Trail Bits 2006 #37

Trail Bits # 37
Photos are up at http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n239/ROC-nanaimo /

Hhhmmmm, where to start? How about I start off by passing along thanks from the Race Committee to all of the wonderful members and sponsors of Runners of Compassion that helped make the 2006 Nanaimo Daily News Harbour City Half Marathon & 10km Road Race a HUGE SUCCESS as well as a Big Thank you to all of those citizens of Nanaimo that helped out! I have been receiving complimentary phone calls and emails steadily for the past two days from people that took part in our race. Here are two samples of them;

“Dan, Thanks for the amazing race. It was a top notch event, with world class organization, great volunteers, safety and was also good fun. Honestly, I have been to a lot of events around the world, and this BIG little event in Nanaimo is superb. Keep up the great work! I would like to personally thank your sponsors for their support with the prize money as well. Prize money is really important to elite athletes. It validates their career path, helps them financially so they can reach their athletic goals, and provides for great competition. Please pass this on to your organization! Thanks so much, Lucy Smith” (Lucy is the current Canadian Women’s Half Marathon Champion)

“Hi Dan, by now, I hope you’ve found time to put your feet up and celebrate the success of another great race. Having been on both sides of the race – as both a marshal and, today, a participant – I just want to tell you what a great job was done out there on the course. I know you and your crew put in countless hours over the past year. Your efforts did not go unnoticed. Thanks to everyone involved! Even us old seasoned runners appreciate a word of encouragement once in a while, and there were certainly a lot of those today. It was nice to see so many ROC members lining the streets … we are such a handsome bunch!! So, please, pass along my thanks to everyone who worked so very hard. From water stations to finish line to food, you guys rocked! Tami Beales” ( Tami is a long time member of ROC Nanaimo)

One more (just came in as I was typing this) Hi Dan …..Just a note to say of the 400+ races I've run in the last 29 yrs. The Harbour City 1/2 easily makes the top 5. Very well organized, the larges cups at the water stations were fantastic. The choice of Thunder Struck to start the race was awesome. I had to take a few very deep breaths to slow the adrenalin. Parts of the course were a bit of a shock to the system, but what do you expect from a Harbour City Virgin. I will definitely be back next year to support your race. Congratulations on an outstanding job……Charles Davis (Charles was over from Richmond)


The above quotes are just a sampling. Each and every comment I have had back raves about the organization, the spirit of the volunteers, and the beauty of the course. You all did an amazing job as usual……thank you! The photos are now up at http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n239/ROC-nanaimo / click on the link. You may need to scroll down just a wee bit to see the first photo. I am a newbie at using the site I posted them on.

Ø Cyclo Cross Racing – the Diver Lake Cyclocross race is on this Sunday (after Terry Fox Run). Beginner clinic in the AM. Beginner race at noon, intermediate, women and masters then elite at 2:15. It should be some great and tight racing!! Go to Frontrunners for more details.

Ø Aids Dance - I have attached a poster for a dance taking place that one of our members asked me to pass along to you. It is in support of raising money for Aids work in Africa.

Ø Swimming - Margie Anderson still has a couple of spots available in her Freestyle Clinic Monday evenings 6-7:15 at NAC $110/wks;, start Sept 18. contact Margie at misanderson@shaw.ca if you are interested

Ø Kids Mountain Biking - Arrowsmith Bikes Kids Club is a non-competitive introduction to cycling. It is geared towards kids ages 8 through 12 that encourages and promotes a lifetime of health and wellness. We will be riding on Saturday mornings, rain or shine, at 10:00 in the morning. The rides will be meeting at the yellow gate on the top of Weigles Rd. hill at the Dumont Rd mountain bike area. The rides will be 1 hour to 1 ½ hours in duration and will take place on rolling terrain as well as groomed trails. The focus of these rides will be to promote proper trail etiquette, improve bike handling skills and build self-esteem through physical fitness and skill development. Children must have their own bike in safe working order as well as a certified bicycle helmet. Water and a healthy snack will also be a great idea. For further information please feel free to call Arrowsmith Bikes at 250-758-6675 or e-mail us at ride@arrowsmithbikesnan.com.



This weeks run will be a run of Linley Valley. Brad has offered to take the group out on the tour. 7:00am (starting September 16, we start at 7:30am) meet at the end of Burma Road. The run will be about 1:15 in length.
Driving Directions;
Take Rutherford Rd to Vanderneuk; The top of the hill.
Right or left on to Vanderneuk; this turns into Lost Lake Road.
Follow Lost Lake for a fair while;
Turn right on Burma Rd. We will be at the end.
If you start to drive down the really steep hill you have missed the turn.