Tag: whistler

Ferda Girls

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Oh my god I love bikes. Like, a ridiculous amount. Like, silly giggling when I hit jumps and land them smoothly.

I smile when I load my bike onto the lift and sit down on the chair, ready to “climb” the mountain.
I laugh out loud when Katie cracks a joke, breaking any nervous tension our group may have.
I cheer when Bee conquers her latest obstacle without falling.
I beam when I watch Dani head into any technical trail, without fear.
I grin when Mel hits the trail C-more and enjoys it, breaking through her mental block.

These four girls have changed the way I feel about riding. I have fallen so deeply in love with it and them this year, and for that I am so goddam happy that I made the decision to stay in Whistler.

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I can’t speak highly enough about the Women’s Night program that Whistler Bike Park has established. Giving girls all over the world (locals and visitors alike) a chance to be coached through some of the biggest and best trails of the world is something incredible. We also get to team up with the girls at the same level and feel comfortable in each lesson, which helps a great deal.

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To our coach, Jeremy, I am so stoked I forced myself into your group. You taught me confidence, which has changed everything about the way I ride. I have managed to get myself down some trails that I would have never imagined I could a year ago. Not only do I make it down, I do it well and I have a damn good time doing it.

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This year, thanks to Jer and these amazing gals, I accomplished my season goals – hitting A-Line and making our way down Top of the World. TOTW was something else, a 5,000ft descent from the peak of Whistler Mountain with any kind of trail you could imagine included.

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On nights when we couldn’t make it to the park, we still got together for shenanigans. Trail riding, frisbee golf, drinks and figuring out the Escape Room are extracurricular activities we also enjoy… in case you were wondering.

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The banter, the laughter, the jokes, the snack stops, the adoration and joy in this group is something I’ll always remember from summer ’17. Bring on next year!

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Love you crazy kids, my silly sock wearing team.
Hanbel.
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10 Things That Make Me Terribly Happy About Summer

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  1. THE BIKE PARK, I can’t even begin to tell you how good this season has been. (But I will, stay tuned)
  2. Samurai sushi take out, eaten by the lake, talking until the mosquitos eat us alive.
  3. Pinafores!
  4. Sitting on balconies, listening to Henri’s tunes and drinking wine with the best roommates.
  5. Swimming in lakes of varying temperatures (glacier water is damn cold people!)
  6. Warm evenings sitting at Tapleys patio, before hectic nights out.
  7. Dancing. So much dancing! (In clubs, at work, at home, walking down the street)
  8. Riding into work as the sun rises over the mountains.
  9. Giggling with Sybil and we slowly die of heatstroke in the Penthouse Sweatbox
  10. The people. My summer people made it so much better than I ever thought it could be.

Hanbel.
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All the Things

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Alrighty-roo, it’s catch up time!

The last month has been busy, full of activities, events and work shenanigans.

So here’s what my March and April have looked like:

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WEDDING TIME
Celebrating our boss’ wedding at Nita Lake Lodge, with photo booths, plenty of dancing and all the wine. It was a fun time…

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BLUEBIRD DAYS
These have been far and few between, so when one falls on your weekend, you take as many photos as possible. Oh, glorious Whistler!

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THESE GIRLS!
Having awesome gals to ride with makes life so much better, it’s been the best couple of months sharing the hill with these babes.

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KONGA
Classes have started up again, and I still have to advertise like crazy and build a following, but I’m having fun in the process. Plus, when the view from the room is this good and the tunes are loud, life is good!

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BAKERY LIFE
I still love this job, even on the difficult days. Easter weekend hit us hard, but with such a good team it was super fun! This week we have four favourites leaving us, and it’s making my heart very sad. This town sucks sometimes, no one sticks around for too long. On the plus side, this means I have people around the world to visit!

Not pictured: lots of wine-based after work activities, getting my bike back out and riding to work most days, learning to read bus timetables again, walking to work when the sun is shining and all of the spring/summer anticipation.

The snow is melting, the sun has been making more frequent appearances and we can now stay outside for longer than 10 minutes at a time. There’s a lot to look forward to in Whistler, and I’m so happy to be here 🙂

Have a lovely week kiddos,
Hanbel
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10 Things that Make Me Terribly Happy About Winter

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  1. POWDER
  2. Mocha breaks on the mountain
  3. Getting excited by a warm day of 0 degrees
  4. Red wine by fireplaces in cozy pubs
  5. Waking up to a beautiful bluebird day
  6. When the Highway closes and the village stays quiet 😉
  7. Reading all the books under the covers, watching the snowfall
  8. Rosy cheeks
  9. Snowboarding at least twice a week, we are SO LUCKY
  10. Giggling at the cutest little kids, all bundled up and ready for their ski lessons

Hanbel.
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And May All Your Christmases Be White

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Oh my goodness! I can’t believe how quickly time is just flyyyyyy-ing by. One blink of the eye and it seems that Christmas is upon us. Just 9 little sleeps and we will be waking up, bright eyed and bushy tailed, welcoming the most wonderful day!

Until then, however, I am working 10 days straight, heading up the mountain whenever possible and greeting my dear friends from home. Nine of my absolute favourites are visiting for Christmas and although it’s going to be absolutely hectic trying to squeeze everything in, I am so excited!

Now for a little catch up on the past few weeks, which basically have consisted of snow, snow and more of that glorious white snow!

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My walk to work has become a movie moment, every damn day

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Blackcomb Base

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Whistler Base

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Day Four on the mountain, putting my linked turns into practice

Snowboarding has got to be the most frustrating sport to learn, it hurts so damn much when you’ve fallen for the 27th time onto your coccyx. It sure is addictive though, and I’m not giving up anytime soon!

The weather is getting a little warmer too, after 10 days of an average of -14, they have actually forecast 2 degrees next week!! AND MORE SNOW

Winter is agreeing with us nicely, and even though it requires a lot more effort (with all the layers and walking over icy roads and what not) I think we’re falling more in love with this section of the world.

Here’s to a very white Christmas!
Hanbel.
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