15 years later…

Mamquam River Campground in Squamish, B.C.,

Perfect starting place for André and me

To visit, sleep, and plan for mountain biking;

André’s first time in 15 years should be to his liking.

Two weeks prior, he sent a pic of his new bike;

“I’ll be in Squamish” and he should come if he would like.

To this he replied to say, “Let me know when.”

Without waffling too much, I replied, “On the weekend.”

After my long, arduous, hot ride to Squamish

I texted saying a return on that road I need to miss…

Renting a cargo van just for the Sea to Sky.

He replied to say he has an old truck we could try.

You know it’s a friend with a genuine heart

Who would offer such a gift with no time to start.

With one issue after another he arrived nonetheless,

With truck, bike, water, bedding, a big smile, and even a kiss.

Shortly thereafter though it was a late start,

Up to the climb trail we made a dart.

Beautiful new mountain bike and a 15-year delay,

Up toward Half Nelson, André was ready to play.

The daylight was waning, we needed to descend,

So we found a starting point around a sweet little bend.

André insisted after 15 years, I should go ahead;

Away we went blazing down where Half Nelson lead.

A smile as wide as a smile could be,

When at the bottom, André exclaimed to me,

“I can’t believe the difference after all this time!

These mountain bikes and this trail; it’s so sublime.”

Honoured and thrilled I was to share in this moment.

We looked forward to another day on the mountain spent.

The people, the climbs, the descents; it was all just fun;

Shared times like these, nothing’s lost, all is won.

Thank you, André, for letting me share this with you;

Graduating to double black from this thrilling blue

Is in your near future, it’s pretty evident,

With your natural talent and renewed mountain biking bent.

July 17th, 2025