ROC Trail Bits 2006 #50

Trail Bits # 50

I was going to start off this weeks email with the piece that I wrote aboutthe run last Saturday, but instead I am going to start off by writing to youabout Gavin Fletcher. Gavin Fletcher as some of you might know was sadlykilled in a car accident last night while returning home to Nanaimo after aday of work in Victoria where he worked for the Times Colonist as the SportsEditor. Gavin leaves behind his wife Natalie and two very young daughters. Gavin who has been a member of ROC since our very early days was an amazingfriend and athlete, but first and foremost he was a true family man. No matter what he was doing, his thoughts and comments would eventually turn tobe about his family. Whether it was forgoing that coffee at Starbucks aftera run or skipping a beer in the pub, his priority was to always get home toNatalie and the girls. He was a family man in the true sense of the words.My first real memory of Gavin is from a few years back when ROC ran up atStrathcona Park one hot summer day. While the rest of us choose to drive tothe top of Mount Washington to start the run, Gavin decided to park his carat the bottom of the mountain and ride his mountain bike up to the top.After meeting us at the assigned time, he downed a half a bottle of waterand then set out with us for what ended up being a very strenuous 2 ½ hourtrail run. After the run, he hopped back on his bike and rode away……he wasthat kind of guy. He would always amaze you with his ability. Whether it wasriding his bike up to the top of a mountain to run or deciding on a whimthat he should train for a triathlon or compete in an Adventure Race healways did things with a smile on his face, a great attitude and with greatresults. Gavin was very humble in his abilities. No matter how well heplaced in a raced he was never quick to tell you how he did, you would haveto drag it out of him. He would always tell you that he wasn’t in shape,that he had to lose 30 pounds and that he needed to start training. I willsadly miss Gavin; he had very quickly become a very good friend. I will misshis laughter, his smiling face and his great stories.A lot of you have asked how we can help Gavin’s family. I don’t know theanswer to that question yet, but we have offered on behalf of ROC dowhatever we can to help his family. This is a picture of Gavin paddling with half a broken paddle in theSeptember MOMAR Race. He is pictured here with his team mate and Adventureracing mentor, Rumon Carter. In memory of Gavin, this Saturdays Trail run will be a run of the Saddle which was one of Gavin’s favorite runs.

* Hamperville – a reminder that it is this Saturday at 11:00am - Thisshould give people enough time to get home and change after the run. It iscold in the Co-op building so please dress accordingly.

PLEASE NOTE - The location of Hamperville has been moved to 867 Bruce Ave in Harewood. This isthe old Co-op Building. Can you please email confirmation to me that you areable to come and help? We need to have at least 20 people volunteering.https://helpdesk.islandnet.com/email.php?cmd=compose&toÚnbrady@shaw.ca

* Malaspina 5 km run – Sunday, January 14th at 10 am. This is the sameday as the Pioneer 8 km down in Victoria, but this run is free and close tohome. The race starts just outside the Malaspina gymnasium withregistration starting at 9 am and going to 9:50 am. Frontrunners andJumpin' Java are the sponsors again this year so great coffee and prizeswill be handed out. People can register by e-mailing Mike James athttps://helpdesk.islandnet.com/email.php?cmd=compose&to=jamesm@mala.bc.ca.

* Oak Bay Bikes 2007 Spin Program – Here is the class schedule forJanuary 2007…………..They will be offering two classes that will take place atNorth Ridge Fitness Center. 1. Wednesdays, 6:30PM starting January 17th 2. Thursdays, 6AM starting January 18thThey will also be offering two other classes that will takeplace in their bike shop. 1. Mondays, 6:30PM starting January 15th (this class is new and willrun dependent on registration numbers). 2. Fridays, 9:00AM starting January 19th. For more information please contact Sean or Corey at 760-0211,or at https://helpdesk.islandnet.com/email.php?cmd=compose&to=oakbaybikesnanaimo@shaw.ca

* Tri -Swimming Lessons – Once again Margie will be offering Tri -Group Swimming lessons starting on Jan. 8, Monday, 6:00-7:15pm,$110/10weeks, if you are interested please email Margie https://helpdesk.islandnet.com/email.php?cmd=compose&to=misanderson@shaw.ca

* 10km, Half Marathon & Marathon Training clinics – if you arelooking for a training clinic for the New Year, checkout these links toFrontrunners and Running Room. All sorts of clinics to choose from.Everything from the beginners Learn to Run 10km to the Speed clinics forthose of you looking to lower your half marathon & marathon times.Frontrunners http://nanaimo.frontrunners.ca/clinics/index.phpRunning Room http://www.events.runningroom.com/hm2

* This week’s trail run – The Saddle – Meet in the Westwood Lake ParkingLot at 7:30am for the run.

* Upcoming runs: Ammonite Falls - as soon as weather permits.Boxing DaySocial Run – 8:00am, Westwood Lake. Good chance to shed the extra poundagegained from eating all that turkey thenight before. Feel free to bring some backed goods to share afterwards.

New Year Day Run & Dip - 10:00am –Westwood Lake - come join Bastion Running Cub members in their annual runaround the lakefollowed by a quick swim (optional), hot chocolate, baked goods and drawprizes. No charge.