Volume 17 Issue 4 (Bike Issue) by Sun Peaks Independent News

VOLUME 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17, 2019

YOURS FREE TO TAKE HOME

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

RESORT INVESTS $350,000 IN NEW BIKE TRAILS PAGE 6 LOCAL ATHLETE GEARS UP FOR WORLD CUP PAGE 12

Photo REUBEN KRABBE

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

LOCAL NEWS SUN PEAKS INDEPENDENT NEWS INC. 102-3270 Village Way Sun Peaks BC V0E 5N0

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Brandi Schier

Welcome to the Bike Issue THANK YOU FOR PICKING UP OUR INAUGURAL BIKE ISSUE, A NEW INITIATIVE AT SPIN FOCUSING ON OUR AMAZING MOUNTAIN BIKING COMMUNITY. LIVING IN AN AREA KNOWN AS A MECCA FOR THE SPORT, IT SEEMED LIKE A NATURAL FIT TO DEDICATE THIS ENTIRE SPRING ISSUE TO MOUNTAIN BIKING, ESPECIALLY AS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE DISCOVER THE TRAILS IN BOTH

JEAN STRONG

Frankie Knight

frankie@sunpeaksnews.com

EDITOR Jean Strong

jean@sunpeaksnews.com

REPORTER Nikki Fredikson

nikki@sunpeaksnews.com

CONTRIBUTORS Sam Egan Krystal Kehoe Sam Loxton Emily Perrins Dylan Sherrard Each issue reaches thousands of readers and one copy is available FREE to residents and visitors. Anyone taking papers in bulk will be prosecuted. The opinions expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, owners or writers. This publication may not be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher.

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

SUN PEAKS AND KAMLOOPS. TO CELEBRATE, WE UPPED THE ANTE AND QUADRUPLED OUR REGULAR DISTRIBUTION NUMBERS! As you will read, this is an exciting time for bikers in Sun Peaks, as both the downhill and cross country trails will be receiving some major investment and improvements from the resort corporation as well as the

local community. Down the mountain in Kamloops, there are also exciting new areas and initiatives to explore. It’s been interesting and inspiring to learn more about the dedicated individuals driving this scene and its growth. Thank you to our talented contributors who helped tell these stories and whose commitment and stoke for the

sport and their communities is incredibly evident throughout these pages. For those of you missing our regular community news and features, you can find those stories, as always, on sunpeaksnews.com and through our weekly enewsetter. Reader feedback is always welcom so please send your thoughts to editor@sunpeaksnews.com.

SPMRM presents budget, five year plan

brandi@sunpeaksnews.com

GRAPHIC ARTIST

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

A 3.9 PER CENT INCREASE IN MUNICIPAL TAXES WAS DISCUSSED AT THE SUN PEAKS MOUNTAIN RESORT MUNICIPALITY (SPMRM) PRESENTATION ON THEIR BUDGET AND FIVE YEAR PLAN ON MARCH 29, ALONGSIDE A REVIEW OF 2018 AND LONGTERM DEBT. “The past two years we’ve seen extreme growth,” said Rob Bremner, chief administrative officer, “With all of the growth, which is great, comes a lot of challenge.” That growth is reflected in the increase of property assessments released earlier this year. Overall assessments in Sun Peaks increased by 24 per cent, even more than last year’s 18 per cent average increase. Almost 20 per cent of the increase is credited to market conditions and only five per cent to non-market changes. Bremner said despite council’s best efforts municipal taxes will increase 1.4 per cent more than their target. He added it’s important to remember although it can sound like a large increase the municipality only collects around $18,000 for every one per cent increase. Less than half of all taxes collected, around 42 per cent, stay in Sun Peaks. Information for possible increases in other

areas such as the regional district, which makes up around 17 per cent of the total bill, was not yet available. However Mayor Al Raine stated he expected up to a 17 per cent increase from the regional district and similar increases from the hospital and school district. Raine added in the Thompson Nicola Regional District, Sun Peaks is one of few communities which saw a large growth in assessed value and only two or three electoral areas increased more than one point. The impact on property owners varies. Single family homes, which value increased an average of around 24 per cent, will see around a $92 increase, commercial properties $36 and average townhomes or condos around $48. For 2019 SPMRM forecasts around $2.5 million in revenue from property taxes, the largest line item other than fees and charges from utilities at $4.3 million. Other sources of revenue are sales of services which includes building and plumbing permits, business licences and sports centre revenue at nearly $800,000 and grants and contributions at $630,000. Going into 2019 the expected total operating revenue is $7,945,800 and total operating expenses $7,755,400. The surplus of $190,400 will be placed in operating reserves. Currently SPMRM carries just over $1.2 million in long-term debt

from a fire truck, fire hall expansion, composting facility, sewer treatment plant and RI trench work. The fire truck and trench work will be paid by 2021, hall expansion by

2027 and composting and sewer facilities by 2038. For more coverage on topics covered watch sunpeaksnews.com.

ADAM JOHN MCCAW “Chuey” 1974-2019

Adam passed away suddenly of a heart attack on St. Patrick’s day (March 17th)....his favourite holiday. Chuey was a pioneer of construction in the Sun Peaks area, he spent 25 years working on virtually every major construction project in the resort. He was Powder Ventures Excavating’s first and longest standing employee. He also spent many years doing security at major events such as Snow Job, and bouncing at Masa’s Bar & Grill as well as Mackdaddys’ night club. Chuey will live on with “legendary local” status, his stories will continue and he will never be forgotten. Left behind is a wonderful 9 year old son Thijs, a GoFundMe is set up for his sports and education. (Adam Mccaw GoFundMe)

STAY GOLD PONYBOY....STAY GOLD

LIVE INSPIRED

OPEN DAILY 9 TO 5 IN THE VILLAGE STROLL AT SUN PEAKS 250.578.7773 SUNPEAKSCOLLECTION.COM COMMERCIAL P ROP ERT Y

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BEDS: 4 BATHS: 3.5 3,153 SQ. FT.

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Ski-in/out luxurious, artistically crafted log home. Next to main chairlifts. Privacy, panoramic views, abundant sunshine & light. Walk to restaurants. Fully furnished, radiant heat. sunpeakscollection.com

Prime commercial space plus use of sunny patio with mountain and valley views. Currently leased until November 30, 2023 with option for another five years with 6% cap rate, triple net.

Ski-In, exceptional view property overlooking the 4th teebox, steps from planned chairlift. Level parking and entry, spacious two car garage, and a walkout basement with family room and legal suite. Furnished.

NEW CONST RUCT ION

$889,900 2408 Fairways Drive, Sun Peaks, BC

$569,900 gst applicable 201 ELEVATION, Sun Peaks, BC

BEDS: 4 BATHS: 3 2,738 SQ. FT.

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Efficient home on the 8th fairway of the golf course with convenient level entry. Dramatic wall of windows with expansive views, spacious decks on 2 levels. 1 bedroom revenue suite. Double garage.

Set alongside new chairlift. True ski-in/out and views. Refer to Disclosure Statement for specific offering details. E.&O.E. Rendering is an artistic representation. elevationsunpeaks.com

$549,900 gst applicable 102 Burfield West, Sun Peaks, BC BEDS: 2 BATHS: 2 1,240 SQ. FT.

Spacious & bright, creekside mountain condo directly across from Burfield chairlift. Refer to Disclosure Statement for specific offering details. E.&O.E. rendering is an artistic representation. burfieldwest.com T HR E E-QUART E R OWN E RS HI P

INT RODUCING

$349,000 2 Crystal Forest, Sun Peaks, BC

$299,900 5305 Lookout Ridge Drive, Sun Peaks, BC

$229,900 gst applicable 1314 A,B&D The Residences, Sun Peaks, BC

BEDS: 1 BATHS: 1 549 SQ. FT.

0.24 ACRES

BEDS: 1 BATHS: 2 998 SQ. FT.

Upgraded with laminate flooring, recent paint, new fireplace, this bright upper floor condo is furnished. Includes parking stall in heated underground garage, ski locker at your door & sunny outdoor balcony.

Gently sloping ski-in/out lot in Sun Peaks’ newest ski-through residential area. Southern exposure, mountain & golf course views. Suitable for level entry style chalet with daylight, walkout basement and revenue suite.

3 of 4 quarters, fully furnished apartment true ski-in/out, in village core, with use of amenities including pool, hot tubs, gym. Owner storage container, heated parking. Full size appliances, granite, in suite laundry.

QUARTE R OW N E RSH IP

N OW S E L L I N G

S K I - I N / S K I - O U T CO N DO S BESIDE THE NEW ORIENT CHAIRLIFT E XC E P T I O N A L V I E W S R E G I S T E R TO DAY F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N

$76,900 gst applicable 1404 A The Residences, Sun Peaks, BC

ELEVATIONSUNPEAKS.COM

BEDS: 1 BATHS: 1 799 SQ. FT.

Quarter ownership. Top floor, fully furnished, luxurious apartment offers true ski-in/out convenience. Use of hotel amenities pool, hot tubs, gym, sauna, ski and bike valet & room service. Air conditioned building.

Elevation at Sun Peaks is a development of A&T Project Developments Inc. The developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Materials may be substituted with equivalent or better at the developer’s sole discretion. All dimensions and sizes are approximate and are based on architectural measurements. This is not an offering for sale and such offer can only be made by Disclosure Statement E.&O.E.

NOW SELLING

boutique condo and commercial development BURFIELDWEST.COM

The developer reserves the right to modify or change plans, specifications, features and prices without notice. Materials may be substituted with equivalent or better at the developer’s sole discretion. All dimensions and sizes are approximate and are based on architectural measurements. This is not an offering for sale and such offer can only be made by Disclosure Statement E.&O.E.

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS

FIONA HAYNES MARKETING SPECIALIST

SOTHEBYSREALTY.CA

HELEN JONES LISTING COORDINATOR

DAMON NEWPORT UNLICENSED ASSISTANT

LIZ FORSTER MANAGING BROKER

MIKE FORSTER SALES REPRESENTATIVE

TANIA O'TOOLE OFFICE MANAGER

QUINN RISCHMUELLER SALES REPRESENTATIVE

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E.: This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. *PREC Personal Real Estate Corporation.

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

CELEBRATING

20 YEARS

THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES SENDING IT SINCE ’99 Our roots are undeniably deﬁned by raw, rugged singletrack, which has been testing the skill and courage of riders for 20 years. Times are now changing and our passion for mountain biking evolving, as we strive to welcome newcomers of all ages to the sport. An exciting chapter has begun in the Sun Peaks Bike Park as we build progression based freeride trails and zones for beginners and intermediates, while still giving attention to our long-time favourites. This summer we’re stoked to be opening new trails, offering new camps and lessons, and extending the season even further with Bonus Weekends all through September. There’s a trail here for everyone. Come ﬁnd your line.

OPEN JUNE 21–SEPTEMBER 2

PLUS 4 BONUS WEEKENDS* 9 hours of shredding daily, from 10am–7pm

TWILIGHT FOR ONLY $20! WEDNESDAYS RIDE

ADULT

YOUTH

CHILD

SENIOR

Bike Park Season Pass

$379

$329

$279

$329

Add-on to Alpine Season Pass

$303

$263

$223

$263

Progression Park Season Pass

$99

Peaks Card - 3 Day

$142

$114

$86

$114

Peaks Card - 5 Day

$224

$180

$136

$180

Season Passes & Peaks Cards

19–64

13–18

6–12

65+

Lessons + Tours for All Skill Levels from the Sports School › Shred Hard Bike Camps return, with pro rider Dylan Sherrard: Ladies Weekend, Sunday School, and 5-Day Camps › NEW! Shred Hard Pro Private Clinics › DH and XC lessons for all skill levels › Cross country tours

As an added bonus, Peaks Card Holders save 10% on additional lift tickets!

Bike Park Season Pass Perks › 5 Buddy Passes for 25% off lift tickets** › 25% off tickets at select bike parks*** › 10% off food at Masa’s Bar + Grill and Sunburst Lodge† † › 10% off at Sun Peaks Resort retail shops‡ ‡

Read all about our new trail developments, Progression Park, and more at SunPeaksResort.com/Bike-Park Taxes extra. *Bonus Weekend hours TBD. **Discount valid on full day tickets. ***Reciprocal park list available online. †Excludes alcohol. ‡Restrictions may apply.

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

BIKE ISSUE

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

5 ways to get ready for riding season

01 TUNE YOUR RIDE After a winter spent in hibernation it’s time to dig out your trusty steed and give it some attention. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your bike rides well and continues to do so for a long time, but during the summer it can be hard to sneak in the downtime needed to perform some of the bigger tuning tasks. Pre-season is a great time to tackle more involved maintenance jobs like fork services, brake bleeds, and servicing frame bearings and pivots, all of which will have your bike feeling great right from the start of summer. It’s also a good time to check any wearable parts like brake pads or tires and replace them as needed. If you’re lacking the tools or aren’t confident in your bike mechanic skills to take on some of the larger tuning jobs, swing by Fall Line Tuning and Repair Centre in the village to drop off your ride for a pre-season tune.

02 INSPECT YOUR GEAR Having your bike running smoothly is important, but when you hit the ground after getting a bit too zesty on a tricky patch of trail it’s your protective gear you’ll be thankful for. Take the time in spring to check over your helmet, gloves, knee pads, and other safety gear to make sure none of it’s worn out or broken. Be sure to repair or replace anything that needs it before you head out for the first time. Pre-season is also a good opportunity to organize your other riding gear. Restock your riding pack, clean your hydration bladder, and dig out your shoes so that you’re ready to go as soon as the trails are.

03 PREPARE YOUR BODY Let’s be honest, unless you’ve spent all winter crushing big days in the backcountry then you’ve probably lost some riding fitness from last summer. All those après beers and Bottoms nachos don’t help either. The more fitness work you do leading up to bike season the more you’ll enjoy your first few rides, so hit the gym, jump on a bike trainer, or head out for a run to start getting some miles back in your lungs. At the very least do a bit of stretching before that first pedal to get warmed up, your body will thank you. Remember to take things easy on your first couple of rides to get used to being in the saddle again, as well as regain your balance and bike handling skills. There’ll be plenty of days later in the summer to tackle epic distances and harder trails.

SAM LOXTON AS THE SEASONS CHANGE AND SUNNY DAYS BECOME THE NORM, THE THOUGHTS OF MANY IN SUN PEAKS BEGIN TO STRAY FROM SPRING SKIING SESSIONS TO THE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS EMERGING FROM UNDERNEATH

04 PURCHASE YOUR MEMBERSHIPS AND PASSES

THE SNOW. WHILE EAGERLY AWAITING THOSE FIRST GLORIOUS SINGLETRACK LAPS OF THE SUMMER, HERE’S FIVE WAYS TO ENSURE YOU’RE READY TO GO AS SOON AS THE TRAILS ARE RIDEABLE.

05 HAVE PATIENCE!

It’s hard to enjoy a fantastic summer of riding without the trails that make it all possible. Behind every awesome trail network in B.C. is an equally awesome group of passionate community volunteers advocating for access, planning new trails, and spending hours on maintenance to keep things in good shape. Purchasing a membership to support your local trail association, whether it’s SPRTA or the KBRA (or both!), is a great way to give some love back to the trails you ride regularly and ensure they stay in good shape for the season ahead. For all you Sun Peaks Bike Park fans out there, season passes usually go on sale a few weeks after ski season ends in mid-April. Make sure you snag your pass to lock in another epic summer of shredding.

We’re all eager to get out on two wheels as early as possible when winter ends but, as always, Mother Nature has the final say. While many of the trails in Kamloops will probably be good to go by the time you read this, trails in Sun Peaks are likely to still be a few weeks away from acceptable riding condition. Riding trails before they’ve had a chance to fully dry out causes ruts that take a lot of work for builders to fix, while riding around puddles and muddy sections widens trails and reduces the amount of precious singletrack available to all of us. To avoid these issues, refrain from riding trails too early in the season and walk your bike around any wet patches you encounter on your ride. Local trail associations, bike shops, and TrailForks.com are all good resources to find out more about the conditions of your local trails and when they are ready to go. With a bit of preparation and a touch of patience you’ll be well on your way to another awesome summer of biking this year!

“It’ll put you out of your comfort zone a little, but again that’s what you want, isn’t it? You’re not going to get better if you don’t push yourself,” said Capper. Other than recommending a lesson he said his biggest tips for those just starting out are to always stand up, no matter how tired you are, remember one finger braking and to keep your arms bent. “Always standup, never sit down because then if you’re hitting compressions or anything it kicks you up and over the bike.” Much like skiing, he stressed the importance of looking where you want to go. This will help maintain speed and help avoid

oncoming obstacles. “Wherever you’re looking that’s where you’re naturally going to follow, it’s just what happens. Your bike will follow you wherever you want it to go,” said Capper. A few common mistakes he sees on the mountain are people sitting on their bike and riding a bike that’s not the correct fit, two easily correctable mistakes that can make or break your day on the mountain. Capper’s final piece of advice was to get out on the trails early. He added some of the best learning conditions at Sun Peaks happen during the first month of summer operations.

Dropping in on the bike scene How to get started in downhill biking NIKKI FREDRIKSON “IT’S MOUNTAIN BIKING...YOU’RE GOING TO GET DIRTY, YOU MIGHT GET HURT, BUT THAT’S ALL PART OF THE FUN,” SAID ELLIOT CAPPER, A LOCAL BIKING EXPERT. It can be scary to take up a new sport, especially one such as downhill mountain biking. Even more so in a community full of bike culture and seemingly full of experts. That’s why Capper recommended anyone looking to get into the sport take a lesson to learn the terrain and tools to be successful on the trails.

“Go out with one of the guides, and then they’ll just take you on the skills course on the bunny hill,” he said. “You’ll just learn the basic skills like finding your center of balance and all that kind of stuff.” Capper explained downhill biking it a lot different than just pedalling around on a bike and a lesson or maybe two will set you up for a successful first season out on the trails. “If you’re going downhill your stance is going to be different, you’re going to be using one finger on the break instead of two. There’s all sorts of little things that just help you ride that much better,” said Capper.

As an individual sport, he recognized that every rider and their ability will be different. Some only need one lesson to feel comfortable hitting the trails alone while others will spend a few days with their instructor progressing from the Bike Skills Park to lift-accessed green runs like Smooth Smoothie. “We say to people if you can ride Sun Peaks you can ride anywhere.” He recommended beginners or even intermediate riders stick to flow trails like the new beginner trail still known as the “new green trail” before taking the leap to something a bit more challenging like Gummy Bear.

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

BIKEISSUE

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

Bike Park receives major investment Upgrades and new trails coming this summer

NIKKI FREDRIKSON

THIS SEASON BIKERS OF ALL ABILITIES WILL NOTICE NEW ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS TO A TOTAL OF 12 KILOMETRES OF TERRAIN IN THE SUN PEAKS BIKE PARK. AIDAN KELLY, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER FOR SUN PEAKS RESORT LLP (SPR), CONFIRMED THE RESORT WILL INVEST $350,000 INTO THE PARK WITH MOST OF THE WORK BEING COMPLETED MID-SUMMER. According to Kelly, the project was first brought to management by bike park co-ordinator James Jefferies, who envisioned an ambitious five year plan that would help introduce more machine built trails to complement the hand

built single track the resort is known for. After laying out the full plan, SPR’s management team decided to condense the plan to two summers in an effort to get the park to the standard they envisioned. “When you combine the work from summer 2018 and summer 2019 that will be well over half a million dollars that we’ve spent on mountain bike trails over those two summers,” said Kelly. Recognizing the current park caters to a more advanced rider, this year’s investment will expand the progression of the park with the addition of more beginner friendly machine built elements. “We’re going to have two intermediate blue machine built flow trails that’ll be a combination of existing

RILEY HOLOWATIUK, A MEMBER OF THE TRAIL CREW, TESTS THE 2018 REBUILD OF STEAM SHOVEL. Photo Sam Loxton Photo Reu

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

BIKE ISSUE

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

upgrades to certain sections of trail, but also a lot of brand new trail development as well,” said Kelly. Along with the two new trails, crews will be working on finishing touches on the green progression park as well as improvements to sections on the existing green trails. Not wanting to neglect the upper tier of trails, SPR plans to build on the previous work on Steam Shovel last summer and will add a new middle section to the trail. “We feel this is going to catapult us to one of the leading bike parks in North America due to the level of progression that you have,” he said. “You can be right from someone who’s never ridden in a bike park before and come have a positive experience at Sun Peaks within your comfort level,

uben Krabbe

right up to those hardcore World Cup level athletes that love the rugged, narrow, single track shoots.” Prior to the investment, Kelly recognized Sun Peaks was lagging in certain areas of bike trail development but feels the resort is not only catching up to others in the industry but surpassing the offerings of other bike destinations. “That level of progression that we’ll be able to offer for trails of all types and riders of all types I think is something that’s going to set us apart from many other destinations.” Two separate contractors will come into work in conjunction with the bike park team on this year’s projects. Both companies were part of the team that upgraded Smooth Smoothie and constructed the new

top-to-bottom green flow trail last summer. Anticipating a midsummer completion of this year’s projects Kelly stated if the weather cooperates the majority of the green and blue work will be done close to opening day. “If the weather cooperates and everything goes according to plan all the work should be completed and all rideable, and everyone’s out there having fun by around the middle of the bike park season.” While SPR has invested in the bike park each summer with trail improvements and upgrades completed by the bike park team, there hasn’t been an investment of this magnitude for many years. “It’s going to be a lot more fun to roll around on two wheels in Sun Peaks.” SUN PEAKS RESORT UNVIELED THE PROGRESSION PARK IN 2018. Photo Sam Loxton

TRAYLE PORTER IS FOLLOWED BY JACKSON ATKINSON IN THE PROGRESSION PARK. Photo Sam Loxton VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

AN INSTRUCTOR WITH THE SPORTS SCHOOL, MELISSA DE SILVA, TESTS OUT THE GREEN PROGRESSION TRAIL. Photo Rheuben Krabbe

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; MAY 17

The dusty high five WORDS AND PHOTO DYLAN SHERRARD

THE DAYS WE’VE ANXIOUSLY AWAITED HAVE QUICKLY COME OUR WAY. SOON WE WILL BE INTO THE THICK OF IT, AS THE DIZZYING HIGHS OF SUMMER ARE SPINNING ALL AROUND US. THE LONGEST DAYS, THE HOTTEST LAPS, AND THE BIGGEST SMILES ARE BURNING BRIGHT WHILE THE WORLD IS TURNING FAST BENEATH OUR TIRES. We’re reacquainting ourselves with the way the vertical adds up, learning the new lines of freshly groomed turns, and sliding into the fast-paced shapes of the summer season. Riding quicker, dropping deeper, and airing further than we ever knew we could. In constant pursuit of weightlessness, that fancy-free and floating feeling. And it feels as though this splendour is meant to last forever. Certain summer evenings, it all feels far too radical to be real. We’ve committed crimes all across the mountain and gotten off scot-free. It’s something to celebrate, surviving a day of constantly flirting with our limits. So when we skid to a stop and watch the remains of our last few turns still burning in the air, we can barely believe it’s all come together. We look at our friends wearing giant grins in a golden haze and confirm the stoke is at an all time high. We can hear it echoing in the hills. And if only we could put our feelings into words, we might be able to take ourselves seriously, even if just for one moment. But on nights like these, the highs of the summer are too much to handle. So we shout in short expletives as we make our best attempts, but all that can be heard is a myriad of senselessness in the tune of “Siiiiick,” “YES,” and “SO STOKED MY DUDES!”. And then comes the dusty high five. A timeless salute to our connectivity, and the camaraderie of our ride. Your hand smashes into mine, like tires into a fresh turn, and the clap continues on around the circle. The dust pops and blooms into small clouds that slowly fade into the hills to linger in the last of the light that burns before these days are done. And if you listen carefully, any given summer night, once the lift has ceased to turn and the light of day trades space with night, we can hear the quiet clap of dusty high fives all across the hillside. And if you look around during the day, you’ll see them on the patios, in the strolls of the village, and at every checkout and bar around the resort. So don’t be afraid to accept one, and don’t be shy to gift one whenever you feel the urge. THE TWO OLDEST ACTIVE AND STILLa SKIING MEMBERS THE GROUP, AUDREY SAIGON AND NICK MAIKA, BOTH 89. Photoand SPINthe peak of the season at Sun Peaks Resort. We’re looking forward to sharing few dusty highOFfives with you as we continue to celebrate summer VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

BIKEISSUE Mixing old with new

SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM // @SUNPEAKSNEWS

their team tested out the bikes last year and had a blast. “They were a ton of fun,” he said. “It’s a huge market in Europe. There’s that crowd out there that doesn’t want to pedal super hard uphill but still wants to go.”

The bikes, Schmid said, are great for trips like biking to McGillivray Lake for lunch. In addition to the full suspension Felt e-bikes for rent, the shop will offer rentals of full suspension downhill bikes and POC accessories for rent or purchase. Schmid said their base of loyal winter customers often shop in Kamloops and have requested they get back into bikes. “Before it was Full Boar (bike

shop) in the summer and McSporties in the winter,” he said. “We’re giving our customers the option to come buy from us (again). “After three really successful seasons with me at the helm we’re branching out...If you look around Aspen, Vail, Whistler (you see the e-bikes). If we’re looking to be a full year-round, four-season resort we need both corporate and independent support.”

as well as to the Kamloops Bike Riders Association (KBRA) for bringing group rides to the area, introducing locals to the trails, getting more people riding bikes and introducing measures like teaching their groups how to interact with cattle. It shows the Kamloops riding community is playing by the rules that landowners have put in place, and by demonstrating this social responsibility they’ve allowed access to increase. The area’s trail offerings have exploded in recent years and cover a huge area including the addition of the Iron Mask corridor that brings a whole new chunk of terrain off of Lac Le Jeune road into the equation, adding a new dimension and different

riding style to the map. Beyond the trails Pineview is now also outfitted for its increased capacity with multiple access points and proper facilities like parking lots, signage, and washrooms. The Harper Mountain trail network has also seen significant change, from the consequential wood feature that defined its early days. Though many of those features have been removed due to safety or consistency considerations, some favourites like the wooden corkscrew have been recreated with standardized building practices to improve safety and structural integrity. Many classic routes remain, and two new dirt jump trails have arisen from the ashes of the wood that built Harper’s beginnings. A lot of work has happened behind the scenes to provide access to Harper, because the trail network we seamlessly enjoy traverses the interests of BC Parks, crown land, the Kamloops Indian Band, and a few right of way agreements. There’s also a portion of Harper Mountain Resort’s controlled recreation area the trail passes through. The entire area is a multi-use Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) site, where mountain biking is the primary use but where hikers also roam. The KPPC has a management

agreement to maintain the trails within the site, where volunteers, including a few exceptionally committed champions (some of whose names can be found by deciphering trail names) largely build and maintain the trails. Some larger projects are subcontracted to an approved list of builders provided by RSTBC to ensure a difficulty level that is consistent with the trail distinction and what riders expect from top to bottom. The notoriously-rutted shuttle road linking Harper Mountain Road to the top of the trail network has seen recent repairs, helping transport equipment into the area for trail upgrades and improving access for daily riders and emergency response teams alike. It also addressed drainage issues that arose from having big ruts that formed puddles, causing drivers to avoid the craters and spread road damage further. Today, Kamloops boasts the world’s largest municipal bike park at the Bike Ranch, the province’s largest municipal park with Kenna Cartwright which boasts its own massive trail network famous for its cross country flow and hundreds of kilometres of legal single track that reach far beyond the areas profiled here. It’s a good time to be a mountain biker.

McSporties returns to bike roots, adds e-bikes to mix JEAN STRONG

E-BIKES ARE SURE TO BE POPULAR ON THE MOUNTAIN THIS SUMMER AS MCSPORTIES STEPS ONTO THE BIKE SCENE AFTER THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL WINTER SEASON YET. Owner Matthias Schmid said

From hopping fences to negotiating access, a story of progression ENJOYING A KAMLOOPS TRAIL. Photo Sam Egan

SAM EGAN AS THE BULK OF KAMLOOPS’ TRAILS THAW AND OPEN FOR THE YEAR, MOUNTAIN BIKING LOOKS A LOT DIFFERENT THAN IT DID JUST TEN YEARS AGO. IT HAS MATURED FROM THE WILD-WEST ERA WHEN THE CITY WAS KNOWN AS A FREERIDE MECCA TO BOASTING HUNDREDS OF KILOMETRES OF MAPPED AND LEGAL TRAILS WITHIN CITY LIMITS. It’s been a long road, or trail, to get there, and following the development of two of Kamloops’ favourite trail networks illustrates how far the community has come. The Pineview trail network has seen prolific growth in

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

recent years on just about every side of every fence in the area, and 2019 marks a major milestone for the local mountain bike community. Pineview opened for the first time this spring without restrictions placed on many of the popular trails in the west side of the area, thanks to agreements with landowners that have been evolving alongside the city’s mountain bike culture. This has been a complex relationship to forge with many private landowners involved and it’s a nod to the efforts of the Kamloops Performance Cycling Centre (KPPC), who manage the trails, for building and maintaining that relationship with landowners and with residents

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Weekly social rides bring the bike community together KRYSTAL KEHOE IF YOU’RE A MOUNTAIN BIKER IN KAMLOOPS IT’S SAFE TO SAY AT SOME POINT YOU’VE RECEIVED A TEXT FROM A FRIEND, A CAL L OR BEEN ADDED TO A GROUP CHAT ABOUT THE NEXT KAMLOOPS BIKE RIDERS ASSOCIATION (KBRA) WEEKLY RIDE. PERHAPS IT’S THE CASUAL ATMOSPHERE, PRIZES FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES, OR THE TAILGATE BARBEQUE THAT FOLLOWS—WHATEVER IT IS, THE KBRA HAS FOUND THE FORMULA TO GET MOUNTAIN BIKERS OUT. “The group rides are focused on the social aspect,” said John Osborne, KBRA president. “They bring everyone in the riding community together and act as a soundboard for other events in the community.” Osborne, who spearheaded the group ride program,

explained they’re also a good opportunity for the group to hear feedback from the mountain bike community. The KBRA is a community driven organization that aims to grow the sport of mountain biking and trail networks in Kamloops. The weekly rides have helped increase their membership. Each Wednesday the group rides are held at a different trail network in the area. The time and location are posted on the KBRA’s Facebook page every Monday. People who attend the group rides check in and identify which of the three levels they would like to participate in. The groups split up and each group gets a ride leader. In previous years, the levels were classified as beginner, intermediate and advanced, but the KBRA is considering changing the categories to better describe the pace, for example one may be social/casual.

RIDERS ENJOY THE VIEW FROM A KAMLOOPS TRAIL. Photo Supplied

“The support has been amazing,” Osborne said. “The number of members attending has increased. Word of mouth goes a long way and there has been organic growth from that.” The rides also receive support from local businesses in the community. Local bike shops take turns hosting the rides each week and provide the ride leaders, while several businesses support the KBRA with items for prizing or postride food and refreshments. We Are One Composites,

a Kamloops-based bike component manufacturer, has happily supported the rides with various prizes, including a set of wheels as a giveaway. Participants had to play a game of bike limbo in the parking lot for a chance to win the wheels. Riders tried their hand at getting their bikes as close to the ground as possible, while riding them under a limbo bar. “We’re pretty heavy supporters of the local riding association,” said Dustin Adams, president and owner of We Are One

Composites. “We want to build a strong riding community in Kamloops and help grow the sport.” The association has seen growth in membership for the organization, as well as a growth in participation of the weekly rides. Osborne reported some weekly group rides reached 80 participants last summer, with an average of 40 participants at each ride over the course of the season.

Pedalling back from injury Mattias Grunling prepares for second competitive season NIKKI FREDRIKSON

LAST YEAR 13-YEAR-OLD MATTIAS GRUNLING’S DEBUT SEASON AS A MOUNTAIN BIKE COMPETITOR CAME TO A CRASHING HALT AFTER AN ACCIDENT WHILE FREERIDING. IT RESULTED IN A FRACTURED FEMUR, SEVERED TENDONS IN HIS HAND AND DAMAGED NERVES. Having only raced in two competitions in the BC Premier Downhill Series, Grunling’s finishes caught the attention of potential sponsors, but his season-ending injuries cost him those opportunities. Eight months later and fully recovered, the young athlete is preparing for his second season on the circuit starting in Whistler June 23. “Last year District (Bicycle Company) was talking about it (sponsorship) but then I hurt my leg and then just recently they said they’ll sponsor me. They’re building up a bike for me right

now,” he said. Excited to have been sponsored by the Kamloops bike shop this season he acknowledged they kept in touch over the winter during his recovery and recently offered him the gig. “It feels like there’s somebody supporting you in what you do and have high hopes for how you do in your races.” This season Grunling is planning to attend five competitions but is looking most forward to competing in Kicking Horse. He admitted there are some nerves going back to SilverStar Resort where he suffered his injury last year. “I’m a little bit nervous about doing the trail I hurt myself on, but I’m not that nervous about racing there,” he said. Training without a coach, he relies on the advice of other riders and competitors at Sun Peaks like Gabe Neron and Dylan Sherrard to help him improve. He said the community has good support for up and coming athletes. Wanting to improve his skills,

Grunling is spending this season focused on getting more comfortable with jumps, choosing good lines, and being able to sprint out of the gate. He said he plans to ride as much as he can in Sun Peaks and Juniper before the season begins. “I like to ride a lot of the more technical trails up here if I get the chance. There’s one I really like to do it’s called Sugar. It’s mostly flat so you have to pedal most of it, that’s one is a pretty nice one to do.” To get himself where he needs to be physically for the competitive season Grunling has been rehabbing his leg injury by going to the gym twice a week and this winter was skiing and competing with the Sun Peaks Freestyle Team. “Right now I feel 100 times better than I did before,” he said. Looking forward to his second season on the circuit Grunling hopes to have fun while riding with a goal of placing top 10 in most of his competitions.

250.374.4030 VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

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Ready, set, pro Gabe Neron prepares for pro circuit debut NERON WILL LOOK TO QUALIFY FOR HIS FIRST WORLD CUP EVENT THIS SEASON. Photo Supplied

NIKKI FREDRIKSON

RAISED AS A MULTISPORT ATHLETE, LOCAL GABE NERON’S AMBITION DREW HIM TO PURSUE A GOAL OF BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL MOUNTAIN BIKE COMPETITOR. AFTER WHAT COULD ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS A BREAKOUT SEASON IN THE BC CUP CIRCUIT LAST YEAR, NERON IS PUTTING ALL OF HIS EFFORT INTO HIS DREAM. “I am really enjoying going after my dream. It has been really fun,

and I cannot wait to take on more,” he said. Racing competitively for only three years, last season Neron dominated the Jr. Sport (17 to 18-year-old category) and with podium finishes in each race he qualified for the Elite Men’s division, which he will compete in this season. Neron is taking his race schedule to the next level this season and plans to compete in the BC Cup and Canada Cup series with his sights set on a World Cup debut at Mont St. Anne, Que., August 21 to Sept. 1. “I am looking forward to being

ENJOY YOUR VIEW FROM THE WARMTH OF YOUR VERY OWN HOT TUB

able to race across the country and taking part in the whole Canadian Cup.” Neron will travel across the nation with a truck and trailer, spending roughly 80 days on the road to tackle nine races. “My focus for this summer will be to stay injury free, and I will be doing that by keeping my mind and body healthy. I know it will be a big summer, but I am ready to take on the challenge,” he said. Understanding that making the jump to the Men’s Elite division means competing against stronger competitors, Neron enlisted the

help of coach Jase Petersen at Black Beaver Athletic to build his endurance up to the level of a national competitor. “I have been going to Black Beaver Athletic since early October three to four times a week, plus I have been skiing all winter. I am super happy with the results I’ve achieved. I am continuing to gain strength and improve my flexibility. I have also been consulting a nutritionist to ensure my diet aids my performance.” Neron turned to the community for support via a GoFundMe page to raise funds that will be used

for equipment and travel costs associated with his competitive journey. To date, the page has raised $2,945. Neron stated he’s grateful to everyone who has donated and continued to support him. Preparing for his first race of the season on May 25 in Mont Tremblant, Que., Neron will continue his gym schedule and add training days on his bike in Kamloops and Sun Peaks as trails clear. Neron is sponsored by Sun Peaks Resort LLP, Rocky Mountain, Down the Road Wellness, Meranti, Black Beaver Athletic, and EVI.

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Resort Hot Tub Specialists For 21 Years!

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

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Wheeling around the globe

Kyleigh Stewart prepares in Australia for BC Series

STEWART WILL COMPETE IN THE PRO WOMEN DIVISION. Photo Supplied

NIKKI FREDRIKSON

JUST BE ABLE TO GET BACK ON HER BIKE AND GET SOME TIME ON A RACE TRACK.

KAMLOOPS COMPETITOR KYLEIGH STEWART DOESN’T PLAN ON EASING INTO THIS YEAR’S COMPETITIVE SEASON. IN FACT, THE 19-YEAR-OLD ATHLETE ALREADY HAD HER SEASON DEBUT IN PORT ANGELES, WASH. APRIL 5 TO 7. DESPITE A CRASH, SHE SAID, THE WEEKEND WAS FUN TO

Still in pre-season training for the BC Premier Downhill Series, Stewart is planning to attend at least four of the stops on this year’s circuit and is currently preparing for the season opener at Whistler on June 23. “I’m just trying to get on my bike as much as possible whether it’s riding jumps or just going out for a pedal,” she said.

This season her preparation is looking a bit different than past years as she is heading on yet another trip to Australia at the end of April. Her upcoming vacation will include spending time visiting with friends from the industry and getting out on the bike trails. “I’ve got a bunch of friends down there...it works out well. I’ve got a place to stay and people to show me around,” said Stewart. “Having the opportunity to ride

when it’s snowy in Canada is the best thing, definitely a motivator to go.” In Australia last December she was able to get time on her bike riding at Mystic Bike Park in Bright, Thred, and Stromlo in Canberra. “It’s similar to Kamloops riding in a way, where it’s dry and dusty, not super intense riding. I don’t think anywhere really compares to Sun Peaks and Whistler as far as solid downhill tracks and

variety of tracks goes,” she said. Along with the BC Series, Stewart plans to compete again at Crankworx, an international festival series, where she placed first in the dual slalom competition last season. “I’ve always had a goal to compete in the Whip-Off World Champs at Whistler for Crankworx, so it’d be sweet to make that happen this year,” said Stewart. “ I think it might be the year for it.” Despite competing in a number of events last year she admitted she hasn’t fully decided which ones she wants to enter this time around. “When I was younger I used to do that (compete in all the events) and it was a lot of work, but it’s really fun. All the events are so well run.” Heading into this season, she is focused on creating more content through photo and video shoots and continuing to strengthen her relationships with others in the industry. “Just going to have a good season, have fun, focus on riding my bike and having a good time.” This season Stewart is sponsored by Commencal Canada, Royal Racing, 7 Protection, Endur, Deity Components, Mostly Mental Shuttles, District Bicycle Co and Smith Optics.

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250.578.5431 | SunPeaksResort.com/Golf

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

EVENTS

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Bike season already rolling EMILY PERRINS SPRING HAS ARRIVED IN SUN PEAKS AND KAMLOOPS AND WITH THAT COMES THE ANTICIPATION OF ANOTHER GREAT SEASON, EXCITING EVENTS AND, THIS YEAR, MORE ENGAGEMENT FROM SUN PEAKS RESORT (SPR). According to Cheryl Beattie, owner of the Bicycle Cafe and director of the Kamloops Performance Cycling Centre (KPCC), cross country trails around Bachelor and Lac Du Bois in Kamloops have been rideable since March. Meanwhile, the Bike Ranch

opened April 1. Pineview and Kenna Cartwright Park are also open, though Beattie said some trails remain soft. She added upgrades made to the trail network in Pineview last fall should be ready to ride soon. Conditions are drying fast enough the Bicycle Cafe has already launched its weekly Dirt Chix Thursday Ride for female riders. The official Kamloops riding calendar kicks off April 20 and 21 with the River Beaver Classic at the Bike Ranch. The weekend features “Funduro,” downhill and dual slalom

events, as well as a beer garden and demos. “(It’s) a party weekend for everyone,” Beattie said. And this year, for the first time, SPR will have a presence. “They’re going to set up a tent and do giveaways and all kinds of good stuff. Everyone’s pretty excited for that.” The following weekend, April 27 and 28, SPR continues their heightened involvement in the Kamloops riding community by supporting the Junior Freeride Camp at the Bike Ranch, which will see riders aged seven to 19 receive training from

Dylan Sherrard and other professional coaches. “Sun Peaks Resort is getting heavily involved in the Kamloops community now, which is super cool,” Beattie commented. “With a renewed focus on mountain biking at Sun Peaks, it makes sense to me that we connect better on a more local or regional level,” Aidan Kelly, chief marketing officer for SPR, said. “In order to develop into a strong destination for mountain biking, we need to develop a core culture and following that starts from a local perspective,” he continued. “Bike culture is super fun and positive, and we enjoy engaging with community events where we can.” Beattiesaidshebelievesit’sagoodmove.

“I’m not sure many locals knew how many exciting things were happening (in Sun Peaks’ Bike Park), so I think it’s going to be great to build more connections in the community to get more people up to the Resort.” Sun Peaks Bike Park opens June 21. Until then, there’s plenty of other events occurring around the region too, such as the Revelstoke Bike Swap on April 27, Vernon Bike Fest May 2 to 5, Salty Dog Enduro weekend in Salmon Arm on May 10 to 12, and the return of the Canadian Enduro Series to Harper Mountain on June 2. It’s shaping up to be another great season on bikes, with SPR’s closer engagement with local riding events and activities helping whet your wheels before the lift starts turning.

EVENT LISTINGS

APRIL 20 TO 22 THE RIVER BEAVER CLASSIC

The Bicycle Cafe and the Kamloops Bike Ranch proudly present The River Beaver Classic. A fun grassroots festival with a BC Enduro Series Funduro, Dual Slalom Saturday afternoon, Pump Track Challenge Saturday Evening and the Legacy and Open DH race Sunday. Saturday night features a Red Collar Beer Garden, Music and Pump Track Challenge. info@bicyclecafe.com

SATURDAY & SUNDAY APRIL 27 & 28 BICYCLE CAFE FREERIDE CAMP 2019

Every spring the Bicycle Cafe Kamloops hosts a two-day freeride camp for the young riders in our community. This is the chance to spend a weekend with your favourite pro riders and crush laps under their watchful eyes - they will help you push your skills to the next level and keep you laughing all the way.

info@bicyclecafe.com

SATURDAY MAY 4 FURBALL

This heartwarming and fun evening brings the community together in support of animal welfare, humane education, youth programming, and more. From 5:30 p.m. to 11:55 p.m. at the Colombo Lodge in Kamloops.

The IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s is the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s flagship fundraiser and is a way British Columbians can celebrate and remember people in their lives who have been affected by dementia, while they raise valuable funds and awareness to create change. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Tournament Capital Centre Indoor and Outdoor Tracks.ut to Sun Valley Farms to 250.852.0420

FRIDAY MAY 5 WILD SIDE ENDURO SERIES

Since its creation in 2015, the Marin Wildside Enduro series has only one goal; offer quality enduro mountain bike events for all levels of cyclists. The team is proud to work with mountain bike centers that are already well established, but also with young emerging centers. It is with great excitement that for the 2019 season, we present you 8 races in a single series. info@wildsideenduro.com

TUESDAY MAY 7 SUN PEAKS 22ND ANNUAL TRASH BASH

Grab a friend or meet some new ones! Lend a hand to help clean up the resort in this community initiative preparing for a busy summer season. Meet at Masa’s Bar + Grill at 4 p.m. 250.578.0194

THURSDAY MAY 9 CRAFTS AND COFFEE

A partnership between ArtVenture Sun Peaks and Vertical Café brings the community a night of craft making at Vertical Café.

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

FRIDAY TO WEDNESDAY MAY 24 TO JUNE 1 KAMLOOPS WINE FESTIVAL

SATURDAY MAY 11 GREEN LIVING EXPO

The Green Living Expo brings organizations and businesses into one place to share tips and promote products that inspire healthy and sustainable lifestyles. This year, the free event features a full day of speakers, Second Hand Glam fashion show, Iron Chef competition, Repair Cafe, food trucks, kid zone, and over 50 booths featuring topics from healthy backyards, to living with pests and pollinators, to sustainable residential energy systems. Starting at 10 a.m. at 300 Lorne Street, Kamloops. sustainable@kamloops.ca

SATURDAY TO SUNDAY MAY 25 TO 26 BREWLOOPS 2019

Wine lovers will have many opportunities to try great wines at locations all over Kamloops. Featuring 50 exhibitors and over 150 products to sample. 250.377.2400

FRIDAY & SATURDAY JUNE 8 & 9 SKATE SUN PEAKS

Landyachtz and the Kamloops Longboard Club present the 4th Annual Skate Sun Peaks, boasting a tight and techy freeride with a ski lift back to the top! Exclusively on June 8 & 9, downhill skaters will get endless runs down 17 unique corners, 14 of which skaters will have to drift to control speed.

PLANNING A COMMUNITY EVENT? ADD IT TO OUR EVENT LISTINGS AT SUNPEAKSNEWS.COM

kamloops.longboard@gmail.com

This free family-friendly festival will kick off with beer and the FireFit Championships running from 11 a.m - 4:30 p.m. A ticketed portion of the BrewLoops Downtown Block Party will happen from 6 p.m - 11 p.m on Saturday. brewloopsfest.ca

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Help us Build Mountain Bike Trails this Summer!

sustainable@kamloops.ca 250.578.0194

TIO N

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SUNDAY MAY 5 IG WEALTH MANAGEMENT WALK FOR ALZHEIMER’S

CIA

Sun Peaks Resort is excited to host the Sun Peaks Snowmobile Hill Climb, a stop on the Western Canada Hillcross race tour, in partnership with the WesternCanadian Hillcross Association and the Kamloops Snowmobile Association.

250.578.538

FRIDAY TO SUNDAY APRIL 19 TO APRIL 21 SUN PEAKS SNOWMOBILE HILL CLIMB

L T R AIL A

PEAKS SUN

- Support Trail Development & Construction in Sun Peaks - Take Part in Volunteer Trail Building Days - Join us for Events and Group Rides - Help Shape the Future of Mountain Biking in Sun Peaks

www. Sun Peaks Trails .com

MONTH IN PHOTOS

Fin Cooper competing in the Garden Rail Jam. Photo SPIN

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Over 30 competitors of all ages competed in the Garden Rail Jam on Sunday, March 31. Photo SPIN

The McSporties family celebrates Ian McLaren’s retirement and Matthias Schmid officially taking over as owner. Photo SPIN

A group of friends enjoying Snowbombing Canada April 5 to 7. Photo SPIN

Hundreds of up and coming athletes competed in the 16th annual HUB International Nancy Greene Festival March 22 to 23. Photo SPIN

Yurie performing at the Street Party during Snowbombing Canada. Photo SPIN

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

BUSINESS LISTINGS

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SERVICES Residential and Commercial Security (250) 374-2577 kamloopsalarm.com “PROTECTING SUN PEAKS FOR OVER 25 YEARS”

Your Fireplace Experts Professional Service & Repairs Fireplace Replacement Specialists

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YOUR OPINIONS, COMMENTS OR COMMENDATIONS ARE WELCOME Send your letters & opinions by mail to: Sun Peaks Independent News 102 3270 Village Way, Sun Peaks, B.C. V0E 5N0 or by e-mail: editor@sunpeaksnews.com All correspondence must contain a last name & a contact number for verification—phone numbers won’t be published. Writers are encouraged to keep letters to 250 or fewer words. Letters submitted without the writer’s name won’t be published. Sun Peaks Independent News reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality & taste. Letters not published in Sun Peaks Independent News may be published online at www.sunpeaksnews.com

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BIKEISSUE

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Riding down memory lane Sun Peaks Bike Park celebrates its 20th year

A RIDER IN 2005. FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS THE SPORT OF DOWNHILL BIKING HAS CONTINUED TO GROW AS SUN PEAKS BIKE PARK EVOLVES. Photo Adam Stein

NIKKI FREDRIKSON

IT’S BEEN 20 YEARS S I N C E BA R N E Y M O UAT A N D J O R DA N P E T R OV I C S SET OUT FOR THEIR FIRST S E AS O N AS B I K E PA R K PAT R O L L E R S , P I O N E E R S IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF T R A I L S AT S U N P E A KS RESORT LLP (SPR). THE PA I R H A D D UA L R O L E S AS B I K E PAT R O L A N D TRAIL CREW AND WERE T H E O N LY B I K E PA R K E M P L OY E E S FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS. The park opened in 1999 with two trails and by year seven it was pushing 25 trails. “ It w a s r a ke , s h o v e l , and whatever you could

VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

g e t y o u r h a n d s o n ,” s a i d Mo u a t . “ S o m e d ay s w e would just get dropped off at the top of the hill with a r a ke a n d a s h o v e l . We ’d g e t p i c ke d u p w h e n w e c a l l e d for a ride at the bottom or w h e r e v e r w e g o t t o .” Described as a grassroots initiative, in the early d ay s t r a i l c r e a t i o n a t S u n Peaks closely followed the standards set in Kamloops with steep fall lines. “ It w a s j u s t t r y i n g t o give people what existed in Kamloops, that seemed to be popular. That was steep, rugged, single track b i k i n g ,” e x p l a i n e d Mo u a t . Starting in the Cahilty Glades, they established four or five trails before they w o r ke d across the front of mountain, av o i d i n g 5 M i l e a s m u c h a s

possible. “ I w o u l d n’ t s ay ( w e h a d ) free rein...they trusted what we were doing, so it was some liberty there. We w e r e k i n d o f d i c t a t e d by the conditions on the ground as well. If it was really wet and boggy we t e n d e d t o s t ay aw ay,” s a i d Mo u a t . Upon completing their first trail, the pair claimed naming rights and Barn Burner was christened. “When you read the definition of a barn burner, you’re at a really intense h o c ke y g a m e . Ev e r y b o d y i s s t a n d i n g o n t h e i r f e e t , i t ’s a barn burner of a game… f u l l o f e xc i t e m e n t .” Despite initially not knowing where the sport of mountain biking would go, the industry soon realized

people were willing to go a ny w h e r e a n d d o a ny t h i n g o n t h e i r b i ke s a n d t r a i l creation had to adapt to the desires of the riders. “ T h a t ’s p r o b a b l y a b o u t the time machine-made, freeride trails started to h a p p e n . It w a s n’ t s o m u c h the technical challenge was enough a ny m o r e . People wanted to jump on t h e i r b i ke s o n t r a i l s . Yo u c o u l d n’ t b u i l d j u m p s w i t h s h o v e l s a n d r a ke s q u i c k e n o u g h t o d e v e l o p t r a i l s ,” s a i d Mo u a t . Acknowledging the c h a n g e i n r i d e r a b i l i t y, Mo u a t s a i d t h e s t r o n g biking culture in Kamloops led to the e xc i t e m e n t a r o u n d a b i ke p a r k i n Sun Peaks, adding people would stop riding to help r o l l l o g s a n d m a ke b r i d g e s .

Fo r P e t r o v i c s t h e e a r l y d ay s were a time of creative freedom where a close-knit core group of people were working on the concepts for what t h e y e nv i s i o n e d t h e p a r k becoming. “The resort definitely d i d n’ t c o m e i n w i t h a b i g budget and a big vision b y a ny m e a n s . It ( w a s ) d e f i n i t e l y m o r e o f a , ‘ L e t ’s turn the lift and see where t h i s g o e s ,’ ” h e s a i d . “ Fo r t h e two of us, (we) got turned loose to go out and develop some trails and figure out some different zones to b u i l d s o m e t h i n g s .” Over the years the park h o s t e d m a ny e v e n t s , f r o m a l o c a l B i g Mo u n t a i n A i r D i r t Ju m p C o m p e t i t i o n t o Canada Cups, Masters and Jo y r i d e e v e n t s . B e f o r e t h e

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RIDERS LOADING THE CHAIR IN SUMMER 2006. Photo Adam Stein

A RIDER TAKING ON THE TERRAIN IN 2006. Photo Adam Stein

CONSTRUCTION ALONG UPPER ROUTE 66. Photo Adam Stein

b i ke p a r k o f f i c i a l l y o p e n e d Sun Peaks hosted a BC Cup Downhill competition with a course that ran through the zone where Coquihalla s k i r u n i s a n d t r av e r s e d o v e r t o Ho m e s t e a d e r . “ T h a t ’s what I think kickstarted the whole idea of opening up the park to the public and actually r u n n i n g a f u l l b l o w n b i ke p a r k ,” s a i d P e t r o v i c s . L i ke Mo u a t , P e t r o v i c s recognized the shift in t e c h n o l o g y ’s e f f e c t o n t h e industry and the parallel change in biking culture over the past 20 years. “ It ’s n o t j u s t a b u n c h o f d u d e s a ny m o r e t h a t a r e r i d i n g i n b i ke p a r k s , w h i c h i s r e a l l y n e a t . It ’s more diverse in terms of people and the age range t o o . T h e r e ’s p e o p l e l i ke

my s e l f t h a t a r e 4 0 s o m e odd years old that are s t o ke d t o g o o u t r i p a d ay i n a b i ke p a r k , w h e r e b a c k 2 0 y e a r s a g o t h e r e w a s n’ t r e a l l y t h a t m a ny p e o p l e o n the scene or into the sport t h a t s u p p o r t e d i t .” Fa s t f o r w a r d a f e w y e a r s and the original trails were starting to become overgrown. Mo u a t and Petrovics roles changed, a n d S c o t t Ja n z e n i s s t a r t e d his first season running t h e b i ke p a r k . “The deciding factor for w hy I m o v e d t o S u n P e a k s (is) I went up there at the end of the winter season and they had a dirt jump competition in the snow f o r m o u n t a i n b i ke s . T h a t ’s w h e n I w a s l i ke , ‘ t h i s p l a c e i s s w e e t ’ a n d m o v e d u p ,” s a i d Ja n z e n .

H av i n g m a n a g e d t h e b i ke s h o p a n d w o r ke d on gaining sponsorships a n d p r o m o t i o n , Ja n z e n started running the park. He w o r ke d t o c r e a t e d i r t jumps and open up old t r a i l s Mo u a t a n d P e t r o v i c s had created years before. “The guys that were running it before me were focused on building new trails and abandoning the old trails. When I was running it all the old trails were all still super fun, so my m a i n f o c u s w a s t o o p e n b a c k u p a l l t h e o l d t r a i l s ,” he said. Re m i n i s c i n g on the e a r l y d ay s o f t h e p a r k , Ja n z e n said everybody rode together, there was no competitiveness and it was fun. A commonality was the

COAST CREWS BUILDING A BRIDGE ALONG HOME RUN. Photo Supplied

sense of community built by all the individuals who had a hand in evolving t h e b i ke p a r k i n t o w h a t i t i s t o d ay, 4 0 d i s t i n c t trails with 2,000 feet of lift-accessed vertical and nearly 2,500 feet of cross country trails. “ It w a s a v e r y c o o l collection of people who c a m e t o g e t h e r . I ’d n e v e r s ay t h e r e w a s o n e p e r s o n leading the vision of it, there was a l w ay s this team effort of making it h a p p e n ,” s a i d P e t r o v i c s . A n d t e a m m e m b e r Mo u a t , who now works as outside operations director for SPR, gets the chance to watch it grow into another 2 0 y e a r s o f h i s t o r y. “ It ’s a r e b i r t h o f t h e b i ke c u l t u r e h e r e . T h e r e ’s families, t h e r e ’s youth,

t h e r e ’s children riding a r o u n d o n b i ke s , s o I t h i n k i t ’s s t r e n g t h e n i n g . T h a t would be the change I just see it getting stronger up h e r e .”

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Kamloops-based Enduro events give back to riders and trails ENDURO EVENTS HAVE GROWN IN POPULARITY, ESPECIALLY WITH THE GUIDANCE OF TED MORTON (PICTURED). Photo Sam Egan

SAM EGAN TIME TO GET THE CHAINS GREASED! AS SKI SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE IN THE MOUNTAINS, BIKE SEASON IS ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY IN KAMLOOPS, AND THIS YEAR SUN PEAKS IS MORE INVOLVED THAN EVER. WITH B.C. EXPERIENCING A DRIER SPRING THAN IN THE PAST COUPLE YEARS, TRAILS AROUND KAMLOOPS ARE OPENING UP QUICKLY. Ted Morton, now the owner of BC Enduro Series (BCES), moved quickly from his seasonal winter events gig at Sun Peaks Resort to creating the series that exists today. After wrapping up his position at Sun Peaks, Morton went to work for BCES founder Megan Rose in the summer of 2015. He worked on managing and expanding the business into a national circuit that’s introduced a laddering process for enduro racers to reach the world series level, all while giving back to the trails travelled along the way. By 2016 he had expanded the series onto the national stage with the Canadian National Enduro Series (CNES) reaching into eastern Canada, and by autumn of the same year his signature was on the business license. The decision to split the roster of events between provincial

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BCES and national-level CNES was to provide provincial-level racers with a pathway to move in to national-level Enduro races where they could collect the qualifying points required to enter the Enduro World Series (EWS). The first season after splitting the series offered a total of 14 race stops on the BCES and CNES circuit, but Morton found the pace unsustainable and the national-level races were attracting more riders. This year only two BCES stops remain, Kamloops and Canmore, Alta. (both Bicycle Cafe events) among the otherwise CNES roster. The EWS has since developed another step to help aspiring racers reach the ultimate Enduro contest from the national level, introducing three Continental EWS races in North America in 2019 to earn qualifying points. CNES’ Revelstoke stop is one of the three and the only on Canadian soil this year. Harper Mountain is a regular on the series’ roster and one of the only events Morton said his team doesn’t change up much from year-to-year. “Part of the reason for that is people just really love it. It’s our most grassroots event, I mean we have a grass slalom on Saturday night and everybody gets to camp up there.” In Sun Peaks, Morton’s Enduro events have helped push the

boundaries of alpine terrain accessible to mountain bikers, by negotiating first descents for bike tires on some of the resort’s alpine hiking trails. And, in doing so, showing that riders can be responsible users in this sensitive terrain. Rules around alpine behaviour are strict during events. “Go off the trail, you’re disqualified,” Morton said, and alpine etiquette information sessions are part of his event program wherever alpine travel is involved. The first races he organized came together through connections his team had in communities, and from locals at bike shops or cycling clubs reaching out to showcase their trails. That grassroots nature riders seem to appreciate is, however, inherently inconsistent and makes planning difficult for racers travelling the country to earn qualifying points. As Enduro events have grown in popularity, he said, event organizers are keeping up with demand by evolving from their grassroots beginnings. “Now that it’s more of a professional racing series, we need to provide venues with the capacity to support the number of racers, and a good touring route that’s easy for them to follow.” Though race numbers are looking good for 2019, Morton

said he won’t be increasing capacity for races, partially due to restrictions in crown land applications but also because he understands the effects and limitations of increasing the number of users on a trail. “I always ask the trail stewards, ‘What’s your level of acceptable change to this trail?’ Because it’s going to change from having this much traffic on it.” They’re respectful of sensitive areas during event route planning and have rerouted around rattlesnake habitat and toad migration paths on occasion. Morton’s events also give 10 per cent of all racer entry fees back to the trails with partnerships with sponsors like MEC often adding even more to the pot. Donations are made to local cycling clubs,

trail managers, or resort trail crews. Morton said whoever is responsible for maintenance ultimately receives the funds. Morton’s many local partnerships keep his Kamloopsbased events team busy between his own races these days. Sun Peaks and Kamloops are regular stops for his Enduro events, and they collaborate with various other race organizers to offer support services on projects covering every corner of trail in the area. The secret to the success of his events? Morton just loves riding bikes. “I think that’s what makes the best races, I’m always just thinking ‘what would me and my buddies want to ride?’”

Pedalling through life From proposing to raising the next rippers

EMMA, REGGIE, KATY, ERIK AND NELSON WYATT. Photo SPIN

JEAN STRONG

IN 2012 ERIK AND KATY WYATT CAME TO RIDE SUN PEAKS TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME. ON THE FIRST RUN KATY CRASHED AND, BROKE HER ARM AND THE TWO SPENT THE DAY IN THE HOSPITAL. That experience, however, didn’t turn them off the mountain. In April 2017, after paring down their collection and selling 17 bikes, they officially moved to the resort community. “I always wanted to live in a small town,” Katy said. “I said ‘do you want to live in Sun Peaks?’” “I needed to get out of the city,” Erik said. “(But) if someone told me one day I’d live on the second (golf) fairway of a resort I’d laugh.” Before making the jump from Vancouver to the village, the couple had a long history of biking on their own and, after meeting in 2011, together. In fact, Katy said, she was interested in going on what would be their first date because she thought she could meet a new person to bike with. She began working in a bike shop while attending university despite having never mountain biked before. After being encouraged to try it and taken on a ride she began to fall in love with the sport and has worked in the industry on and off since. “I tried leaving several times for more grown up jobs but kept coming back, it’s just too much fun.” She added getting involved in the activity after years of team sports gave her more self confidence.

“I learned something on my own without that greater whole. I can do it at my own pace, when I want, it’s a lot of freedom.” Erik found his passion earlier. Needing a way to get to class without taking the bus he started biking to and from school, work and other activities in middle school. Eventually all the miles on his bike led him to racing at an expert level. After a biking injury landed him in the back of an ambulance he was drawn to a career as a paramedic. The flexibility of his job gave him the opportunity to travel to bike places most people only dream of, from the United Kingdom to destinations like Moab, Utah., Sedona, Ariz., and Bend, Ore. In 2012 Erik began to pursue a new career as a registered massage therapist and in 2013 the two were engaged on a bike ride on Galbraith Mountain, Wash. Erik sped away and staged his bike upside down, making it look like he’d crashed. When Katy caught up, she said, she was worried about him until he stammered out a proposal. The story reflects their relationship: fun, adventurous and woven together by a shared love of biking and the outdoors. Though since moving here with their two children, four-year-old Reggie and two-year-old Emma, it’s been difficult to go out together, so they split parenting duties and each have no time to pursue their

favourite pastimes. For Katy that’s the adrenaline rush of fast flowy downhill trails

like Sugar. Erik prefers heading out on steep and technical options. He’s taking that love of crosscountry trails seriously with a

position with the Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) and plans to work on the mountain this summer building new trails for Sun Peaks Resort LLP (SPR) and SPRTA. “It’s my home, I’m building trails for me that everyone else can ride,” he joked. “To be involved...it felt like something I needed to do.” His work as an RMT as the owner of Knee Deep Sports Massage, will also take him to the BC Bike Race in July where he’ll work with those competing in the seven day event. Katy has previously worked as a coach with Black Beaver Athletic and this summer will continue her position as retail supervisor for SPR while leaving time to get on her bike.

This summer the parents are also looking forward to getting outside with the whole family. “Reggie tried to bike to school in December,” Katy said. “And Emma started when she was around one, she wanted to do whatever her brother was doing.” They are the next generation of killer bikers being raised right on the mountain. “We plan to raise our kids here in the school and be involved as much as possible,” Erik said. They added they’ve quickly fallen for the community and what it means to be a local. “You get to be a part of your recreation rather than it being your destination,” Katy said. “It’s work and play and sharing all of your experiences with guests of the resort too.” “To me it’s the ability to nod or wave at other locals knowing they know what we’re here for while also still being able to be somewhat anonymous,” said Erik. “The difference is you can acknowledge people and they get it.”

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BUILDING TRAILS THROUGH COMMUNITY A big year ahead for SPRTA

SAM LOXTON THE SUN PEAKS RECREATIONAL TRAIL ASSOCIATION (SPRTA) STARTED LIKE SO MANY OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS IN THE GROWING VILLAGE. In 2014 a small group of locals saw the need to improve the network of trails surrounding the village and came together with a desire to make their mountain home an even better place. A group of avid mountain bikers, the crew were looking for additional riding options outside of the bike park and saw the potential for endless trails in the shadow of Mt. Tod. Since then they’ve been diligently working towards this goal. While initially the chance to get shovels in the dirt and construct new sections of trail was limited, the small crew of SPRTA volunteers continued working behind the scenes to

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fundraise, negotiate land use permissions, and plan out a network of potential trails in the valley. Sun Peaks is a generous community, so the association has been able to raise a solid foundation of funding through events such as the annual Firefighters’ Society Charity Gala and High Five Day, as well as through the support of Sun Peaks Mountain Resort Municipality’s community grants program. While some of the money raised has gone towards purchasing tools and other equipment, the majority of the funds were saved until a robust trail plan was in place. This financial responsibility means SPRTA heads into 2019 with $25,000 in available funds to invest into the organization’s trail building goals. Last year the association took two significant steps toward realizing their plans.

First they partnered with Sun Peaks Resort LLP and the municipality to fund the creation of a trails master plan for the area. The plan was created for SPRTA by an experienced crew of mountain bike planners from McElhanney, who joined the SPRTA team to scour every inch of the resort’s Controlled Recreation Area in order to recommend the best locations for new trails. The master plan they delivered is sure to excite any mountain biker who calls Sun Peaks home. It outlines a huge new trail network in the area that, when complete, would consist of 75 kilometers of newly built or upgraded singletrack. Proposed trails highlighted in the document include the resurrection of a fondly remembered cross country race course to create a loop between the village and Burfield Drive, upgrades

to existing trails and new additions between the village and McGillivray Lake, and the creation of a brand new network of trails in the Orient Ridge area of the resort. The ultimate goal of the master plan is to combine several of the new sections of singletrack into one long distance behemoth of a trail, which would connect the summits of Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey for a truly epic day on the bike. SPRTA has presented the plan in several community meetings and will soon release a publicly available copy of the document. The second major accomplishment for the organization in 2018 was the hosting of a wildly successful community meeting in August, which demonstrated the strong support for new trails. Over 50 interested community members attended

the meeting, which doubled as the association’s AGM, to learn more about SPRTA, express their desire to be involved with the organization, and view a presentation of the trails master plan. The biggest development from the meeting was the decision to increase the SPRTA board of directors from four

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CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE POPULAR IN SUN PEAKS. Photo Sam Loxton

members to nine, resulting in a recruitment process for new board members over the ensuing months. Now, with a newly expanded board and renewed assistance from the resort, the hard work of previous years is about to pay off handsomely. Since being appointed in December the new board has been meeting monthly to lay out the organization’s objectives for the summer and work to implement the first phases of the trails master plan. Insurance requirements and final approval on new trails will be finalized this spring, a membership program has been created to get the community involved, dates for trail building days are being set, and plenty of other projects are in the works. With a solid foundation in place to build from, all that’s left is for the group to wait until the last spring snow melts before they

can kick their trail building plans into high gear. Jase Petersen, SPRTA’s president, has been there since day one and acknowledged community support has been a key part of getting them into a position to achieve some of their long-term goals this summer. “I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has supported SPRTA and donated to our cause since we started,” he said. “We’re in a very strong position heading into this summer, but we wouldn’t be here without the help of the Sun Peaks community. The SPRTA team has been working towards some pretty lofty goals to improve the biking and outdoor recreation opportunities here in Sun Peaks for a while now, so I’m excited that this is the year we’ll start delivering on those promises in a big way.” On the trail building side of

things, exact plans for the year will depend on weather and other factors, but at this point SPRTA’s initial priority is the completion of new singletrack sections on either side of the valley between the village and Burfield Drive. Wherever possible, these additions will make use of the former course of an old Master’s cross country race that was previously held here, helping to resurrect this classic trail. Following that work, attention will turn to completing a section of new trail SPRTA has been working on for the past couple years, which winds through the forest to connect the covered bridge on Morrisey to the beginning of Vista trail. Improvements and additions to some of the trails out to McGillivray Lake are also on the agenda, along with the first stages of mapping out trails on Orient Ridge. If anyone wants to get

involved, SPRTA has released a new membership program which provides options for individual riders, families, and businesses to join the organization. Annual memberships start at $20, with all fees going directly back into building and maintaining trails. Along with helping to improve the trail network, a membership allows one to take part in trail building days and courses, participate in group rides and other events, and make use of other membership perks. Nonbikers are welcome to join, as the organization has plans to expand into advocating for new trails suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, and other recreational pursuits in the future. To complement the membership program SPRTA launched a new website, SunPeaksTrails.com, so those interested in joining can get

in touch with the organization to find out more information. Memberships will be available for purchase in person during SPRTA events or online. Petersen, for one, is excited to see so much momentum behind SPRTA and mountain biking in Sun Peaks this year. “I’m super stoked about where things are headed for biking in Sun Peaks. Between the trails we’ll be building this year and the awesome new stuff the resort is working on in the Bike Park it’s going to be a big summer for local riders,” he said. “Sun Peaks is turning into a mountain bike town more and more every year, and I’m proud to be a part of it along with the rest of the SPRTA team.” With such a big year ahead for SPRTA and the local trails, one thing is clear, if you live in Sun Peaks it’s time to get on a bike, get out there, and enjoy the ride! VOL 17 ISSUE 04 APRIL 18 — MAY 17

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Adjacent to the new Orient Ridge chairlift, enjoy easy access to 4 season mountain recreation! Pride of ownership is apparent in this never rented, tastefully decorated and well-appointed 1 bed + den condo, offered fully furnished and ready to occupy! Features a cozy gas fireplace, 3 person hot tub on a private deck overlooking greenspace, bright open floor plan, granite countertops, in suite laundry, abundant owner storage. Zoning allows for short term rentals, and Village amenities are a short walk away via the Valley Trail. GST is not applicable.

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Golf course surrounding and quick access to the Valley Trail network, this bright and welcoming ground floor 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo provides sunny views of Mount Morrisey in all four seasons. Experience the comforts of home as you gather with family and friends around the cozy wood burning fireplace, complete with fieldstone and timber mantle. Features include heated tile floors in bathrooms and kitchen, natural wood raised panel cabinetry, private patio, and extra storage. Offered largely furnished; Hot Tub negotiable. GST is not applicable.

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