Trail Tales

Wings For Life Charity Auction - Live

2008-11-12T18:24:00Z

Munich, November 11th, 2008 – The Wings of Life Charity Auction for Spinal Cord Research is now online. A signed Red Bull helmet, contributed by the German pro rider Benny Korthaus, is the first item to be auctioned. A new item will be posted every other day until Dec. 7th for a total of nine.

Bid on helmets from professional athletes Andreu Lacondeguy and Tarek Rasouli, as well as BMX stars Senad Grosic and Tobias Wicke. You'll never see a signed Red Bull helmet on the shelf in your local shop.

Other items include Two Leatt Braces to protect your cervical spine and two Tarek Rasouli signature frames made by Rocky Mountain and contributed by HBW-Gubesch.

First item: Red Bull helmet from Benny Korthaus, 2nd overall tour ranking of the Nissan Qashqai Challenge 2008. The auction starts on November 11th, and ends on November 21st.

Second item: Leatt Brace, high tech and medical approved cervical spine protection gear: auction starts on November 13th, and ends on November 23rd.

Third item: Red Bull helmet from Tarek Rasouli, former pro-rider and Wings for Life ambassador. Auction starts on November 15th, and ends on November 25th.

Fourth item: Rocky Mountain / Tarek Rasouli signature frame: auction starts on November 17th, and ends on November 27th.

Fifth item: Red Bull helmet from Tobi Wicke, Berlin’s number one BMX rider who has won some big contests like the LG Games: auction starts on November 19th, and ends on November 29th.

Sixth item: Leatt Brace, neck brace: auction starts on November 21st, and ends on December 1st.

Seventh item: Red Bull helmet from Austrian BMX-pro Senad Grosic who nailed second place at the X-Games in China 2005. The auction starts on November 23rd and ends on December 3rd.

Eighth item: Rocky Mountain / Tarek Rasouli signature frame: auction starts on November 25th, and ends on December 5th.

Final item: Red Bull helmet from the Spaniard Andreu Lacondeguy, winner of the 2008 Crankworx Slopestyle. Auction starts on November 27th, and ends on December 7th.

Each auction starts at 08:30 pm CET and ends ten days later at the same time.

The generated proceeds of these charity auctions are used in complete to support the scientific work of the Wings for Life foundation. So, please, take a look and place your bid to make spinal paralysis curable in the future and help thousands of paralyzed people.

For all the links to the concerning items and auctions, please visit: ebay.rasoulution.com

About Wings for Life:

The Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research private foundation has dedicated itself to an ambitious goal: Making spinal paralysis curable. The accident hazard is ever-present and goes beyond the realm of extreme sports. Every year about 130,000 people suffer a severe spinal cord injury, more than the half result of traffic accidents.

Wings for Life is devoted to the regeneration and cure of the injured spinal cord, investing its entire energy to make this vision come true. Considerable findings in animal experiments dispel any doubts about the feasibility of this ambitious project. Unfortunately a breakthrough in human medicine eludes us still. Every donation represents an important step toward financing the best research projects and hope for spinal cord patients everywhere.

For more info check out wingsforlife.com

Comox Valley Cycling Task Force - Important Meeting

2008-11-10T21:04:00Z

Calling all cyclists in the Comox Valley

To a meeting with the b.c. cycling coalition and the comox valley cycling task force.
On sat. dec. 6, 2008, 9:00 am in the comox rec. centre.

This is your chance to voice any concerns you may have regarding cycling safety in the valley and to work with the b.c.c.c. and our local cycling task force to make our roads safer for cycling.

In the morning - 9:00 to 12:30 - there will be several presentations by the bccc showing how things were done successfully elsewhere to make cycling safer and get more people riding bikes.

In the afternoon – 1:00 to 3:00 - there will be discussion on what needs to be done in our area to make cycling safer and how the bccc, the local cycling task force and concerned cyclists of the valley can work together to get this done.

For more info on the bc cycling coalition see: www.bccc.bc.ca
For more info on the cv cycling task force see the local government web sites at: www.courtenay.ca www.comox.ca www.comoxstrathcona.ca

Thanks to the Comox Recreation Commission for providing the meeting room free of charge.

BC Trails Strategy Open Houses - Get involved!

2008-11-09T21:43:00Z

Public Information and Open House Sessions

For more information on the Trails Strategy click here

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts in partnership with BC Parks and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is pleased to release the Draft Trails Strategy for British Columbia. This Draft Strategy, describes an action plan that enables the development of a world-renowned network of sustainable trails, accessible to all, which fosters social, cultural, health, economic and environmental benefits for trail users, communities and the Province.

In fact, this is the Vision for the provincial trail program described in the Draft Strategy. It has been developed through collaboration and consensus by a multi-agency stakeholder and government Trail Strategy Committee and outlines broad, strategic, provincial level goals that the Committee feels are fundamental to a sustainable, world-class trail program.

The Trail Strategy Committee will be hosting a series of public open house meetings [50kb] in communities across the Province. We would like to invite interested members of the public to a presentation and public open house to learn about the Strategy, and offer an opportunity for comments and feedback. For Information about the public meetings click here.

We recognized that many people throughout British Columbia will be interested in learning about this initiative and providing input but may not be able to attend one of the open house meetings. Due to limited resources we have not been able to plan a meeting in as many communities as there are interested trail advocates. Therefore we are inviting anyone who is interested to review the Draft Trails Strategy for British Columbia [254kb] and complete a Trails Strategy Feedback Information Form [142kb]. All input will be considered and reviewed prior to releasing a final Trails Strategy for British Columbia

We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions please direct them to the email below.

Email: RecInfo@gov.bc.ca

For more information on the Trails Strategy click here

Rush to save money could result in serious road rash

2008-11-09T21:38:00Z

By Earle Couper - Comox Valley Record

Published: November 06, 2008 6:00 PM

“A chip seal job is the poor man’s paving.”

That’s one online definition of the process, which goes on to state: “Instead of paving a road with asphalt and concrete, which are amazingly expensive ... municipalities will often use chip sealing. It’s much cheaper and has many of the advantages as a real paving job.

“The road is first paved so there’s a nice cap. A penetrating oil is applied. This is that super black, sticky *** that you see sprayed on highways. It ruins everything it touches. However, this oil holds the road together nicely.

“After a day has passed, crews apply a second layer of penetrating oil. While the oil is still hot, a chip spreader follows immediately behind the applicator truck and dumps the chips on. Around here, the chips are pink granite chips. They’re hard little rocks that make a nice driving surface, but suck ass for rollerblading. (Rollers) pack the chips into the oil, where hopefully they’ll stay.”

As can clearly be seen in the photo accompanying this story, a chip seal surface also “sucks ass” for cyclists. The rider, “Whitey,” was doing 40 mph in a sprint race in Mexico when he exfoliated his face by crashing on chip seal.

Local cyclists don’t want to see themselves end up with similar road rash, and have expressed their concerns to those who are in a position to remedy the situation. No explanation other that “it’s inexpensive” has been forthcoming.

In a recent press release, Bike BC notes it is a $31 million provincial program for cycling infrastructure. “Cycling is a key component of the province’s strategy for encouraging healthy living and addressing climate change,” the group stated. B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has also said that cycling is a big part of the Liberal party’s Green plan. In June of this year, the Comox Valley Regional District urged residents to use more active and sustainable modes of transportation, such as cycling, to get around the Valley.

With that in mind, on Oct. 10 the Record e-mailed both Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon and Comox Valley MLA Stan Hagen the following: How does putting (chip seal) on a road encourage people to get fit and curb pollution by leaving their car at home and go cycling? This would appear to fly directly in the face of the Green goals laid out by your own premier.”

As of Nov. 5, neither Falcon or Hagen had replied to the e-mail. Those interested in contacting them to express their concerns can do so at these addresses:

Kevin Falcon

Minister of Highways

Minister.Transportation@gov.bc.ca

Stan Hagen

Minister of Agriculture and Lands

Stan.Hagen.MLA@leg.bc.ca

Concerned cyclists are hoping to have some response from the government before Dec. 6, when the B.C. Cycling Coalition will be holding a networking meeting here with the Comox Valley Cycling Task Force. All cyclists are invited to the Comox Recreation Centre to participate in the discussions. For more information, check out www.bccc.bc.ca.

sports@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Chip seal no friend to cyclists

2008-11-09T21:36:00Z

By Earle Couper - Comox Valley Record

Published: November 06, 2008 6:00 PM

It may be fine to let the chips fall where they may. But Comox Valley cyclists fervently wish that no chip seal was ever laid where they may fall.

Portions of both Headquarters Road and Coleman Road have been paved with chip seal, creating a rough surface that makes cycling uncomfortable, as well as potentially dangerous in case of an unscheduled dismount. Headquarters Road is of particular concern to local riders, as the Comox Valley Cycle Club uses it for many of their events.

How bad is the chip seal for cyclists? Ed Schum, who biked 7,483 kilometres across Canada two years ago and some 7,300 kilometres through Europe earlier this year, puts it bluntly: “Nowhere in the world have I seen it like this.” The discovery of the chip seal on Headquarters was especially distressing for Schum after he returned from his trip to Europe to gather information on cycling infrastructure and safety.

“The big difference between Europe and North America is the motor vehicle regulations. Cycling is much more into their culture. Probably more than half the drivers are cyclists too, so they know what the cyclists are up against.”

Schum said that as an experienced cyclist he felt comfortable going across Canada but still had some close calls, including being run off the road by a logging truck near Sault Ste. Marie. “The traffic is heavier in Europe, but cyclists are still safer because drivers give them the respect and space they need,” Schum said.

“I learned a lot from both trips. In Canada there is room for improvement. In Europe I learned what they have done to make roads more cycling friendly.” He also heard B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell “make his big speech saying he wanted to make the population healthier and the air cleaner, and that cyclists could play a major role. He wanted to get people out of their SUVs and onto bicycles,” said Schum.

“I thought that was a very great and noble idea and I wanted to help. So I came back (from Europe) full of energy to try and make things happen, and I came back to a huge disappointment,” he said, pointing to a photograph he took of the chip seal on Headquarters Road.

Schum said the local manager of highways told him that chip sealing is going to be done to most of the rural roads in B.C. “If we let this happen it will have a huge negative impact on cycling,” said Schum, adding that he e-mailed his concerns to both Comox Valley MLA Stan Hagen and Minister of Transportation Kevin Falcon.

Hagen told him he was already aware of the problem and had talked to Falcon, and Falcon’s office replied he was busy and it might take some time to reply. “I have not heard back from him,” Schum said.

Schum notes there are wonderful cycling plans for the Valley, and adds both Headquarters and Coleman road have been identified as popular cycling routes. He is hoping that the chip seal will be replaced by a more cyclist-friendly surface.

“I hope this was a mistake and they’re going to come back and fix it. Something similar happened on the San Juan Islands, and they came back the following year and fixed it. They said they made a mistake and owned up to it. It may be the cheapest way to maintain roads. but i think it is time we don’t do everything cheap, we have to do it properly, not cheap.”

The bottom line for Schum is that the government must reconcile their noble goals of encouraging cycling while making it difficult to do so. “It doesn’t seem to mesh,” he said. “I think we’ll get this resolved. I think they’ll realize they made a mistake.”

sports@comoxvalleyrecord.com

Valhalla Pure Outfitters and CVMTB.com give back to local trail builders

2008-07-30T16:27:00Z

We're lucky in the Comox Valley to have some very dedicated and crafty builders who volunteer their spare time to give back to the riding community. A few months ago I asked one of our local businesses about ordering some Dakine Builders Packs for local builders. Well Jerry at Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Courtenay went that extra mile and dontated two brand new builders packs to us a couple of weeks ago. After some nice stitching work by Fish n Stitches in Comox, we had to decide who would be best deserving of the packs. Since we have two trail areas in the valley we chose to give one to each area.

The pack for Forbidden Plateau goes to Darren for his hard work and many new stunts built over the past number of years.

Our second pack has been donated to the United Riders of Cumberland and will be put to use this fall rebuilding Bucket of Blood and a few other gem trails in the region.

Expandable chainsaw pocket
Quick access lopper sleeve
Hammer tool sleeves (Both sides)
Fuel/Oil bottle pocket (Both sides)
Water bottle pocket (Both sides)
Back and top access
Nail bag and first-aid pouch
Multiple storage pockets
Macleod/shovel carry sleeves
Volume: 1800 cu.in. (29L)
Size: 21 x 11 x 8" (53 x 29 x 20cm)
Materials: Cordura Ballistic Nylon

Mount Washington Bike Park 2008 - What's new...

2008-07-29T17:53:00Z

Mount Washington literally cranks it up another notch this summer! Over 100,000 dollars in project capital has been pumped into one of BC's best bike parks over the last two years. So, what's new at the Mount Washington Bike Park in 2008?

New and Improved Bike Park Skills Areas

The mountain offers three separate skills areas where riders can focus on improving their riding ability on various stunts in a low-pressure environment

Introducing a Quick and Dirty Timewarp!

The renovated and rebranded Quick and Dirty runs from the Alpine Lodge to the bottom of the Hawk Chair. It lives up to it's name! Timewarp is the newest trail winding down the western flank of Mount Washington off the top of the popular Hawk Chair. Intermediates will love the flow and progressive nature of this trail!

Bike Events Rule

Mount Washington is the host site for the world's best mountain bike events! The infamous Bearclaw Invitational Slopestyle returns for it's third installment this summer, and some new additions have been created by event founder Darren Berrecloth.

The world's first Free-Slalom event takes place in the evening on Friday, August 22. What is Free-Slalom? It combines the best of mountain bike freeriding and racing. Two riders, side by side, racing against the clock on a course filled with berms and hits. Speed is essential, but judges will be weighing in on the quality of the air and style competitors throw down on course. Judged airs and racing against the clock, let the evolution of mountain bike racing begin.

Claw's Slopestyle and High Air contest return to the slopes of Mount Washington's Green Face on Saturday, August 23. If you could choose to see one unbelievable event in your lifetime, this is the event you should show up for!

After hosting Canada Cup races and the National Mountain Bike Championships two years in a row, the mountain returns to it's provincial roots by hosting British Columbia's finest DH and XC racers at this year's BC Cup Finals and Provincial Championships on August 30-31.

To compliment the early season Norco Learn to Ride Week, the appropriately named Back to Bike School Week fine tunes your bike prowess from September 8 to the 12. There's no better way to boost your confidence at the end the season than with solidly-schooled bike riding!

Late Season Hours Extended!

Riders can take advantage of the bike park enhancements with the mountain's new extended hours starting September 2. The bike park keeps you in the saddle from noon to 6:30 pm daily until the end of the summer season. More time on the bike means more time doing what you should be doing ...having fun! Regular summer hours are 11:00 am to 7:30 pm from June 30 to September 1.