The Inspiration, The Idea and The Solution (Fromme Classic)

Words by: Brent Hillier   Photos by: Brent Hillier

The concept came while drinking coffee one day at my favourite little spot in Lynn Valley. The End of the Line Cafe has always been a sanctuary from the rain and cold on those wet and miserable North Shore. The type of wet day that by the end of August I’ve come to realize I not only don’t mind but start to miss. While drinking my coffee and letting my mind wander I realized the North Shore was lacking in elevation. Something that when I first moved here 8 years ago I never would have thought. Especially if you asked me that while I was panting at the third switchback on Mountain Hwy.

---

So the problem was recognized, more elevation was required. Blame it on the location or my slow and steady maturing approach to “old-man-strength” a solution was needed. Why not take all the things I love about ski-touring and do the same on my mountain bike. And with that thought I find myself a week later riding with a 30L pack crammed with 30lbs of food and camping gear. My first trip was a solo mission to the top of Mount Fromme. I woke up the next morning at 1200m on the peak at 5:30am, the sun rising over Golden Ear Provincial Park. I climb out of Bivy ate some breakfast, drank some coffee and jumped on my bike. My Rocky Mountain Altitude (coincident of a name) made easy work of the 1000m decent down Bill’s, Executioner and Dream-weaver.

It by no means was an extreme trip but it achieved two things:

1. A great nights sleep under the stars

2. Proof that my bike could be used just like my skis, allowing me to go deeper and further into the back-country

Before I had even finished this trip I had set my sights on the next.

---