Tag: mountain bike

Let’s Catch Up

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Everyday this place is feeling more like home. We live simpler, cheaper and easier, and I have to admit that I’m loving it!

The last couple of weeks have been busy, any time we’re not at work we’re trying to find something else fun to do. There’s a certain guilt that surrounds free time around here; there’s always a hike to be done, more riding to squeeze in, a new lake to hang out at… and therefore not much time for relaxing.

I think we’re managing a good balance between activities and binge watching Scandal though 😉

Here’s a little peek into our summer…

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Lake hangs with Blake and Tash, just after the birthday girl celebrated 24!

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Breathing in the summer evening air, watching Jose Gonzalez at a free concert; a bunch of mates and a flask full of whiskey included.

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“You take chairlift selfies with your clients all the time, it’s my turn!”

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Taking the kids to see the Train Wreck hike, and checking out the new suspension bridge for myself. We have big plans to hike Joffre Lake with these two, as soon as they return from their New York adventure!

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Helping Chloe ring in her 19th birthday with incredible sushi and continuous sake shots.

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And finally spending a day on Alta Lake with Crina and the generous Keith, who drove and brought kayaks for us all to use. Frolicking around the lake, jumping in for a swim, sun-baking on a pontoon, eating sliced watermelon and giggling with these two created the perfect summer afternoon! We finished up the day meeting Andrew for Crankworx action and even more sushi. If any of you come to Whistler and head to Sushi Village, you have to order the Nicole Roll. It’s not listed on the menu, but it will be the best thing you’ve eaten for a long time.

Life is sweet you guys.
Hanbel.
x

 

Oh Yes It’s Ladies Night! (And We Have a Home)

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I’m still coming to grips with the fact that this is home:

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The past couple of weeks have been such a whirlwind of activities, finding bearings and house hunting. It’s as though now I’ve found my feet here I can truly appreciate this town. Whistler is a cool little spot. No-one wears heels or fancy dresses. It’s perfectly acceptable to walk into a bar in riding gear. I have never seen so many mountain bikes in one spot, and it’s not even peak season yet. There are mountains in every direction, not just Whistler and Blackcomb. Every path you wander down in absolutely covered in greenery, I can’t get my head around it. It’s very nice getting to know it, even if it is on my own for the most part.

We’ve been quite busy since I last spoke to you all; adventures in the bike park, starting ladies’ nights (me), finding a home and smashing the course (Punk).

Here’s a snapshot of the last week and a half, hope this give you a better picture:

Taking the bike on an adventure around a few lakes and small trails; getting my first full face; a christmas tree on one of the lost lake trails.

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Scrabble with Blake and Tash, a.k.a Mum and Dad. This day was 4 degrees and snowing on the mountain (where Andrew was riding), so mulled wine was a necessity;

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One of my new favourites places, Lost Lake. On this sunny, gorgeous day it was absolutely breathtaking to see the mountains reflecting on the water;

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Whistler runs ladies’ nights in the bike park, where you sign up for a coach and go out in a group – girls only. I’ve done two now, and they are super fun! They’re also helping my confidence and skill set so much. Anyway, the highlight of Monday’s lesson was spotting four bears along the trails!!

And finally, home sweet home! Our place is so sweet. A cozy loft-style room, that’s a decent size, 5 minute walk from the village and more importantly… all ours!

As I mentioned above, Andrew is doing an awesome job on his course. He smashed out the assessments for Level 1 and 2 (which means he can teach beginners to intermediates now), Canadian senior first aid and is now working on rider progression. He’s bought himself a downhill bike and couldn’t wipe the smile off his face that day. He’ll finish up Tuesday and move into the place with me, and I begin working on Monday. It’s all happening round here!

Much love to you all, missing everyone back home. Send me stories please!
Hanbel.
x

Home Sweet Home

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Well, this is home. I’m not mad about it at all.

Whistler is a pretty speculator place. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, Australians flock here, but it’s for good reason. No matter where you turn, you are greeted by mountains, creeks and astonishing views.

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We’ve hit the ground running here, Andrew went straight into his course from the moment we arrived (he’s training to be a mountain bike coach, for those who don’t know). I’ve been lucky enough to crash with Tash and Blake (friends from home), which has made life so much easier.

I have also been lucky enough to score a job in Whistler already, working for a company who organise holiday rentals, activities, restaurant bookings etc. for higher-end travellers. I start in a couple of weeks and am actually pumped to get back into full time work.

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In the meantime, I’m taking myself on small hikes and rides, checking out the village and just hanging out with my new besties!

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Being a tourist town, life is a little more pricey up here. Groceries in particular, are really making me a sad panda. Though, we have found one perk. 1.5L of red wine for $15. So we might just live off potatoes and wine from now on…

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Why do I always pull this face?

The mountain bike park opened up this weekend, and the village has been flooded with riders in all shapes and sizes. We’ve enjoyed a couple of afternoons in the sunshine watching them all come down the hill. The kids who ride with no fear, flying down the trail, are so incredible to watch!

On Andrew’s day off we took the bikes out to a smaller, cross country style area. Even though my lungs got a huge shock, it felt sooooo good to be back on the bike!

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Just this morning I took myself off to Lululemon’s free yoga session, and later today we’re going to hit up a Farmer’s Market down the hill. There’s always something happening or something new to discover, which is helping us all stay positive while performing the arduous task of finding somewhere to live. Whistler housing is insane, there are not enough houses to go round, and we’re struggling a little at the moment. Finger’s crossed something pops up soon!

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Just gotta keep that zen 😉

Happy yoga vibes,
Hanbel.
x

Thnks Fr Th Mmrs

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It was a great weekend.

Even though Friday’s dinner was overpriced.

Even though we set an alarm for 6am on Saturday morning.

Even though Margaret River was absolutely freezing, and we were camping.

Even though I got scared of mountain biking again.

Even though we got lost riding to the pub and ended up riding through a pitch black forest.

Even though Andrew’s chain snapped during his race.

Even though I lost sight of them all two seconds into the race, got myself lost trying to find my way back to camp and took zero race photos.

Even though we were all exhausted.

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It was great because:

On Friday night we ended up sharing red wine and dark chocolate in bed, instead of paying for an overpiced dessert.

We had the best car rides, including ridiculous sing-alongs and deep conversations.

To stay warm we drank red wine, so many beers and ate great pub food.

The mountain bike trails were absolutely beautiful, covered in wildflowers and greenery.

We did laugh about the irony of trying to take a short cut into town and going on a cross country adventure.

Andrew fixed his chain in no time, and they all finished the race without injury, and with smiles on their faces.

I got an hour of bushwalking in, listening to my ipod and contemplating life.

I also got to drive home, and we had burgers and wine for dinner, while watching Archer.

Sometimes, it’s not about every moment being perfect. Sometimes, things don’t quite happen the way you plan. I think that it’s important let yourself get frustrated, or scared, or pissed-off because of what you feel afterwards. Embracing the tough times or the stupid mistakes helps you to appreciate the good things.

And I know one very good thing I’ve got going on in my life:

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Hanbel.
x