It all began with that photo story on Pinkbike which made us longing for this unreal phantastic, colourful region. We started to change our travel plans. And we happened to talk to our close friends Patrick and Balthasar. They rearranged their US trip to join us. That‘s when we really started to plan and think about that trip. Finally, we came across Chilcotin Holiday, who claim close-to-nature-tourism. We had warm email contact, which made it easy for us to book with them! Still, there was a decision about using that seaplane hanging like a Damocles sword. Once-in-a-lifetime-experience vs. nature-friendly biking? It took quite a while for us to decide: We flew. Would we do it again? Probably not, I think. However, it was a great experience to see that whole area from above and to fly to Lorna Lake.

During our stay with Chilcotin Holiday, we had great experiences, formed our friendship, explored nature with ease, slowed down from our fast, urban lives. The connection with nature is likely different on a bike. It‘s faster, the immediate things around are more intense: The roots and stones on the trail, the smells, the next turn, the possibility of a bear encounter after that turn. So, every then and now we hold, absorbed the deeper things, the colours of the soils, the wind, the infinity of this place.

This trip took place two weeks ago. What stays? Definitively a way deeper friendship amongst the four of us! Further, a deeper understanding of use conflicts in natural areas, admiration for the way, Marisa, Shane and Raffaëlle dealt with their everyday tasks to make our lives comfortable out there. Further we eventually developed more humility towards nature and might rethink plans about flying over such an area. Above all, we filled a pack full with experiences, impressions, good feelings and memories we will long draw on.

Gratefully for this experience,

Norina, Balthasar, Patrick, Kevin