Samurai!

[FlipFantasia]

A week and change out, although I'd like to be a bit fitter, who wouldn't though?! I'm seriously stoked for this event and am really happy with the course....pretty much includes all my favourites in the valley! sure hope the weather holds.....

http://www.worca.com/files/samurai2006-a.pdf
http://www.worca.com/files/samurai2006-b.pdf
http://www.worca.com/files/samurai2006-c.pdf
http://www.worca.com/files/samurai2006-d.pdf

[LeeLau]

ugh - not hardtail friendly but I'm sure you'll do it anyway todd.

[FlipFantasia]

ugh - not hardtail friendly but I'm sure you'll do it anyway todd.
you know it lee! I was tempted to do 2.35's and xc tubes........now I may have to up it to dh tubes at least and maybe a 2.5 up front!

[bcbud]

Seems like a shit load of climbing, nice finish climb up Cougar eh? But hey you get to do Kyhber Pass and Babylon, and Cheap Thrills, nice little road ride through Alpine too, should have fun hope its nice and cool that day....I may go out and heckle in a few spots....

[FlipFantasia]

Seems like a shit load of climbing, nice finish climb up Cougar eh? But hey you get to do Kyhber Pass and Babylon, and Cheap Thrills, nice little road ride through Alpine too, should have fun hope its nice and cool that day....I may go out and heckle in a few spots....
I actually expected the climbing to be much more brutal.....the climb up to CT is tough, but there's not too much before that so I'm not worried aobut that.....I'm sure the slog up cougar will be painful though! I expect as many friends and acquaintances as possible to come out and jeer and heckle, in fact I encourage it! it's a long couple of days, and I know all the riders would appreciate the support......

[enduramil]

I actually expected the climbing to be much more brutal.....the climb up to CT is tough, but there's not too much before that so I'm not worried aobut that.....I'm sure the slog up cougar will be painful though! I expect as many friends and acquaintances as possible to come out and jeer and heckle, in fact I encourage it! it's a long couple of days, and I know all the riders would appreciate the support......

Loved that climb up Cougar.

What no Soo valley?

Remember , Before and after pic's.

[bcbud]

OOPs didn't realize it was 2 days, that's a long 2 days, sweet trails though on both days......

[mattj]

Looks like an awesome weekend. Would love to do a race like that sometimes...


-m

[jonny.zee]

^On your Demo, of course.

[FlipFantasia]

you two are messed in the head! :) I'm so excited for this event, so unique, super tech gnar xc, I love it! what mountain biking is all about!

[mattj]

Actually the lack of an appropriate bike is what is keeping me away from trying it this year. I'd love to do it on my xc hardtail but I honestly don't think that it is capable of getting safely from the peak of Whistler to the valley...


-m

[FlipFantasia]

Actually the lack of an appropriate bike is what is keeping me away from trying it this year. I'd love to do it on my xc hardtail but I honestly don't think that it is capable of getting safely from the peak of Whistler to the valley...


-m
actually, the thing keeping you from doing it is the fact that unless you've done it before, you can't get in.....at this point if you've never done it, you'll never do it......I'm just lucky I was a worca board member, else I wouldn't be in....

[ebxtreme]

I'm just lucky I was a worca board member, else I wouldn't be in....

Lucky is sure one way to look at it! :eek: ;)

Seriously, that course looks f'ing insane..... Like 1 day of that race wasn't enough?? That's totally nuts.... :agree:

EBX

[axisofevelknievel]

Here's a question to ponder for everyone not doing the race:

If you were to ride the Samurai course, but could break it down to do the course over several days, how many days would it take you to complete it? I'm thinking maybe 5 days for myself.

[FlipFantasia]

spent the evening pondering the start of this years course whilst staring at the peak/kyber from the brandywine cabin.....full moon with clouds in effect....I'm nervous but excited....gonna be a great two days regardless

[TomT]

Maybe 3 days but i'd rather try and do it in the 2 days. As long as you pace yourself it shouldn't take much longer than 3 days.

[LeeLau]

20 hours tops.

[smoochy]

actually, the thing keeping you from doing it is the fact that unless you've done it before, you can't get in.....at this point if you've never done it, you'll never do it...


why's that? invite only?

[axisofevelknievel]

why's that? invite only?

The race has a limited number of spots, with racers from previous years having first chance to get in. Due to the demand for any remaining spots, normally there is some sort of contest to get one - essay writing one year, karaoke this year, etc. If you weren't a regular Whistler racer at the loonie races, etc you have even less chance to get one of the spots. Plus, this is theoretically the last year of the 'regular' Samurai and next year's race will be limited to only those that have competed in every Samurai over the last 6 years (or however many years it's been).

[bcbud]

Gonna be a wet one again if the weather keeps up like it is........

[FlipFantasia]

fingers crossed.....I've got three different forecast sites I keep checking......things don't look too bad at this point....maybe some showers saturday......hopefully that's as bad as it gets!

[parksvilleguy]

man that'd be perfect for my sasquatch
can i get more info than u put up and more info than worca gave me

[parksvilleguy]

The race has a limited number of spots, with racers from previous years having first chance to get in. Due to the demand for any remaining spots, normally there is some sort of contest to get one - essay writing one year, karaoke this year, etc. If you weren't a regular Whistler racer at the loonie races, etc you have even less chance to get one of the spots. Plus, this is theoretically the last year of the 'regular' Samurai and next year's race will be limited to only those that have competed in every Samurai over the last 6 years (or however many years it's been).


thats what i hate about bullshit racers and organizers that have their thumb in their bum and cant let others ride, i've done my share of epics, log jammer in squam, test of metal, rowbatham ramble from QB to parksville a few times i think i can handle only 104 in a day never mind 2 days

[FlipFantasia]

thats what i hate about bullshit racers and organizers that have their thumb in their bum and cant let others ride, i've done my share of epics, log jammer in squam, test of metal, rowbatham ramble from QB to parksville a few times i think i can handle only 104 in a day never mind 2 days
huh? bullshit racers and organizers? has nothing to do with your ability or inability to race, just that that's the limit, tough shit.....and for the record, Tony and Ru (organizers) and almost everyone racing are some of the nicest people in this valley, if that's your attitude I'm glad I won't be sharing the experience with you.....

[axisofevelknievel]

thats what i hate about bullshit racers and organizers that have their thumb in their bum and cant let others ride, i've done my share of epics, log jammer in squam, test of metal, rowbatham ramble from QB to parksville a few times i think i can handle only 104 in a day never mind 2 days

Supposedly the single biggest reason that the race has such a low lnumber of spots isn't because of the race itself but due to the after-party. They hold it in a certain restaurant, and the number of seats in the restaurant equals the number of racers they let in. Although I'm sure that they're really disappointed that they don't have more spots available to let in such positive rays of sunshine as yourself.

[mattj]

It's a tough situation. Allow too many racers and the event will turn into a test of metal - there's just TOO MANY people attending that event and the trails can't handle it.

From the rider's side of it, there's simply too many good riders who would love to do this event. As a rider who would love to do this, I'm interested in a spot which there's 15 other guys equally capable and interested in filling. How do the organizers choose who rides? This system seems most fair to me.

That map is pretty good; there's nothing stopping one from loading up the backpack and hitting it up with a buddy or two on some weekend after/before the race...

Have a great ride Todd! Congrats on getting in!


-m

[enduramil]

thats what i hate about bullshit racers and organizers that have their thumb in their bum and cant let others ride, i've done my share of epics, log jammer in squam, test of metal, rowbatham ramble from QB to parksville a few times i think i can handle only 104 in a day never mind 2 days

Allow me to make a suggestion and vent at the same time.

You claim it's bullshit. You call the organizers bullshitters as well as accussing them of buggering themselves with their thumbs.

Have you organized a race like the Samurai? If you think you can do better than be an adult and step up. Instead of bitching take an oppurtunity to take responsibility and organize your own version. There are people who want to do events like tsamurai so why don't you become an organizer for one.

[enduramil]

It's a tough situation. Allow too many racers and the event will turn into a test of metal - there's just TOO MANY people attending that event and the trails can't handle it.

From the rider's side of it, there's simply too many good riders who would love to do this event. As a rider who would love to do this, I'm interested in a spot which there's 15 other guys equally capable and interested in filling. How do the organizers choose who rides? This system seems most fair to me.

That map is pretty good; there's nothing stopping one from loading up the backpack and hitting it up with a buddy or two on some weekend after/before the race...

Have a great ride Todd! Congrats on getting in!


-m

In theory there are so many places similar events could be organized in BC.

[FlipFantasia]

It's a tough situation. Allow too many racers and the event will turn into a test of metal - there's just TOO MANY people attending that event and the trails can't handle it.

From the rider's side of it, there's simply too many good riders who would love to do this event. As a rider who would love to do this, I'm interested in a spot which there's 15 other guys equally capable and interested in filling. How do the organizers choose who rides? This system seems most fair to me.

That map is pretty good; there's nothing stopping one from loading up the backpack and hitting it up with a buddy or two on some weekend after/before the race...

Have a great ride Todd! Congrats on getting in!


-m
thanks matt, when a spot has become available, tony or ru have gone to people they know in the valley who epitomize what it is to be a rider in this community, in it for the love, good riders, with good attitudes...I know a few people who've been offered spots in the past two weeks, and they are definitely people who deserve to be there....it's not fair? maybe not, but guess what, it's their race, and they're going for a certain vibe, and that vibe is folks who love to ride, live to ride, and love to have a good time, there are no attitudes at this event, aside from the friendly banter and shittalk that happens in such a vibrant riding community.....

matt, I'd love to see you out there hauling that badass rig around, you are definitely someone who would fit the mould....although the amount of weed that's very likely to be smoked might not be appareciated by yourself as much! ;) I'd ride with ya for sure!

[FlipFantasia]

Supposedly the single biggest reason that the race has such a low lnumber of spots isn't because of the race itself but due to the after-party. They hold it in a certain restaurant, and the number of seats in the restaurant equals the number of racers they let in. Although I'm sure that they're really disappointed that they don't have more spots available to let in such positive rays of sunshine as yourself.
yup, the capacity of that restaurant is limited and they are constrained by that fact......

[shirk]

Part of the issue is people calling it a "race". The more I have learned about the event I'd suggest it's and extended group ride.

I know a shop back in Ontario that used to hold a "race" on a certain trail that at the time wasn't totally open to biking. It was invite only about 40 riders with a bbq at the end of the ride back at the shop. But as to not draw attention to things everyone was told it was just a large group ride. We rode in groups of two setting off at one minute intervals. Was a fun event.

Anyway I'd love to ride the Samurai. These are the fun events.

[FlipFantasia]

uhhhhh.....wow........I've never expereienced anything like the past two days, ever.....so awesome

[jonny.zee]

^So how did it go? Any details on what made it so awesome?

[ebxtreme]

What I want to know is did you end up camping in snow and how sketchy was it coming down Gargamel with wet conditions? ;)

EBX

[FlipFantasia]

ggml was fine actually, walked a couple sections but rode a lot of it.....was just a bit damp on the rocks.....Kevin Phelps actually rode the last bridge, when I walked by it, it was glistening with water, I can't believe he didn't die, but then again, he's not human on a bike! here's why I think it was awesome, ripped from my post on DM, it's only a snippet, the rest is tucked away in my brain, waiting to come out.......


well, if nothing else I'm consistant and definitely was riding at my own pace!
http://www.worca.com/files/samurai2006.doc

HELLINGA, TODD
Day 1 -7:23:10 52
Day 2 - 7:59:10 53
Total - 15:22:20 53

A bunch of people have asked me to describe what made this event so good....and if I was sitting down with you I'd probably talk your ear off for hours about everything I experienced.....but trying to type out what's in my head just doesn't seem to be working....I feel like I can't adequately do it justice, like somehow I can't convey how awesome it was.....it was singlehandedly the BEST mountain bike event I've ever had the pleasure of participating in, hands down. Tony and Ru organized and raced, and it was so smooth, so hiccups at any time. My fellow riders were awesome, supportive and so much fun to ride with....sharing in grueling climbs and laughing at funny spills....and the cheers when you ripped a gnarly section....

and the support....wow, checkpoints/aid stations filled with the most supportive people imaginable....when you'd come out of a couple hours of being by yourself, come around a corner to cheers and smiling faces it was an amazing feeling. then they'd go out of their way to get you whatever you needed, water, coke, red bull, JAGER SHOTS!!! thank you chromag girls, the jager was awesome! that and fresh fruit, chocolate, chips, you name it......espeically Janene and Johnathan from evolution, their station on day 2, in addition to fresh bowls (heh heh heh) a la day 1, they had sake shots...mmmm, sake! Friends tuning bikes at checkpoints, friends lending bikes at checkpoints, JJ Desmoreaux and Tyler Morland tuning anyone and everyones bikes saturday night at the campsite, including replacing broken parts, about 3 different restaurants donating their time and food to our meals, Chris Quinlan for racing AND brewing up much needed espresso's sunday morning up to 30 minutes before his start.

This is just a snippet of the things I experienced last weekend......and one final riding one....you forget about the range of riders out there, we started out with last one in being first out sunday morning, there was a long slog to the top of gargamel, so by the time I was getting about half way down ggml I started catching up to a lot of those first starters, they were walking a lot of sections, I was riding a decent number although it was wet and rainy, I remember coming up to a couple guys I know, ripping down a steep loose chute and having both of them say that it was worth doing the race just to see guys actually ride stuff they thought was nearly impossible. It's not often guys at the back get to see that, so it was pretty cool to help make someone elses ride!

In the end, I can't believe that we have so much fun on bikes. What a great lifestyle, what a great culture, I'm so proud to be a part of such a great biking community....it truely does transcend age groups and income brackets and all that other BS. When you're on your bike, you're just another person out having a hell of a time in the woods!

Thanks to everyone on here for being so excited and supportive for me too, even remotely it makes a difference!

t.odd

[LeeLau]

Awesome writeup todd. Great community spirit ride.

[ebxtreme]

Flip,

Thanks for taking the time to give the report and perspective. Sounds like a really amazing time. I'm sorry I didn't have a chance to give'r at least once on these suckers. I'm certainly not a local, but these are my favorite trails anywhere...... :woot:

Any snow up top on Whistler or where you guys were camping? I can imagine the start of Khyber would be, ummmm, "interesting" if there was snow! ;)

Cheers,
EBX

[enduramil]

Way to go Todd.

By the way Kevin phelps is inhuman, according to the mention he got in the MBA article on Chromag. He apparently broke his handlebar in half. Then rode something like 20k out of the backcountry with the levers in one hand and steering with the stem using his other hand.

[mattj]

Sounds like an amazing weekend. I need to start doing more events. The rippers are great but there's just not enough of them!


-m

[FlipFantasia]

kevin is that! awesome guy too......snow on the start and kyber, nowhere else....camping was fine, started to sprinkle as we rolled out sunday morning.....a friend's pics form the start and kyber on saturday.....

[Sharon]

way to go!

Kira was riding! What an animal!

[FlipFantasia]

way to go!

Kira was riding! What an animal!
yeah, speaking of inspiring rides!

[cheryl@nsmb.com]

Kira is rediculously amazing. What an awesome lady.
Congrads to Sylvie as well!

[FlipFantasia]

sylvie was so determined and destroyed everything....she ripped kyber a new one too!

here's my non-riding pics....
http://picasaweb.google.com/toddhellinga/SamuraiOfSingletrack

[Sharon]

sylvie was so determined and destroyed everything....she ripped kyber a new one too!

here's my non-riding pics....
http://picasaweb.google.com/toddhellinga/SamuraiOfSingletrack

I was going to ask you how it felt to be beaten by a girl!

but then again this is whistler...

Huge Kudo's to Kira for getting back on her bike after her injury!

[FlipFantasia]

I was going to ask you how it felt to be beaten by a girl!

but then again this is whistler...

Huge Kudo's to Kira for getting back on her bike after her injury!
in this town, there's no shame in getting beat by the ladies! :) hilary harrison blew by me on the last part of the climb up to the camp saturday, I felt like I was walking compared to how fast she was riding....then I remembered she just won the endurance series in the states......there are no slouches in this town, there's always someone keener than you......so many guys you'd look at in a regular ride and think we're just average riders absolutely excel at these long distance all day affairs....it's awesome.....and to be honest, the ladies really have the ride all day consistancy going for them....killer!

[jonny.zee]

Nice one, Flip. Reading your report is a reminder that that there are still lots of wonderful things about Whsitler. The locals rule!

[FlipFantasia]

if it wasn't for summer and WORCA, I probably wouldn't still be in this town....it truely highlights what a great community does exist here, regardless of all the BS that could get ya down.....

[TomT]

Todd what a great write up. Great pics too. Looks like such a fun event and definatly lots of great stories.

Post up any other pics you snagged or have. I'd love to see some more

[FlipFantasia]

http://www.worca.com/gallerythumbs.asp?cat=92&catname=Samurai%202006

there's a decent writeup in todays question too.....pretty much everyone says the same thing, best race ever.......I like a quote from sylvie too "I surprised myself by how well I did. Sorry to all the guys out there that I crushed...." aaaaahahahaha yeah sylvie!

[slider32]

sylvie was so determined and destroyed everything....she ripped kyber a new one too!

here's my non-riding pics....
http://picasaweb.google.com/toddhellinga/SamuraiOfSingletrack
Looks like everyone had an awesome time. I still recognize a few familiar faces, even though I've been on the east coast for a few years.