ROC Trail Bits #47

Trail Bits # 47

*……I have just found out that registration for the Gunner Shaw will be capped at 500 people this year. No exceptions. Registration is at close to 200 right now. So, if you are planning on running in two weeks, I would suggest that you register in advance by going on line. http://pih.bc.ca/gunner-shaw-info.html

It is with great sadness that I have to admit that I may have been some what premature in making the statement that ROC was NOT a fair weather group. Apparently we are.

The report that I received about last weekends run of the Saddle was humorous to hear. Apparently we had people in two of the groups that insisted on being piggy backed across the stream as they were afraid their “new shoes” would get dirty and there were also reports of people trying to tip toe around the puddles…..what’s with that??? It does bring back fond memories of a few years ago when a few of what are now our more experienced trail runners and leaders had to be piggy backed across that same stream. Those same folks are now the ones that boldly splash their way through any water, no matter how deep that gets in their way. I think that a few of you may need to accept that fact that your feet may get wet and your shoes may get dirty. All joking aside, Welcome to West Coast running. Special thanks to Tim, Michael and Erik for looking after one of the runners who had sprained their ankle while running with us this past weekend…..good work guys!!!

This past weekend was the 11^th Annual Thetis Lake Relays which were attended by a number of runners from Nanaimo. Results are now posted at http://pih.bc.ca/results/2006/thetisrelay.php . Saturday was also the National Cyclo Cross Championships which were held in Beban Park. Norm Thibault retained his crown as the Canadian Masters Cyclo Cross Champion, while Wendy Simms came in a very close second in the Women’s Elite Division. The event that Norm and all the volunteers put on was first class in every aspect and will hopefully put Nanaimo in line to host the Nationals again in 2007.

Ø Gunner Shaw Trail Race – November 25^th, car pooling will be leaving from the Southgate Tim Horton’s at 10:15am. Race starts at 1:00pm. Remember to bring along a complete change of clothes for the ride home as you will be wet and muddy and maybe even a little bit smelly!!!

Ø The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour - Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006 at the Port Theatre. Tickets are $16 for adults and $14 for students.

Ø In-store Trainer Drop in Sessions -Do you want to become a stronger more powerful cyclist? Do you hate doing trainer sessions alone or riding outside in the poor weather? Join Arrowsmith Bikes Monday nights (6:30) for their in-store trainer sessions. Focuses will be on power, spinning and endurance. Workouts start November 6^th, 2006. You will need your own bicycle and trainer. Trainers will be available on a rent to own basis. For more information about the clinics or cycling contact Arrowsmith Bikes 758-6675 ride@arrowsmithbikesnan.com

Ø Women’ Pace Annual Run Wild – is November 26^th, 9:00am. Entry forms available at Frontrunners

Ø This week the run will be a run starting from Westwood Lake Parking lot at 7:30 AM. We will run the very early portions of the GutBuster route (stream crossing involved) before connecting on to the single track trail that runs parallel to the power lines. From there we will head over into Morell for a tour of the Alder, Lower Maple, Tranquility, Beaver Ponds, and Morell Lake Trail. A good warm up for the Gunner.