned under # 548’s bike after his spectacular chute from his Yamaha.Thankfully no one was injured and the race continued.Always a treat to watch the afternoon classes climb the deeply rutted, rocky rooted uphill.Laying it sideways and taking home the gold. Congrats to Wojo for a hard fought race.
Once again the folks at Halton Off Road Riders Association (HORRA) and Offroad Ontario (OO) put on another successful event. For complete results please log onto OO’s website (see link above) and enter their forum. Over 140 riders turned out for this years race and those who spent the time working out this winter were most likely rewarded with a podium finish. This is a punishing course! Don’t forget to release the air out of your suspension as they will have had a major workout.
Congratulations extended to Brian Wojnarowski for taking top honours in the Pro Mens Class. And as always, kudos to the numerous volunteers needed to run events such as these!
With my rather heavy camera bag slung over my shoulders I dutifully followed Steve Weykamp and his staff down the overgrown single track with promises that I was going to love the next section of the ‘tour’. Steve did not disappoint as the trail opened up to turquoise waters, sandy white beaches and large pebble rocks. A throwback in time to my visits to Australia and Baja, Mexico. Stunningly though, I was in neither. Instead I was in Ontario and on the road with Trail Tours Dirt Bike & ATV School.
Expecting rain clouds anytime the sun shone brightly in defiance of the looming haze in the distance. I quickly took out my camera and started shooting. I can ride later…this was too beautiful…of epic proportions.
The Trail Tours staff taking five for yet another one of my photo stops. Thanks a heap for being so patient with me as I indulged in my other favourite pastime … photography!Greg, Jess and Dylan soaking in some good times with friends.A little bit BC rain forest right here in Ontario with valleys of moss covered cedar trees, old growth forest, lush green vegetation, and dark earthy soil.Riding along the edge of the cliff on a quiet, meandering trail that led to a field of Ontario Trilliums in full bloom.
Ontario Trilliums – Ontario’s provincial flower.
This is not your typical Canadian Shield ride or endless pine tree single track tour. This is probably not common terrain you are used to riding and an advanced riding skill set is suggested. I urge you to give Steve a shout and book a tour with him and some of your buddies to discover this secret oasis. The stunning vistas, the good times with friends, the challenging ride and the expert and knowledgeable staff at Trail Tours will make for a great adventure. Although I was on official photography business I was not disappointed in my ride and nor will you.
For riders interested in handling big and small off-road bikes in challenging terrain Rally Connex’s ‘Spring Training’ is a must. On Sunday, May 5 Rally Connex took an assortment of dual-sport bikes and led them over obstacles that are typically found while off-roading. From gravel roads to full-on mud pits…the Spring Training session provided confidence, skills and techniques to conquer life without pavement. CGP was on hand for the event, racing between the big bikes and their smaller counter parts with a loaded backpack and my trusty KTM. For photos of the event please clickHERE.
The riders begin to assemble for a lesson on gravel turns and slow off-camber turns.Negotiating the extra long deeply rutted mud hole.Learning to ride a long, steep downhill in control.A KTM950 riding down what is a hill. Impressive to say the least. Not only was this hill steep it was long and intimidating.Lee Martin demonstrating how to pick up your bike back and point it in the right direction (i.e. down the hill) safely after a tumble.Learn to read and decipher your GPS for some off the pavement fun.Rally Connex instructor Laura ripping up the obstacle course with ease.A message from Lee Martin, Rally Connex instructor: ‘come out, learn and have fun!’
In good hands with the Rally Connex instructors.
Included in the day was a chance to learn to ride rock piles, long steep hills, logs of various sizes, mud holes, and handling slow turns in both slick and off-camber situations. Riders also learned how to use, and navigate using a GPS unit including must have tips and tricks. Rally Connex put on a superb event that was well organised and taught. Whether your goal is to improve your riding skill set or to feel more at ease on a 500lb behemoth this is one class you should make a point to attend next year.
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The 2013 Beagle Bash Enduro and Trail Ride is only a few days away. For many it will be the first ride of the season…especially after this unusually cold weather where Old Man Winter has not wanted to hand over the reigns to Spring.
Cecile Gambin Photography will be there, somewhere, in the trails. I’m heading out Saturday with hopes to find a few spots for photos. Thank you to Doug Kent of the Lynn Valley Dirt Riders for hooking me up with directions. I’ve ridden the Beagle Bash several times in the past and I can tell you that it will feel great to swing a leg over the bike and ripping up the trails.
New this year is the start line which will be held at The Langton Community Centre, 28 Albert St., Langton, Ontario. For more information and to pre-register for the trail ride or the enduro please clickhere. Thanks to the good people at LVDR for their making the 2013 years enduro and trail ride happening!!
Taking five at the Algonquin 2 day rideWhether at the races for fun or for competition it’s always great to be riding with buddies.
The 2013 Ontario Off-road riding season is soon upon us and personally I cannot wait! An opportunity to share good times with friends, ride a new trail and become one with the bike. I am also looking forward to riding the trails with my camera gear in tow searching for those perfect action shots. I have many plans this summer and, hopefully, some good news to share in a few weeks. In the meantime, Cecile Gambin Photography will be out in full force this season at most of the off road and cycling events throughout our great province. So, don’t forget to ham it up when you see my lens and say ‘hello’!
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.
