Retallack

The whole crew (Photo: Jon)

What do you get when you combine 12 friends, a fridge full of Kokanee, repurposed military vehicles, helicopters and epic single track deep in the Kootaneys? An unforgettable birthday party at Retallack!

To celebrated Jay's big birthday, the crew headed out to New Denver for a long weekend bike party at the infamous Retallack Lodge. Spirits were high as we made the early ferry and warmed up with some shuttle laps at Mt. Abriel. After all getting heat stroke, we hopped in the lake to cool off before hitting the road to Retallack.

Starting the weekend out on the Whitetooth Patio (Photo: Kristina)

Arrow Lakes Ferry

Mt. Abriel airtime

Post shuttle meal en-route to Retallack

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by our amazing guides and the lodge staff. We were the only group booked in for the weekend so we had the whole place to ourselves! The lodge was amazing with a great deck, lawn, hot tub and swimming hole for some post-ride ice baths. It also had a full disc golf course (with glow discs and fairy lights for night time play) and a huge living room with games. House rules dictated that most games had to be played with a beer in hand and shotguns were a common occurrence for rule infractions. The highlight was the neglin table where some of us were more coordinated than others, and suffered the consequences the following morning.

Post-ride patio beers (Photo: Kristina)

Another shotgun for Rob (Photo: Kyle)

Fueled by a gourmet breakfast and iced coffee, we piled into the massive truck for shuttle laps on Retallack's private trails. With tunes pumping, stoke was high as we bounced our way up the steep roads. Flowy single track, berms and jumps were the name of the game. Our awesome guides gave us the tour as we ticked off the classic trails before hitting the steeps and sneaky lines.

Ready to shred

Another lap

Day 2 was a special day with a heli drop on Texas Peak. Everyone made it through the chute unscathed and we spent the morning ripping alpine trails under a bluebird sky.

Lift off for Texas Peak

Thanks for letting us join your birthday party Jay!

Unloading bikes

Helicopters are cool

Top of Texas, ready to drop

Rob dropping in off the top of Texas Peak

The chute (Photo: Kyle)

Alpine fun

Photo: Kristina

After 3 full days of riding, delicious meals, dance music and maybe a few too many Kokanees, the dream trip came to an end. What a magical way to spend a weekend with an awesome group of friends! Happy Birthday Jay!