Notes from Dan the Trail Guy #56

Trail Bits 2006 # 3

Saturday saw close to 60 people show up for the breakfast AGM. Thank you to all of you for showing up. The official minutes from the AGM will be passed along to you once the Board has had chance to review and approve them. I can tell you that Lisa Crucil is the New President of Runners of Compassion – Nanaimo Chapter, Charlie Burrell - Vice President & Trail beautification; Owen Carr – Treasurer; Ross Palfrey – Secretary; Dan Brady – Membership & Communication; Eric Sundby – Funds Distribution; Rod Croome – Funds Distribution; Ken Jones – Events; Bob Patrick – Half Marathon; Derek Riley – Trail Beautification. Couple of highlights are that we are in our best financial position ever. The negative side to this is that we still find ourselves in a position of having to really work at giving away money. We received a $1300.00 cheque from 24 carrot Catering, this is the company that makes the 24 Carrot Energy Bars. We receive a donation from every bar sold. I will send out a complete report on the AGM this weekend.

A couple of ROC & Bastion members had amazing races down in Victoria on Sunday at the Pioneer 8km. On the women’s side Janet Oxler ran 35:55 and Julie Benson ran 36:05 Both of these times are Under USTA&F ELITE Age-rated Guidelines. On the men’s side of things, Steve Osiaduk a new ROC member ran a blistering fast 23:39 This is better than the Elite Open standards set by USTA&F. This is also a personal best for Steve. Other ROC & Bastion members running in Victoria were Nancy Grovum, John Hannon, Tom Barr, Bill Benson, Barry Roscoe, Alex Berlingette, John Durkin, and Ross Palfrey.


1. The Yeti Snow Show Race- is this Saturday January 21st at Mt. Washington. If you want more details or are looking for a ride up please contact Stefan at Frontrunners. If you haven’t tried snow shoe racing before it is a blast. Yes it is a little bit tough, but hey, you’re a trail runner so you should be tough. 5km & 10km courses available.

2. Oceanside Cross Country - the Oceanside Cross Country Race Sun. Feb. 5th. I have also included it as an attachment. It is a very low key, fun event. The registration is day of race only at 12 noon in the parking lot behind the Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Quallicum Beach

3. Cedar 12k - this is Bastion Running Clubs big race of the year. Lots of volunteers, marshals and racers will be needed for this race. February 12th, in where else? Cedar. More details to follow.

4. Bikes for Tykes (B4T) – we will be arranging a bike drop off day in the near future. Stay tuned for details.

5. This weeks run – The Humility/Abyss Trail. 8:00 am at the yellow gate underneath the power lines on Harwood Mines Road. Please give yourself enough driving time in order to be there and ready to start running at 8:00am. Please keep the pace easy at the start. Directions - 5th Street to Wakesiah, Wakesiah to Nanaimo Lakes Rd, Turn Right; Nanaimo Lake Road to Harewood Mines Rd (5-6 minute) Turn Left. We will be under the power lines.

Upcoming Stuff

· GutBuster #1 – March 5th – only 7 more weeks until the inaugural ROC Victoria Chapter GutBuster

· Mill Bay 10km – January 29th

· Oceanside Cross Country – February 5th

· Cedar 12km – February 12th

· Hatley Castle 8km – February 26th

· Bazan Bay 8km – March 12th

· Comox Half Marathon – March 19th

· GutBuster # 2 Royal Roads - March 25th

· Sooke River 10km – April 2nd

· Whidbey Island Marathon – April 2nd

· Merville 15km – April 9th

· GutBuster # 3 Mt. Tzouhalem – April 15th

· Kusim Klimb - June