Notes from Bastion Ross: Pioneer Postponed

Dear Bastion

This is starting to get ridiculous now. If its not snow its the wind. I think its just a matter of time, if these storms keep hitting us, that I'm going to lose power and freeze to death. Norm says I missed an epic run on Tuesday night. I'm glad that people are hungry enough after such a long, long break to come out en masse. Curses having to do those girly yoga classes inside. I'd like to welcome new members Charles, Lois, Bill and Ceri to our readers, just in case I snuff it.
Thanks to all who came out for Sunday's AGM. While the existing Directors all came back it looks like we have a new sheriff in town. Janice Ross says a new era in social activity is going to hit us. Bold, out there but clean fun. Knowing Janice, this is not an idle threat. Jane McDonald is our new secretary and John Durkin is the new VIRA rep taking over from Bob Cross so he can devote himself to Race Director. Some of the main points decided on include upping the amount of the Bastion Award to a Graduating Student, getting a long social adventure run organized in the Summer and getting the website to run faster. I should have a stripped down site ready soon. I also read in the paper that they are finally getting around to building the bridge for the Trans Canada Trail so hopefully in 2008 we can do a run of it as far South as we would like. Its a slow, beauracratic process but if I have to carry the materials in by hand I'll do it.
The snow should get crunchy and hard to run in if it stays cold for a few days. This will make a 6 k run as hard as a 10 k run in good conditions and a 12 k run as hard as an 18k run. These are the kind of conditions that make the difference between trail shoes and running shoes out there. So, if you get a run in this Saturday morning you should be ready to hit Frontrunners and check out the hot deals they are offering starting 9:30 am. 20% off regular priced gear and 50% off of clearance items is the ideal time to get shoes, gloves, toques, socks or long pants and shirts. I have included a pdf with the exact info from Norm. I will be there to pick up membership dues and to try the coffee. That's the most important part, I think. Great coffee and food. Try and not miss this.

This just in. The first race of the Island Series, the Central Saanich Pioneer 8 K is postponed until January 21st. I was just writing about how ice could form overnight and I have received notice from our VIRA rep Brian McKinnon that VIRA is aware that the forecast is for cold and icy roads this weekend, so they will try again next week, same time and place. Online registration will remain open for this race until 6:00 pm, January 18th. pdf attached.
I have not heard anything yet about carpooling for this race and other races. It would be a good idea to do, what with the weather and the price of gas. It should be a good idea to match up a 4 x 4 with a few gas sharing partners going down that far South. If anyone would like to carpool, email me and I could put something out there.

This Sunday also has the Malaspina 5 K run scheduled at the Malispina gym at 10:00 am. I will put out an alert if it is cancelled, which it well could be if the cold snap continues. Its free with coffee and draw prizes so you can't complain about the cost. You just have to get out of bed and do it.

If you feel like getting a mountainbike ride in instead on Sunday, AMC is putting on a crit cross country race at Mountainbike Park in Parksville. A crit race is a short course with lots of laps. Starts at 11:00 am with a cost of $10. pdf attached. Contact Arrowsmith Bikes for more info. ride@arrowsmithbikesnan.com .

Next Saturday, the 20th, the Womens Pace Run Wild 5k walk/run rescheduled from November takes place at 8:00 am at Frontrunners. Draw prizes and all will be available for those who missed out. pdf attached. This is for women only but you can cheer them on or volunteer if only for the doughnuts and coffee after. I hope it gets to go ahead for their sake after the last letdown.
The 20th also brings the first Yeti Snowshoe race at Mt. Washington at 10:00 am. Fortunately, this is an event you want snow for. It is not easy, exertion wise, but it is not difficult to learn how to do. They have over 10 feet of snow this season and if you sign up as a group of 5 you get a price break on entry fees. There's even a free Sleeman's and a post race party after. Check out the Events page for more info and online registration.

Volunteers for the February 11th Cedar 12 K have been coming in slowly but steadily. Steve Gagliano probably has got in touch with his marshal crew from last year and I will do the same for the registration crew. If you can help out that morning please email me or Robert Cross at robertcross@telus.net .