Patrice, how was Canada?

Post by **yomama** » Saturday 2 April 2005, 5:26

Patrice,
How was your Canadian trip?
Did the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested you for carving too low?

Did you have the chance to go carving with the legendary Rob Crobar?

Did you kill any moose while driving there?

When you will be back and well rested, tell us some North West carving stories !!

Peter

Post by **rcrobar** » Sunday 3 April 2005, 1:59

Hi Peter

Rob the legend? hehehe ... Rob the nobody weekend warrior is a better name for me!!!

Both Patrice and his friend Thomas landed in Calgary. They spent a few days riding at Lake Louise (Banff), Kicking Horse (Golden) and Fernie. From here the Swiss connection drove to Kelowna to ride Big White (Kelowna) and Silver Star (Vernon). The final stop was Vancouver to see Whistler! Patrice and Thomas are still in Whistler.

I drove to Kelowna to meet Patrice and Thomas, we all stayed at my close friend Stan Chungs' house, in Kelowna, for two nights and days of riding. Both Patrice and Thomas were in search of powder, the steeper and deeper the better. Considering the conditions all over the Northwest this season, we were very lucky that some snow showed up right before the Swiss connection did. The first day we rode Big White, which has been getting quite a bit of snow, in the freeride equipment. The second day was a carving day at Silver Star.

It was an absolute pleasure riding and visiting with Patrice, Thomas and Stan. Of course Patrice lead the way with his impeccable technique and style. Patrices' modest, humble and passionate personality came through in his riding and during our many discussion dealing with everything from technique, our professions and each others country. Add to the list that he is a patient teacher who was more than willing share his time and expertise to help all of us improve our skills.

The fun I had riding with Patrice and the gang reminded me of the very early days of snowboarding. The days when you would see a fellow snowboarder on the mountain and you just knew that you and he were the only guys that actually knew what a snowboard was; there was an unspoken bond immediately. A day of riding together was often the start of a life long friendship. The same positive spirit was exactly what I felt when meeting and riding with Patrice and Thomas. I can only imagine how much fun is had when the many forum members meet and ride at Zinal during the ECS!

I've included one of my favorite pictures of four guys who met 20 years ago and are still friends today, from left to right: Quinn, Rob, Gerry and Todd. This picture was taken in 1980 something in Fernie.

Is there anything better in life than the simple pleasure of sliding down a snow covered hill with friends?

Cheers
Rob

Post by **yomama** » Sunday 3 April 2005, 5:26

Thanks Rob for the nice report. You are a true (legendary) poet at heart.

I'm jealous! I wish I could have been there to do some carving with you guys. Oh well, the next time maybe....

Peter