Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine June 2024 issue

Race Revelstoke launches the Big Three, p · 11. The accessibility of cycling, p · 12.

Revelstoke Cycling Association celebrates 30 years, p · 14. The art of maintaining trails, p · 16.

Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly publication featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style and healthy living.

We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke.

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COVER AND INSET PHOTO: This year's biking season is off to an early start. Check out all there is to look forward to in this edition of the Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine.

PUBLISHER

Brandi Schier info@revelstokemountaineer.com

PARTNERSHIPS SPECIALIST

Anam Rahman anam@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITOR

Hollie Ferguson info@revelstokemountaineer.com

REPORTER

Lys Morton lys@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITORIAL DESIGN/ADVERTISING DESIGN/ WEBSITE

Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com

Introduction

June feels like the perfect month for a bike issue. I don’t know if I can pinpoint the exact week in May where bike season really kicked off, but it was like a switch was thrown and biking around town became way more prominent, one of those sure signs of weather changing.

Whether you’re sending it down one of the various mountain biking trails Revelstoke Cycling Association maintains, running errands on bike or just enjoying an easy meander along the Green Belt trail, there are a lot of cycling opportunities around town.

Chatting with folks who are passionate about the biking culture here in Revelstoke was a constant message of, “we want to make this accessible as possible.” It was the point made when discussing the various forms of electric bikes, recumbent bikes and the need for accessible bike infrastructure in Revelstoke.

As one source told me, the biking culture in Revelstoke is “just going to keep growing and growing.” Cheers to that!

- Lys Morton, community journalist

Photo by Hywel Williams

10 11 14

12

6 EVENTS CALENDAR

Find out what’s happening in and around Revelstoke this month in the events calendar. Don’t forget to add your community event online at revelstokemountaineer.com.

8

RESIDENTS COUNTER 4TH STREET BIKE LANE PLANS

Cyclists put forward alternative strategies for commuter bike lanes in Revelstoke.

10

HERE’S WHAT RIDERS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2024

Local riders chat how an early melt has jump-started the mountain bike season and what they’re hoping the rest of 2024 will look like.

REVELSTOKE MOUNTAIN RESORT BIKE PARK OPENS WITH A NUMBER OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE SPORTS SCHOOL

From kids programs to a ladies clinic, there is something for everyone in this year’s program line-up.

11

RACE REVELSTOKE LAUNCHES THE BIG THREE

Get ready for The Big Three, a multi-staged race for bikers and runners alike, the latest offer from Race Revelstoke.

16

12

THE ACCESSIBILITY OF CYCLING

Local cyclist Chris Miller chats about accessibility, where Revelstoke’s community is supporting biking and the draw of bike camping.

14

REVELSTOKE CYCLING ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Revelstoke Cycling Association talks about their network of trails, the biking community in Revelstoke and memberships.

16

THE ART OF MAINTAINING TRAILS

Dig Day volunteers put in the ‘sweat tax’ to reshape Revelstoke’s trails.

18

PUZZLES

Try your hand at June’s puzzles and check your answers for last month!

JUNE 2024 CALENDAR

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

REVY.TRACKS WITH GARRET T. WILLIE

Revelstoke Railway Museum, 719 Track St., 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

JUNE EVENTS

FRIDAY, MAY 31 TO FRIDAY, JUNE 21

PIPE MOUNTAIN COASTER LOCAL’S APPRECIATION

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, 2950 Camozzi Rd.

Bring proof of residency within the Columbia Shuswap Regional District and get 50 per cent off your Pipe Mountain Coaster tickets. Visit Guest Services on-site and show them proof of residency to purchase your tickets.

THURSDAY, JUNE 6 TO SUNDAY, JULY 7

NEW EXHIBITION OPENS

Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson St.

The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre welcomes artists Emilie Fantuz, Mike Fantuz, Leah Allison and Rosetta Mitchell as the new exhibits at the galleries.

Don’t miss out on Arts Revelstoke’s final REVY.Tracks event of the season with Garret T. Willie and his vast knowledge of Blues and Rock and Roll music.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

GO BY BIKE BINGO RIDE

Multiple locations in Revelstoke, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Go By Bike Revelstoke and Revelstoke Cycling Association challenge you to a Bingo Ride. Ride to as many locations as you can in the day and take selfies. Once you’ve finished, head to the Revelstoke Community Centre and fill out your card with a Go By Bike volunteer. Bingo card details and prize information will be shared on Go By Bike Revelstoke and Revelstoke Cycling Association socials.

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

BOULDER CLIMB TRAIL GRAND OPENING

Boulder Mountain parking lot, Jordan Mainline, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The wait is finally over. Phase one of the Boulder Climb Trail is officially open and Revelstoke Cycling Association is throwing a celebratory BBQ for the event. Meet up at the Boulder Mountain parking lot for a group ride on the trail and then enjoy some food and celebration at the lot.

TUESDAY JUNE 11

BIG CHUBBY IDIOT DIG NIGHT

Boulder Mountain parking lot, Jordan Mainline, 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Give the Boulder Mountain bike trail system some love with a good old fashion dig night, sponsored by Skookum Revelstoke. Help clear out debris, redirect water and maybe give a bit of your own flair to the trails before wrapping up the evening with food and prizes.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

SX̌ʷNITKʷ CANOE JOURNEY COMMUNITY PADDLE

Martha Creek, 9:30 a.m.

The Sx̌ʷnitkʷ Canjoe Journey invites the community to join them in paddling from Martha Creek to 5 Mile Boat Launch. The journey is expected to take

around three hours, depending on skill levels, and participants must bring their own gear, mode of transportation and safety equipment. The event is free, participants are encouraged to RSVP through the Tourism Revelstoke website to receive up to date information.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

SX̌ʷNITKʷ CANOE JOURNEY PLANT WORKSHOP WITH KNOWLEDGE KEEPERS

School District 19 Office, 501 11 St., 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Sx̌ʷnitkʷ Canoe Journey hosts two workshops on how to process plant fibre and how to harvest medicinal plants in the region. Sinixt Knowledge Keeper Faith Zacherle and regional plant specialist Rob Crandall lead this free workshop open to all ages. Spaces are limited, register through the Tourism Revelstoke website.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

SX̌ʷNITKʷ CANOE JOURNEY TRADITIONAL SALMON FIRE COOKING DEMONSTRATION

School District 19 Office, 501 11 St., 1 p.m.

Knowledge Keeper Ric Desautel with the Sx̌ʷnitkʷ Canoe Journey showcases traditional means of preparing salmon. The demonstration is free and open to all community members. Registration through the Tourism Revelstoke website is encouraged to estimate the number of participants.

Come celebrate the 2024 Sx ʷnítkʷ Canoe Journey with a range of events around town.

Photo provided by Sx ʷnítkʷ Canoe Journey

Check out a Dig Day and help Revelstoke Cycling Association care for the wide selection of trails available.

Photo by Lys Morton

THURSDAY, JUNE 13

SX̌ʷNITKʷ CANOE JOURNEY COMMUNITY DINNER

Revelstoke Community Centre, 600 Campbell Ave., 4:30 p.m.

Come join the Sx̌ʷnitkʷ Canoe Journey participants and volunteers in a community dinner before they make their way to Kettle Falls. Enjoy a wide range of Sinixt songs, stories and a salmon feast prepared locally. Tickets are $15 for adults and can be purchased through the Tourism Revelstoke website.

SATURDAY, JUNE 15

ROLLER DISCO NIGHT

Revelstoke Forum, 1100 Vernon Ave., 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Grab your roller skates or roller blades or rent some provided by the Revelstoke Roller Derby and enjoy a night of disco fun. All ages welcome, all skill levels encouraged.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 23

BASICS OF SEWING

Revelstoke Idea Factory, 301 Victoria Rd., 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Learn the ins and outs of sewing for beginners in this adult class led by Sam Reed. Master the basic sewing machine skills, learn about fabric selections and try out basic stitches and seams in this hands-on course. Tickets available online at revelstokeideafactory.ca.

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

STAMP MAKING WORKSHOP

Revelstoke Idea Factory, 301 Victoria Rd., 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Come check out how to make stamps and create your own design in this one-evening workshop. Instructor Ken Talbot will show you all the ways to make a functioning stamp and how to use it in your day-to-day. Tickets available online at revelstokeideafactory.ca.

FRIDAY, JUNE 21 AND SATURDAY, JUNE 22

TRIPLE B ALL GIRLS RALLY AND CAMPOUT

Revy Riders Dirt Bike Club

It’s time once again to pack up the gear and head out for the Triple B all Girls Rally and Campout, hosted by the Revy Riders Dirt Bike Club. Join in on the relay racing, boulder jumping, lake swimming and cookout. Contact the Revy Riders on Facebook to book your tickets and get the weekend schedule.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

UPPER MOUNTAIN OPENING

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, 2950 Camozzi Rd., 9 a.m. - 5:15 p.m. Revelstoke Mountain Resort opens up the upper mountain trails for biking, hiking and sightseeing for the summer season. More trails, more obstacles, more chances to explore the mountain.

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

MOUNTAIN PRIDE

Kovach Park, 1000 Edward St., 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Open Mountains Project and Queer Shred Revelstoke present Mountain Pride, a chance to explore some of the outdoor activities and sites Revelstoke has to offer in a safe and inclusive group. Try out mountain biking, canoeing, top-rope sports climbing and more. Check out openmountains.com to sign up and learn more.

SUNDAY, JUNE 23

THE BIG THREE RACE

Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club, 2265 HWY23, 7:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Revelstoke’s newest race launches with runners and bikers taking on the same terrain for a majority of the time. Compete in running, cycling or as a paired team for the fastest combined times of the three stages. Fans can meet up at the Boulder Mountain parking lot on the Jordan Mainline for the afterparty and awards ceremony.

outdoor adventures in Revelstoke. Photo provided by Open Mountains Project

RESIDENTS COUNTER 4TH STREET BIKE LANE PLANS

CYCLISTS PUT FORWARD ALTERNATIVE STRATEGIES FOR COMMUTER BIKE LANES IN REVELSTOKE.

By Lys Morton

Plans for bike infrastructure to be installed along Fourth Street from the Illecillewaet bridge to the Victoria roundabout could see major adjustments to the sole road connection over the Illecillewaet river. The section is currently a collection of traffic-calming strategies as the city researches the best way to develop road infrastructure in the area.

The City of Revelstoke partnered with WSP, an engineering and professional services firm to study how to redesign Fourth Street, including bike infrastructure to the Illecillewaet bridge. WSP presented their Fourth Street Active Transportation Improvement report in an April 18 Public Infrastructure Committee meeting.

In the report, WSP recommended that Fourth Street be redesigned as a long-term bike route, adding that improvements to the roundabout to allow for pedestrians and cyclists would be necessary. The design objectives for this option include traffic calming as well.

Local cycling advocates respond

Local cyclists and safe cycling citizen advocates, including Mike MacNeil and Tom

Robson, urged council to consider other options citing the heavy traffic already seen on Fourth Street.

For MacNeil, a full-time bike commuter, the time to put some long term thought into Revelstoke’s bike infrastructure is now.

“Strike while the iron is hot,” MacNeil said. “We’re already a very bike-forward town, and that’s going to keep growing.”

Rather than incorporating a bike lane on bustling Fourth Street, MacNeil encouraged city staff and council to consider Fifth Street as an alternative.

“There is a lot of bike usage on Fifth Street,” MacNeil explained. “Traffic wise, it’s a lot calmer and it accesses parts of town the Fourth Street development is aiming for.”

Bike infrastructure needs to benefit all stakeholders in the project, MacNeil and Robson argued to city council. Adding it to Fourth Street could remove parking access for cars, as stated in the WSP report. Instead they argued Fifth Street would be a cost-saving win, with fewer resources spent on traffic calming measures.

Concerns raised in the WSP report about implementing the bike infrastructure on Fifth Street include issues with crime prevention through environmental design which make Collia Lane “not suitable for all ages and abilities.” Additionally, the report cites limited

significant destinations on this route and a pedestrian crossing in close proximity.

The future of biking in Revelstoke

Anticipating future growth is vital, and Revelstoke’s current population and traffic levels are shifting community needs, MacNeil stressed.

“There’s no slowdown for the amount of people either visiting or moving to Revelstoke,” MacNeil said. “The traffic in this town is just going to grow and we should be focusing on keeping everyone safe.”

Part of that safety includes planning for a future with more electric bike options as well, with MacNeil seeing the need for more open routes and fewer bikes on sidewalks as paramount to pedestrian safety.

Regardless of which route council and staff consider in the plans of bike infrastructure development, MacNeil admitted that there would be concerns.

“We’re going to go through a period of pain adjusting to all of this,” MacNeil said. “We don’t have the ability to support increased density that also includes the number of vehicles some own, and maybe that means downsizing to using a bike for trips around town instead.”

Local cyclists are urging council to choose Fifth Street over Fourth Street for bike infrastructure.

Photo by Lys Morton

HERE’S WHAT RIDERS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2024

LOCAL RIDERS SHARE WHAT THEY’RE HOPING THE 2024 MOUNTAIN BIKE SEASON WILL LOOK LIKE.

By Lys Morton

MOUNTAIN

BIKE PARK OPENS WITH A NUMBER OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES AT THE SPORTS SCHOOL

FROM KIDS PROGRAMS TO A LADIES CLINIC, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM LINE-UP.

By Hollie Ferguson

Bike season is here with Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s (RMR) Bike Park opening May 31. With a range of programs aimed at all skill levels, the bike park is gearing up for a busy summer jam-packed with cyclists sending it on some legendary trails.

In its second summer of offering mountain bike programs, the Mountain Sports School at RMR is building on the success it had last year. The Mountaineer chatted with Vincent Lafontaine, RMR’s sports school director to learn more about what programs will keep you on your bikes this season.

The

Discovery Lesson

With the goal of introducing newbies to mountain biking, the Discovery Lesson is focused on building a foundation of basic mountain biking skill and knowledge, including bike setup, body positioning and balance.

While Revelstoke’s bike season is off to an early and muddy start, local riders admit it beats the two other alternatives; a dusty and smoky season or a snow season that drags on.

“We’re ahead this season by a couple of weeks,” Kristen Meilicke told Revelstoke Mountaineer after a ride through Upper Boondocker during Revelstoke Cycling Association’s (RCA) Enduro Fiver. “The trail crew has been on top of getting trails ready.”

RCA’s trail crew and volunteer teams have been hard at work getting local trails ready after snow melted away faster than usual. A May of rain might have led to some muddy starts and crashes, but riders hope the rain keeps smoke season well down the road.

“You’re always hoping for a bit of rain,” Katie Kokotailo Waterer said after riding Boulder Mountain trails with scattered showers. “Keep the dust down, keep the smoke away. That’s always going to help the season.”

The start of the season has been a welcomed way to knock off cobwebs and get bikes tuned up in preparation for the opening of Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s bike park May 31.

“It’s good to see the development from the beginning,” rider Kyle Barker said. “Excited to see what their future plans have for us.”

The trails at the resort will be an added draw for tourists, Barker said and he’s excited to see what that does for local businesses such as Skookum Revelstoke Bike and Ski, where he works.

“It’s good to have all riders up there,” Barker noted, explaining the resort park provides added accessibility to those entering the sport or unable to access the various trail systems in and around Revelstoke.

That doesn’t mean Barker won’t be spending time on trails outside the resort. He uses RCA’s collection of trails equally, he explained, with every mountain and trail system offering something a little different from the others.

Local trails and resort adventures aren’t the only thing on Sean Anley’s mind. As the bike tech at Skookum Revelstoke Bike and Ski’s, he’s also gearing up for the collection of local bike events throughout the summer, including Bike Fest, Revy 50 and the new Big Three.

“The Discovery Lesson is for beginners, and we offer it twice a day,” Lafontaine said. “It's a two-and-a-half-hour lesson, and the package includes the bike rental and the lower mountain lift tickets.”

The Discovery Lesson is taught by certified instructors Lafontaine added, with access to the lower mountain terrain which offers a more approachable ride.

Similarly, there is a package geared toward intermediate riders.

“We call it a progression lesson,” Lafontaine explained. It also includes instruction, lift tickets and access to a bike rental.

E-bike guided tours

With the launch of e-bike tours well received last year, Lafontaine said RMR was eager to offer this program again. The trip up and down the Stoke Climb takes about four hours, he explained.

“The climb is really great, not too hard,” he said. “We have really high quality bikes in our rental fleet. That tour includes the guide, the bike and lift access.”

This program is for intermediate riders, as the descent down 5620 requires some experience.

“You have to come back down 5620, so you need people that have done a little bit of downhill mountain biking so everyone is comfortable.”

With the option of adding Mackenzie Ridge, Lafontaine said the views are one of the huge draws to the program.

“I think it's pretty unique. Your climb starts at the top of the gondola. You go through a variety of terrain starting in the sub-alpine, and continue into the alpine. In late July and August, the wildflowers are in bloom, so the views are quite special.”

Kids programs

This one’s for the parents out there. The sports school’s kids programs offer youth ages eight to 15 an opportunity to learn new skills and build confidence on two wheels. With both weekend and weekday programs, there are many chances for kids to get out on the trails this summer.

“We also have five-day kid’s camps,” Lafontaine added. “It's a new program this year. The camps run all day for a full week, from Monday to Friday. These camps will be offered four different weeks throughout the summer.”

Ladies clinics

Every Sunday, it’s ladies day on the trails. Available to all levels from novice to advanced, the ladies clinics offer women-led instruction. With flexible options from drop-in’s to four and eight session passes, the ladies clinics also offer a great chance to connect and socialize during the half-day instruction.

For more information on dates and pricing packages, visit RMR’s website.

Local bikers at the Boulder Mountain Fiver say they're excited with how the bike season has started.

Photo by Lys Morton

Revelstoke Mountain Resort's Bike Park reopened May 31.

Photo by Tom Poole

RACE REVELSTOKE LAUNCHES THE BIG THREE

GET READY FOR THE BIG THREE, A MULTI-STAGED RACE FOR BIKERS AND RUNNERS ALIKE, THE LATEST OFFER FROM RACE REVELSTOKE.

By Lys Morton

The Big Three, Race Revelstoke’s latest competition, will host the fastest runners and bikers in the region on June 23 in a three-stage course through Mount Macpherson and Boulder Mountain.

“We’re looking to make things a little weird,” JF Bigras, Race Revelstoke’s owner and events director told Revelstoke Mountaineer.

Competitors can sign up to bike or run the entire race, but must commit to that format through all three stages. Teams of two are allowed to sign up with one runner and one biker who will both race the entire three stages with times combined. Racers must commute between the three stages either on foot or bike, with racers allowed to have a personal

bike delivered to commute areas. Bikers and runners will share courses for stage one and two with separate trails at the final stage.

“It's different than any other event that people will experience – it’s this fun factor,” Bigras explained about the two different styles of racing offered in The Big Three. “The goal with Race Revelstoke is to bring really cool events that have this energy that shows how wicked a community Revelstoke is and how involved we are.”

Race Revelstoke also hosts Revy 50, inspired by Pemberton’s Nimby 50. Bigras was fortunate to participate in the final year of Pemberton’s Nimby 50, but was frustrated at the loss of such a beloved event.

“I was driving back home really mulling on that race style, and other race styles just really thinking that Revelstoke was getting to a place where we could pull something like that off.”

Heading into its third year, Revy 50 pushes riders through 50 kilometres of Mount Macpherson trails in four different timed descents. Riders can compete solo or in teams of two that tackle the descents relay style. It all starts off with a mass start downtown, when all competing riders for the first heat take off at the same time. Strategically, mass starts and staggered starts each have their place in the racing world, but nothing quite matches the thrill of a mass start Bigras admitted, calling it an “epic start.”

Race Revelstoke’s passion may be in providing various racing opportunities for Revelstoke and the surrounding area, but it also helps host Bikefest Expo, including the vintage bike show and shine and the demo day.

“The goal there is to throw as many bike events and opportunities at people to enjoy in a couple of days, really connect the biking community and the businesses in town and folks interested in checking it out,” Bigras explained.

It might seem like a lot for one organization to take on, but Bigras is eager to continue providing Revelstoke and guests with a selection of unique experiences and community events.

“We want to make sure that it’s all about the experience in life. Something to remember this place and your time by. People can’t always put their finger on what it was, but I think it’s this energy and the team and the people here. That’s what we’re here for.”

You can register for The Big Three and find more information on future events on Race Revelstoke's website.

Participants of last year's Revy50 might want to try their hands at the new Big Three.

Photo by Hywel Williams Photography

Revelstoke's terrain offers challenges for all levels of racers.

Photo by Hywel Williams Photography

THE ACCESSIBILITY OF CYCLING

LOCAL CYCLIST CHRIS MILLER CHATS ABOUT ACCESSIBILITY, WHERE REVELSTOKE’S COMMUNITY IS SUPPORTING BIKING AND THE DRAW OF BIKE CAMPING.

By Lys Morton

It’s not uncommon to see Chris Miller cruising around town on one of his bikes. It is, after all, one of his main modes of transportation no matter the season in Revelstoke.

“I have two recumbent bikes. One of them is more an on-road version and the other one has bigger tires you can use in any condition,” Miller told Revelstoke Mountaineer, listing off his fleet of bikes that give him access to the city he calls home. “Then I have my upright trike. I don’t walk, so I roll.”

A 2014 stroke survivor, Miller has pivoted from biking being a beloved pastime to a key access strategy for him. No longer able to drive and wanting more flexibility than current Revelstoke transit provides, Miller's fleet of bikes allows him a high level of independence and access. But that wouldn’t be entirely possible without the maintenance work from other community members. One of his beloved trails, the Illecillewaet Greenbelt is maintained by volunteers who groom the trail during winters, providing easier access for residents.

The Illecillewaet Greenbelt Society maintains the greenbelt year-round, and any attempt to marvel at someone traversing across the snow covered trail in a recumbent bike has Miller quickly singing the praise of volunteers who care for the trail.

“We’re really lucky, we have miles and miles of trails throughout the valley you can access.”

While Revelstoke has its share of bike trails, general bike infrastructure in Revelstoke is at a key moment to either get ahead of Revelstoke’s

growing biking interest or fall behind. Current infrastructure and calmer traffic makes commuting around Revelstoke on a bike full-time manageable, Miller said, but he doesn’t want to see that deteriorate.

“A lot of people put a lot of time into biking in Revelstoke. We don’t want to lose that.”

Accessibility in mountain biking is also going through changes, some of which Miller has had a front row seat for. In 2017, the Revelstoke Cycling Association unveiled Miller Time, an adaptive mountain bike trail focused on giving as many riders access to mountain biking as possible.

That includes electric assisted mountain bikes, a development in the biking world that has some riders concerned about wear and tear on trails and general speed safety.

With the Revelstoke bike community’s dedication to maintaining trails, Miller isn’t too worried about the effect electric bikes could have on trails.

“People are realizing we’re a four-season destination. That’s going to mean more people on trails and more people supporting biking. If you make it open to even more people with pedal assist and with trails like Miller Time, that’s a good thing.”

Apart from enjoying the trails in and around Revelstoke, Miller is looking forward to some bike camping this summer, weather permitting. He has followed the Trans-Canada highway, camping along the journey and appreciating the engineering needed for the original railway lines that helped put Revelstoke on the map.

“That’s some steep terrain there, I know. I just

really take a moment to appreciate what they built and the nature we’re in.”

It’s an opportunity Miller hopes more people experience.

“Whatever gets you in the seat. Biking our area can show you so much nature, so many different species. It really allows you to appreciate the area.”

Chris Miller on one of the various trails around Revelstoke.

Photo provided by Chris Miller

Chris Miller bikes all year round, taking advantage of the groomed Green Belt trails.

Photo provided by Chris Miller

JUNE 2024 REAL ESTATE UPDATE

TOURISM TALKS SINIXT CANOE JOURNEY

Did you know, the Columbia Tribes come together each year to meet in Kettle Falls, WA and celebrate the annual salmon run? It had been over 80 years since the tribes gathered together at these ancestral fishing grounds, but in 2016 the Upper Columbia Tribes revitalized this tradition and journeyed in dugout canoes from their individual homelands This initial ‘Ceremony of Tears’ was a time of mourning, as tribes witnessed the end of historic salmon migrations to the Upper Columbia due to the installation of the Grand Coulee Dam

Prior to the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam, Kettle Falls was one of the largest fisheries in the world and tribes from as far away as Montana, Idaho and Canada would gather for the salmon run in June and September They would hold a ceremony each June which would include a "giveaway" and "community feast" in honor and respect of the Salmon, and they would pray for the salmon’s safe return up the Columbia River This ceremony was also documented by early explorer David Thompson and has been a part of the Inchelium community history This tradition is still alive and well today

Do you, a family member, colleague, or neighbour need some real estate advice, or want to know what houses in your neighbourhood are selling for? This is my invitation for you to call or pass along my details. I look forward to connecting with our great community!

Over the years, this canoe journey has moved its starting point further north along the Columbia River, from places like Castlegar and Galena Bay, and in 2023, Revelstoke became the new starting point for this journey We’re excited to connect with Sinixt, as they return to our community from June 12-14 and prepare to embark on their 2024 journey south

“A HOMECOMING EVENT FOR THE SINIXT TO CONNECT WITH THEIR TRADITIONAL TERRITORY IN AND AROUND REVELSTOKE AND WITH THE COMMUNITY WHO LIVES HERE ” -Dale Tomma

Join us on June 13, for an unforgettable day at the Revelstoke Stop of the Sinixt Upper Columbia Canoe Journey With multiple family friendly activities to participate in throughout the day, followed by a Salmon dinner at the community centre in the evening, this is an event you wont want to miss!

Use the QR code to view the event schedule and register for activities!

To read previous Tourism Talks columns and to learn about destination management in Revelstoke, head to DestinationRevelstoke com or listen to Think Revelstoke wherever you get your podcasts

Photo | Tess Tomma

REVELSTOKE CYCLING ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES 30

YEARS

REVELSTOKE CYCLING ASSOCIATION TALKS ABOUT THEIR NETWORK OF TRAILS, THE BIKING COMMUNITY IN REVELSTOKE AND MEMBERSHIPS.

By Lys Morton

In the 30 years they’ve been in operation, Revelstoke Cycling Association’s (RCA) key element is the people who show up. This includes volunteers for Dig Days, local businesses, competitors and race watchers and the various trail users on the four trail systems managed by RCA.

“A lot of the folks accessing our trails don’t have RCA memberships,” Ashley Borlase, RCA events director told the Mountaineer during the Cycle Logic downhill Fiver at Boulder Mountain. Those who do purchase memberships are helping maintain over 100 trails throughout Revelstoke. RCA employs a trail team, which maintains the Mount Macpherson, Boulder Mountain, Frisby Ridge and Sunnyside trail networks and nearly the entire cost

of the RCA membership goes to trail maintenance costs, Borlase explained.

“Our trail team, three to four members, is a fulltime team,” Borlase explained. “It’s really hard to find a good trail crew, and we have this amazing trail crew that’s really dedicated to it and works super hard to get things in shape.”

“We’re really early this season, but the trails are ready,” local rider Kristen Meilicke shared. “They’ve really put in the work to make sure we can enjoy them.”

Local riders and RCA members also help maintain trails during Dig Days, sponsored by local businesses such as Cycle Logic, Wandering Wheels, Skookum Revelstoke and Tantrum Ride.

RCA memberships

Membership dues don’t go to organizing events RCA puts on, Borlase stressed, with all RCA events being volunteer-organized and funded by grants if needed and prizes donated by local shops.

“It gives brands that want to invest in the community a chance to put their name out,” Jake Stanfield, RCA director-at-large of events and Cycle Logic store manager said.

RCA membership fees don’t just maintain a developing network of bike trails for all levels of bikers and hikers, it gives members discounts on bike maintenance services in Revelstoke, local physiotherapy assessments, rentals and lessons and premium access to the international trail database Trailforks. RCA members can also participate in all RCA events such as the Fiver races. Members are welcome to provide input about future trail

developments and information on trail conditions. It makes sense to link membership holders with the businesses and resources that support Revelstoke’s biking community, Borlase said.

“Biking in Revelstoke is only going to get bigger. We want to give our members access to how it’s growing.”

Partnerships and developments

RCA is growing along with biking, gearing up to expand the Boulder Mountain trail network with phase two of the Boulder Climb Trail. Routine maintenance of trails is more valuable than a speedy expansion of new trails, Stanfield pointed out.

“I’d argue that we get at least one new trail each season, with how much work is done on them,” Stanfield said, noting that some trails have been completely rebuilt and adapted to community needs, and that frequent maintenance to trails might unveil new lines in sections of trails.

“They’ve really expanded on Upper Boondock. There are now six to seven lines an accomplished biker can ride on that trail alone.”

RCA has partnered with the City of Revelstoke to support the development of a highly-anticipated pump track. RCA’s goal with the future track has been to meet Union of Cyclists International standards, making Revelstoke a potential race location and giving users the opportunity to practice on race-approved tracks in preparation for out-of-town events.

“We want people biking,” Borlase said. ”However that looks, however we can make that open to folks in town and visiting.”

Jake Stanfield (R), RCA director-at-large of events and Jory Friesen, dig days volunteer inspect their work at an RCA Dig Day.

Photo by Lys Morton

RCA isn’t just focused on the racers and mountain bikers, Borlase and Stanfield both stressed. RCA lists gravel trails and flatter trails that give those looking for a slower trip the information on which route would best match their levels. RCA also organizes group rides for all skill levels, providing riders a chance to meet up and explore together.

“You can go as fast or slow as you want in these group rides,” Borlase said. “There's someone that's going to stick with you. There's no person left behind.”

Accessibility

The focus on accessible biking and meeting all skill levels has RCA focused on using whatever tools, technology and developments in the biking world that could open up the sport for others.

“It’s a multi-generational thing,” Stanfield stressed. “The little kids sitting

RCA volunteers prep for the Boulder Mountain Fiver, helping riders sign up and collect their time chip.

Photo by Lys Morton

THE ART OF MAINTAINING TRAILS

DIG DAY VOLUNTEERS PUT IN THE ‘SWEAT TAX’ TO RESHAPE REVELSTOKE’S TRAILS.

By Lys Morton

Spring snowmelt reveals a spanning network of trails around Revelstoke, etched down meandering hills and carved into steeper climbs. Some were previously logging roads, prone to heavy vehicles rumbling through and packing down the soil. Others are abandoned animal trails, cutting through bushes and weaving through trees. All of them are now familiar with rubber treads hugging tight to their corners and racing through any hint of a straight line.

Revelstoke’s mountain biking trail system has found ways to challenge riders with all types of terrain. From Sunnyside’s more windy profile that gives bikers a jump start to Revelstoke’s biking terrain, to Frisby Ridge’s changing trail conditions that challenge those looking for peak thrills.

Mountain bike trails don’t naturally maintain themselves, and trails as used and beloved as these need frequent maintenance. Enter Dig Days, hosted by Revelstoke Cycling Association (RCA) and sponsored by local bike stores such as Cycle Logic, Dig Days bring riders and volunteers together to give one trail some needed attention. On Saturday, May 11, volunteers gathered to give Sunnyside’s trails the works.

“Sunnyside is one of those first trails that opens up,” Jake Stanfield, RCA director of events and Cycle Logic store manager told the Mountaineer. “It gets a lot of sunlight, it gets rid of snow faster, so it sees a

lot of usage in a year.”

Shoring up the trail for use, clearing debris, recarving out water pathways and maybe altering routes after a previous season highlighted obstacles is all part of the focus on Dig Days.

Volunteers gather to collect tools, a collection of rakes, shovels, picks and buckets before making their way up the trail. More knowledgeable volunteers point out how to spot the path water naturally takes through the trails, and how to carve out drainage spots to keep puddles from collecting.

Rakes pull plant matter and loose rocks to the sides of the trail and over the edges, creating one more obstacle for water, oftentimes absorbing and diverting the extra moisture away from the paths.

“You’re fighting erosion,” Stanfield said. “Whether that’s erosion from water, snowmelt, wind or trail usage. Our focus on Dig Days is to mitigate that as much as possible.”

Rocks that once shaped the trails are now hazards, either catching tires and ankles with sharp edges or forcing riders to the sides of trails to eat away at the mulch used to soak up excess moisture. Volunteers work to dig out the problem stones, wedging shovels and picks underneath in an attempt to lever small boulders out of the dirt and down into the trees.

“It’s either we take the stone out and rebuild the trail, or we try and build around it but then

it appears again this season or next,” Stanfield explained.

Rebuilding means collecting previously discarded smaller stones and fitting them into place to fill the gap left as much as possible before pulling dirt from excess areas and packing it in. A general dig day revolves around reusing materials pulled from other spots, an effort to not take from the environment.

“We’re sharing these trails with hikers, with different bikers. Some trails in B.C. you’re sharing with horse riders,” Stanfield said. “That’s a lot of usage, and if you keep pulling new stuff in instead of reusing what’s available, we’re going to lose these spaces.”

Trail users who volunteer for Dig Days not only are able to care for the trails they use, but they bring a knowledge on how they’re using the trails and what improvements are needed.

(L-R) Dana Wacker, Ardelle Hynes and Patrick Mahler work to create a smooth path over a tree root.

Photo by Lys Morton

Jake Stanfield (R), RCA director-at-large of events and Jory Friesen, Dig Day volunteer work to level out the soil on a trail.

Photo by Lys Morton

“Everyone gets to add their own flair,” Stanfield said. “There’s 1,000 ways to ride one trail, and each individual rider is going to ride that spot slightly differently. I think that's a really cool thing, to be able to add your own style and personality.”

It takes a flair of creativity to deal with some obstacles that can’t be neatly dug out. Sunnyside, along with many of the trails around Revelstoke, are laced through the region’s heavily treed areas. Roots aren’t an obstacle one pulls out and fills in with loose stones.

Instead, volunteers collaborate to build bridges, ramps, or even just a leveled pathway over exposed roots. Bikers and runners alike comment on how Revelstoke’s recent winter had just enough snow to uncover a root that had been on many radars last summer.

Many hands work to find the right stones to fit together and the right amount of soil to fill in the gaps and keep everything from rocking as first a set of tires and then a pair of running shoes test the workmanship out over and over again before declaring the job well done.

“There’s so much value to coming out and putting in what I call your sweat tax,” Stanfield said when asked what brings volunteers out for Dig Days. RCA and sponsoring businesses work to provide some prizes and food for volunteers afterwards, but Stanfield stressed that Dig Days and other volunteer opportunities are vital to keeping RCA trails and the general biking community in Revelstoke in its best shape.

“You come out, you connect with the community,

you get to see the work that goes into the trails we love. That’s incredibly valuable.”

Dig Days also offer the chance for RCA to connect with other trail users who might not have connected with the local biking association.

“More people on the trails, on bikes and in the forest is beneficial,” Stanfield said. “Not just for RCA, but for the whole community in general, no matter how they go about accessing biking or hiking.”

Dig Days operate throughout the summer season and details are announced via RCM social media channels and on their website. Volunteers are required to sign waivers before joining the dig, and all tools are provided.

Brodie Evans (R) and Jackson Engel clear out winter debris from the trails at a recent RCA Dig Day.

Photo by Lys Morton

Musical Countdown

1 Possess, in Paisley

4 Lead-in to a nickname

7 Millionaire role for Adam Sandler 14 Gradual absorption 16 Slip-on shoes

17 Beatles song title containing a number

19 ___ de Triomphe

20 Marlon's "Godfather" role

21 Stevie Nicks song title containing a number

29 "Riddle-me-___" (kid's rhyme)

30 Spray-on cooking oil brand

31 "That's ___me" ("Really?")

32 Lay on the charm

35 "... ___ a puddy tat!"

36 Styx song title containing a number

40 NAFTA, for one

41 Car lifts, in a garage

42 Cooks veggies in vapour

45 Fa followers, in a carol

46 "Do ___ Diddy Diddy" (1964 song)

49 Commodores song title containing a number

53 Diddly-squat

54 "... and took from thence ___" : "Paradise Lost"

55 Blondie song titlle containing a number

62 Will supplement

63 "Why, certainly!", to the French

64 Gives a licking?

65 24 Sussex Dr. residents, for short

66 It may be taken before a trip?

1 Hilarious blunder

2 Just slightly

3 Come to the surface

4 "Just ___ suspected"

5 Prime Minister between Brian and Jean

6 Donkey kin

7 1064, in Roman numerals

8 Making a big stink, maybe

9 The get-go

10 It's no mark of genius

11 Hirer's "we don't discriminate" abbr.

12 Joanne of '50s filmdom

13 Uzbekistan or Ukraine, once: Abbr.

15 First word of a fairy tale, often

18 "___ got a funny feeling ..."

22 Tanker grp.

23 Lose oomph

24 Make a mash of, in slang

25 Bird's building materials

26 Bible book before Job: Abbr.

27 State in French?

28 When to call, in infomercials

32 Plant "hair"

33 Dove's cry

34 Send a return with a click

36 Well-worn trail

by Barbara Olson

37 Bakery's "Happy Birthday" writer, maybe

38 Those: Sp.

39 "___ crying shame"

40 Till key not used in Alta.

43 Dennis the ___ (comic strip)

44 Be reclusive, in a way

46 Soup can painter Andy

47 Gaston's good-byes

48 Gas-electric auto

50 Fans' adored stars

51 Put a dent in, say

52 Back muscles, in gym lingo

55 Cleanaholic's condition, briefly

56 "I've told you ___ thousand times!"

57 Oilers' city: Abbr.

58 Reddi ___ (dessert topping)

59 Rock blaster?

60 '60s war zone, for short

61 Québec ending