Late Summer Glow: A Ballad Of Belonging

Story and photos by Dylan Sherrard. 

In the late summer nights, the light falls a little faster into the trees. The last lap trails are reserved for youthful eyes and those who don't mind a cool breeze. But there is a patio glow to call home as warm summer nights fade into cool twilight. The sun sinks behind the hills, painting the sky with a soft orange glow before slowly giving way to night. We settle into an immediate sensation of celebration and breathe in the alpine air, crisp with a hint of, "Wow, this has been a charming season."

Overhead, the string lights flicker with a charming glow, glittery and inviting. They sway a little in the evening breeze, casting shadows to dance across our table. Our hands do the same while we struggle to find words to describe the peak season sensations we've experienced over this year's rides.

It's the falling action of summer, and the buzz of the day slowly fades to a quiet hum, a kind of quiet only this valley knows how to keep. Voices rumble and laughter bubbles from nearby tables as celebrations of the season fill the air. The air feels thicker now, but not heavy. The world feels smaller here, more close-knit.

We sip a drink as the last of the light slips away, leaving behind a charming sensation of being exactly where we want to be. The night settles in, the stars come out, and for a moment, it almost feels like someone pressed pause on the world. But then someone reminds us that in Sun Peaks, the mountains really do save the best laps for last. The rhythm of autumn is soon to be felt, and so begins another kind of glow.

A Ballad of Belonging - short stories of the moments that define our ride.