The lush trails of the Tri-Cities that snake through forests and border rivers will be celebrated this Sunday for International Trails Day.
And Metro Vancouver and the Trans Canada Trail Society will mark the occasion with its first-ever challenge that will see walkers, runners, cyclists and equestrians pass through up to five Metro parks and six greenways that link the region.
Organizer Léon Lebrun, president and southwest regional director for Trails BC, said more than 150 people - most of them seniors - are already registered for the event that coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Trans Canada Trail as well as the start of Bike Month; it will also highlight the Experience the Fraser project, a concept for a recreational and cultural corridor along the Fraser River, from Hope to the Salish Sea.
The biggest "challenge" of the challenge kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on June 3 at the Fort Langley national heritage site where cyclists will travel up to 100 km - between six and nine hours - along interconnected pathways in Colony Farm, Minnekhada, Tynehead, Derby Reach and Brae Island regional parks.
Some 40 volunteers will man the check points, offering water and snacks to the endurance athletes as well as, for fun, a stamp for their trail passports. "It's a fantastic ride but it should only be done by experienced riders," Lebrun cautioned.
For horseback riders, the self-guided journey - lasting up to 26 km - starts at 9 a.m. near the new Syd Vernon bridge on 136th Avenue (at Cedar Way) in Maple Ridge and winds its way over the Pitt River Bridge and into Minnekhada regional park in Coquitlam.
And for runners and cyclists wanting less of a hike, there are several starting points and distance options, though participants can join the opening ceremonies in Fort Langley and be shuttled to their location. From the Tri-Cities, organizers have mapped out a 47 to 61 km cycle route from Colony Farm and a 40 to 45 km cycle/run route from Minnekhada Lodge - both ending up in Fort Langley.
Lebrun said even if Tri-City residents don't want to take part in the challenge, they can spend the day meandering a trail such as the Traboulay PoCo Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. "It's absolutely beautiful what we have locally - right in our backyard," the Coquitlam resident said. "Usually the trails go through a city park or a regional park so there's so much to see or do along the way."
Registration for the June 3 challenge is, for cyclists, $35 per person or $65 for families (two adults and two children); for equestrians, it's $20 per horse; and for walkers/runners, $25 per person or $45 for families. Proceeds will go towards trail construction and upkeep. The event takes place rain or shine and there are challenge routes that are wheelchair and stroller accessible. To sign up, visit trailsbc.ca or call 604-942-6768 for more information.
AMAZING RACE CANCELLED
A day-long fundraiser for the Coquitlam-Sunrise Rotary was cancelled this week.
The club had planned to return its Amazing Race next month; however, spokesperson Chris Wilson said not enough teams registered by the deadline.
The race, which was sponsored in part by The Tri-City News, was expected to generate around $10,000 to support literacy programs for youth and young people in the Tri-Cities.
