Singletrack 6 2024 - Stage 5: Naksup (Mount Abriel) Recap
Stage 6: Nakusp (Mount Abriel Trail Network)
The final stage was a banger—one of the week’s best tracks—and a fitting symbol for the ST6 experience. Why? It was 95% singletrack and featured a mix of everything that’s exquisite about BC mountain biking: perfect, undulating climbing trails going up and slabs, rocks, roots, steeps and flow going down.
Obviously the majority of us finished the beautiful and brutal six-day effort with conflicting emotions—relieved to be at the end but sad that it’s over. Folks who were strangers on day one are now friends, bound by the shared experience of a difficult undertaking. Because ST6 prioritizes true mountain biking, it tends to draw true mountain bikers, those who are as experience-oriented as they are competitive. Letting a fellow rider (new friend) through on a climb or a DH was the rule rather than the exception. That’s cool. And it was a good reminder or lesson in how racing can look.
Speaking of lessons, we learned plenty this week. Below is an early attempt to capture those nuggets before they fade into the sunset of our minds, eclipsed by vague recollections of high times in the West Kootenays.
Bike and tires: Unless you’re only there for the descents, a downcountry bike with a 120mm fork and medium-tread tires (Maxxis Rekon Race or the new Schwalbe Rick XC or Wicked Will were favorites) are probably what you want. If you need more grip or insurance, put on a Maxxis Rekon or even a DHF up front. But save the pure XC race tires like the Maxxis Aspen for another, less rowdy event.
You can do ST6 self supported with a car or van—no shuttling or begging required. No logistical nightmares. Thanks to the very reasonable stages (two-ish hours), there’s plenty of downtime post-race to deal with both gear and body. Most towns had a bike shop should you need anything. Ditto for cafes, grocers and diners. There were also mechanics and massage therapists on site. Plenty of great camping, hotel and Airbnb accommodations too. Easy!
What you like today may not be what you like tomorrow. Love rock tech? Steeps? Long climbs? Great! But after three days of it you might be pleasantly surprised by how much you appreciate machine-built flow trails to give the bike and body a rest. Ride and race with an open mind.
BC boasts great swimming spots. The numerous picturesque lakes, creeks and rivers helped us cool off post-race and just before bed. Good for getting clean too as we were camping in the van and didn’t have shower access. In fact, the lakeside life was so good—we often alternated between soaks and naps in the shade until dinner—it lulled us into spending too much time outside and not enough time inside recovering where it’s cooler and sun-free. We’re a little crispier today than we were on day one.
A six-day mountain bike race is a great place to make buddies (but it takes a few days). The first few days you’re feeling out the courses and your body and where you fit in the pecking order. By day three you realize you’ve been climbing and descending with the same four-to-eight people. At some points you’re a bit better, at others they are. And this is obvious to all and, as mentioned above, makes for an easy bond of mutual understanding and respect.
-JW & CD