Party Lap on Seven Summits

Distance: 39km

Elevation: 1075m

Time: 7h25m

Some of the first views and a good spot to rest

Nelson was our final stop on  the September BC road trip itinerary. With all-time weather, we made plans to ride Seven Summits in Rossland with a big group of friends. It had been seven years to the day since I had ridden the trail for the first time which seemed fitting. We dropped vehicles at the end of the Dewdney trail then piled into trucks to shuttle up to Nancy Greene Summit to start the ride.

Old Glory

The first climb didn't seem as terrible as I recalled and we got in a rhythm pedaling up into the alpine. It was a hot, clear day and we had amazing views of the local peaks as we rode along the ridge.

Single track bliss

It was slow going with a group of 9 but it was a beautiful day to be out with friends. We had been hoping to be able to refill our water at the spring but it was completely dry when we arrived. By the time we arrived at the top of the final climb, we were all out of water and only had a single vodka spritzer to share.

Late season alpine flowers

Savoring the shade

Mid-ride restorative nap

Just one more climb

Views to Red Mountain Resort

The crew and the Nude

Eager to finish the ride and enjoy some cold water, the last few kilometers of up and down before the long Dewdney decent seemed to take forever. Bad luck struck with a mechanical near the end of the trail. So close, yet so far.

Ready to drop off the last summit

Bad timing for a mechanical

The trail ends with a huge descent to the parking lot. Feeling dehydrated, it was easy to lose focus on the dusty rip to the bottom and a there were a few crashes. It was a relief when we all arrived at the cars in one piece!

Survived the Seven Summits

After the heat exhaustion had worn off, we spent the next day recovering with some shuttle laps and a delightfully cold dip in the creek at the Syringa waterslide. Rob had a run of bad luck including a taco'd rim and an exciting bear encounter on Awakener but fortunately made it out of both unscathed. Good times in the Kootenays!

Recovery day shuttle laps

Poor Rob

Poor bike

Syringa waterslide