If you’ve been following my blog you’ll know that I’m a huge Olympics junkie and have a great respect for athletic talent. So when the first Canada Cup XC Race of 2016 was hosted in my backyard in partnership between Cycling Canada, Cycling BC and Bear Mountain Resort (an Ecoasis Development property), you can bet that I was front  and center with my press pass and camera in hand to shoot photos of the athletes as they raced their first race of the season. And WOW, what a ride!

Things began with the Norco factory team managers Airbnb-ing it at our house and tuning up their team members’ bikes in our driveway the day before the race. It was super fun to have the Norco truck and trailer parked in our driveway surrounded by Norco and Canadian national team riders. (I can thank my Norco Brand Ambassador boyfriend for this awesomeness!)

My driveway has become the Norco Factory pit! The team is in full prep for tomorrow’s Canada Cup XC.

A photo posted by Adam Walker (@adam_sideshow) on Mar 4, 2016 at 10:06am PST

Canada Cup XC Race Day began with amateur races in the morning followed by the Expert Junior categories and the action packed Elite races in the afternoon.  Riders of all ages participated in the race from youths aged 11 and under to the 50+ Master’s Amateur category. It amazes my how these guys and gals fly around that course and don’t injure themselves! They are far braver than I am to throw themselves off hills and mountains on two wheels!

Canada Cup Elite Women’s Race

It was a real treat to watch Olympians Catherine Pendrel and Emily Batty ride their first race of the season to take first and second place in the Elite Women’s race, followed by Erin Huck in third place.

Elite Women’s Canada Cup XC Results

1. Catharine Pendrel (BC) Luna Pro
2. Emily Batty (ON) Trek Factory Racing
3. Erin Huck (CO) Scott 3Rox Racing
4. Haley Smith (ON) Norco Factory Team
5. Sandra Walter (BC) Liv Cycling Canada

Canada Cup Elite Men’s Race

The Men’s Elite race was dominated by Raphael Gagné taking first, Derek Zandstra in second, and Léandre Bouchard taking third place.

Elite Men’s Canada Cup XC Results

1. Raphael Gagné (QC) Cannondale 360Fly p/b Sugoi
2. Derek Zandstra (ON) Scott 3Rox Racing
3. Léandre Bouchard (QC) Cyclone d’Alma
4. Evan McNeely (ON) Norco Factory Team
5. Andrew L’Esperance (NS) Norco Factory Team   

Shoutout to Max McCulloch

I also want to send a special shoutout to local 17-year-old Victorian, Max McCulloch, for his incredible performance at the race. Max is a Bear Mountain and Ecoasis sponsored rider and he did them proud on home turf taking 4th place in the junior expert men category. He is the young prodigy to watch this season and beyond. Follow his riding on Strava and Instagram.

It was an incredible day of mountain biking on Bear Mountain, the first of hopefully many more. For more photos from the event, visit the album on Flickr.

To stay up to date on future events at Bear Mountain Resort, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to their newsletter to get all the information in your inbox.

Get ready for a weekend of rad riding at Bear Mountain Canada Cup XC Race!

WHEN: Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST) – Add to Calendar
WHERE: The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria – View Map

The Canada Cup series is designed to provide competitive opportunities to the next generation of cyclists, transitioning from provincial race series to international competitions. The 12 km Canada Cup Trail is not for the faint of heart. Developed in partnership with The Southern Vancouver Island Nature Trails Society (NTS), the Canada Cup Trail is designed as a single track trail for advanced mountain bike skills.

Anyone can compete with categories ranging from Elite Men and Women to Masters 50+ Men and Women. Registration closes on Friday march 4th at 5pm. Register here. Come Ride the Bear or just come watch and cheer on the national team athletes as they compete for a spot on their Road to Rio!

The Bear Mountain Canada Cup XC Race Course

The course will be open for designated training times as follows:

Thursday March 3rd: 12pm – 7pm
Friday March 4th: 9am – 7pm
Saturday March 5th: 7am – 8:15am

The 2016 Canada Cup XC Race on Bear Mountain racing schedule and fees are as follows. Online registration has ended but you can still register on site until Friday March 4th at 5pm.

For more information about the race, download Cycling Canada’s Canada Cup Technical Guide.

“Road to Rio” Fundraising Gala

After the race, put on your party shoes and join us for the “Road to Rio” Gala. Bear Mountain Resort will be hosting the gala to raise funds for the national team’s trip to the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio, Brazil this summer. The inaugural “Road to Rio” fundraising event will feature a gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions and exclusive opportunities to engage and interact with Canada’s national team and development level mountain bike athletes.

WHAT: Cycling Canada “Road to Rio” Fundraising Gala
WHERE: The Westin Bear Mountain Resort, Victoria, BC
WHEN: Saturday, March 5th — 6:00pm to 10:00pm
WHO: Canada’s National Mountain Bike Team
TICKETS: $250 per ticket or $1,800 per table (tax receipts available for allowable portion)

I’m excited to be attending the gala for the 2016 Olympic Spirit Project, I hope to see you there in support of our Olympic Mountain Biking Team!

Mountain Biking at Bear Mountain Resort

Canada’s top mountain bike riders, including Rio-bound Catharine Pendrel, have been training regularly at Bear Mountain Resort this fall and winter. The Resort, which uniquely offers year-round training opportunities on Canadian soil, is playing a key part in Cycling Canada’s long-term athlete development plans.

As an outdoor adventure destination for the entire region, the Bear Mountain Trail System offers people of all ages and abilities access to nature and the marvelous recreational opportunities it has to offer. The resort is host to an expanding trail network, jump park, national team training centre and the annual BearTrax competition. The resort also offers bike rentals, coaching and guided rides through the Hub.

For more information about mountain biking at Bear Mountain Resort, visit the website.

Ride the Bear!

2015 marks the 35th anniversary of Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope.  Although most Canadians know who Terry Fox was and of his incredible legacy, here’s a quick introduction.

Terry Fox was a young man from Port Coquitlam, BC who was diagnosed with bone cancer forcing him to have his leg amputated 6 inches above the knee at age 18. He was so affected by the suffering of the other cancer patients in the hospital (many of them children), that he set out to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research on a prosthetic leg. He called this journey the Marathon of Hope.

Terry trained for 18 months, running over 5,000 km before setting out from St. John’s, Newfoundland toward the West Coast on April 12, 1980 with the goal of collecting $1 from every Canadian for cancer research.

“When I started this run, I said that if we all gave one dollar, we’d have $22 million for cancer research, and I don’t care man, there’s no reason that isn’t possible. No reason!” ~Terry Fox

Terry Fox ran close to 42 km everyday through Canada’s Atlantic provinces, but sadly after 143 days and 5,373 km, he was forced to stop running just outside Thunder Bay, Ontario. Terry’s Marathon ended on September 1st, 1980 when cancer was discovered in his lungs. Terry passed away 10 months later just a month short of his 23rd birthday.

“It took cancer to realize that being self-centered is not the way to live. The answer is to try and help others.” ~Terry Fox

Although Terry Fox’s journey with us ended, his legacy lives on. To date, the annual Terry Fox Run has raised over $650 million worldwide for cancer research. His legacy began in April of 1980 and still shines brightly 35 years later in 2015. Terry Fox is a household name that Canadians respect and will not soon forget.

The Terry Fox Run is slated for this weekend in most Canadian communities. You can find the Terry Fox Run nearest to you here. Where will you be participating in the Marathon of Hope this weekend? Please share in the comments below.

“If you’ve given a dollar, you are part of the Marathon of Hope .”

This weekend (July 31 to August 2, 2015) I will be up at Bear Mountain Resort for the BearTrax Freeride Mountain Biking Festival contributing social media and photography services to the event. BearTrax at Bear Mountain is the biggest biking event (so far) that the resort hosts annually. BearTrax (formerly known as Jumpship) will showcase some of the world’s best freeride mountain bikers, most of whom will move on to compete at Crankworx in Whistler, BC next weekend.

A video posted by Jordie Lunn (@jordielunn) on Jul 27, 2015 at 9:07pm PDT

This FREE family-friendly event includes a kid-zone with bouncy castle for the kids, a beer garden by Vancouver Island Brewery for the big kids, iRide clinics for the kids from CyclingBC, air bag for amateur riders, and all kinds of vendors, food trucks and DJ Bellyfish to keep the tunes pumping.

Instagram Contest

You will also have a chance to win a Rocky Mountain Soul 27.5 mountain bike over the course of the weekend by getting your Instagram on! All you need to do it follow @RockyMountainBicycles and @BearMountainBikePark on Instagram and tag your best #BearTrax shots from the weekend with #RideTheBear to enter. The winner will be announced on Sunday, August 2nd 2015 by North Vancouver mountain biker, Brett Tippie at the awards ceremony.

A photo posted by Bear Mountain Bike Park (@bearmountainbikepark) on Jul 30, 2015 at 11:08am PDT

The BearTrax Event Schedule

Friday, July 31st

• 3:00pm – 6:00pm | Rider Practice
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm | Rider Meet & Greet – Masters Lounge
• 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Rider Long Putt Event – Putting Green

Saturday, August 1st

• 10:00am – 1:00pm | Rider Practice
• 10:00am – 6:00pm | Expo & Airbag opens to public
• 12:00pm – 6:00pm | Beer Garden Open
• 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Amateur AirBag Competition (Kids)
• 3:00pm – 3:30pm | Rider Introductions
• 3:30pm – 6:30pm | Competition Session
• 6:30pm – 7:00pm | Award Ceremony
• 7:00pm – 9:30pm | Bill Johnson Blues Band – Main Stage

Sunday, August 2nd

• 10:00am – 12:00pm | Rider Practice
• 10:00am – 6:00pm | Expo & Airbag opens to public
• 12:00pm – 6:00pm | Beer Garden Open
• 1:00pm – 2:30pm | Amateur AirBag Competition (Celebrity)
• 3:30pm – 6:30pm | Best Trick & Whip Competition
• 6:30pm – 7:00pm | Awards Ceremony

For more information about the riders who will be participating, visit the BearTrax page on the Bear Mountain Resort website.

So come and #RideTheBear at Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria this weekend!

And if you see me up there, don’t be shy! Come on over and say hello!

Earlier this month I traveled to Vancouver for 3 days to photograph the Access Sport Recruiting and Training Showcase2015 event.

Access Sport helps high school students plan for a sport oriented college / university experience. They coach Canadian student athletes from grades 9 to 12 through the recruiting process in both the NCAA and CIS.

The Showcase2015 event brought students from all over British Columbia and Alberta to Wright Field at UBC to showcase their field hockey skills to coaches from universities all over North America. Athletes had the opportunity to personally connect to college level coaches and recruiters in the NCAA and the CIS. They learned all about college playing schedules, how to plan to attend the school of their dreams, and how to do it all on a fully funded scholarship.

In addition to the three days of seminar and on-field training, athletes received a full year of membership to the Access Sport Recruiting Profile included in their tuition, and access to an on-field athletic trainer for the duration of the showcase.

Showcase 2015 on-field training included:

• Fitness testing
• Offensive Skills: (2hr training session)
• Elimination skills
• Shooting / goal scoring
• Specific GK training
• Defensive Skills: (2 hr training session)
• Distribution Skills
• Tackling
• Decision Making
• Small sided 7v7 games (each athlete will play 4 games)
• Full games (each athlete will play 2 full games)

The evening seminar included presentations from NCAA and CIS alumni speaking about:

• Time management, travel, achieving academic balance through available support systems
• What to expect during off-season, pre-season, in-season and everything in between
• The Canadian experience, choosing to stay in Canada, making a team, what to expect when you play in the CIS
• Taking care of your body, hot to be physically prepared for college, what to expect from athletic training support staff
• What happens after college? Getting a job. How playing college field hockey can prepare you for and benefit you in the real world
• Making a recruiting plan, recruiting regulations, timelines, scholarships and advice

All sessions were recorded to give the athletes the option to post video of their skills on their Access Sport profiles with the option of ordering a highlight reel showcasing their talents. (Video is very important in the recruiting process, as the majority college coaches and recruiters rely on video due to tight recruiting travel budgets.)

For more information about Showcase and Access Sport, or to get your own online recruiting profile, talk to Jenn Beagan at access-sport.ca.

Access Sport will be hosting a fall conference later in 2015 – stay tuned to their Facebook and Twitter pages for details as they become available.

Remembrance Day 2014. A time to reflect on all of those who suffered through the wars of the past and present and all of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of others. On this Remembrance Day 2014 I remember the sacrifices of my family and those who fell so that we may have freedom.

My Family Connection

My dad was born in the Netherlands during WWII. He doesn’t remember it because he was just a baby. My grandparents rarely spoke about the War. I can’t even imagine the horrors and atrocities that they experienced and the loved ones that they lost.

What I do know is that my grandmother lost her brother to a lineup in a concentration camp. My grandfather (who I never met) was a minister and was one of the few people who were permitted to travel around freely to perform religious services.

When my grandmother passed away in 2012 we found letters that my grandfather had written to her during WWII; they were sweet yet heartbreaking. We also found permission letters from the Germans allowing him to travel by bicycle at certain hours to perform religious services, but curfews were strictly enforced. My grandmother also had a collection of underground newspapers that could have gotten her into a lot of trouble had anyone found them at the time.

The untold history that we lost with my grandmother two years ago is incredible, but I can understand why it’s not something she spoke about. I can’t imagine what she experienced during those years and I admire her strength to get through it. I am so thankful for all of those who gave their lives so that we may live in peace.

A Visit to the Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam

Visiting the Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam drove the reality of WWII home for me. Being in the house where Anne Frank and her family lived in secret was such an emotional and humbling experience.

Anne Frank, 1929 – 1945

I first read Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl years ago and I still remember the impact it had on me. To imagine myself in Anne Frank’s position, at age 13, living in the attic of this house with eight people while in constant fear of being discovered is simply unimaginable; and to be standing in the very rooms where she wrote her diary was surreal. What I find most admirable though, is that Anne was still able to enjoy the simple pleasures and beauty of life. If you haven’t read The Diary of  a Young Girl, I highly recommend it, you can find it here.

“We cannot change what happened anymore. The only thing we can do is learn from the past and to realize what discrimination and persecution of innocent people means. I believe that it’s everyone’s responsibility to fight prejudice.” ~ Otto Frank, 1970 (Anne Frank’s father)

The world was such a different place back then. I am so grateful for all of those who had the courage and strength to give their lives so that by the time I was born, less than an hour’s drive outside of Amsterdam, my family had the opportunity to live in a better world.

It gives me chills to think of the history that my grandparents lived through. On this Remembrance Day 2014 I remember the sacrifices of my family and those who fell so that we may live a life of freedom.

Lest we forget.

This past weekend marked the beginning of the Savour Cowichan Festival in Vancouver Island’s beautiful Cowichan Valley. With 40 artisan food and beverage producers participating it will be an incredible 10 days of  tastings and special events in the Cowichan Valley. Savour Cowichan runs from September 26 to October 5, 2014, be sure to check it out!

After visiting Cherry Point Estate Wines, we moved on to the Creamery at Cheese Pointe Farm.

The Creamery at Cheese Point Farm

Anybody who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of cheese. And wine tastes best when accompanied by cheese. So naturally after visiting Cherry Point Vineyard, our next stop was the Creamery at Cheese Pointe Farm.

Cheese Pointe Farm is family run by Hilary and Patty Abbott and features handcrafted cheese, artisan local treats and cheese tours.

I just loved the artwork on their signage and the sign at the driveway made me giggle,

“Drive Slow, we have lots of animals and a deaf cat.”

Unfortunately the cheese maker was away at the local Farmer’s Market, so we were unable to take a tour of the cheese making process, but I’ll be sure to go back soon to check that out. We did get a chance to sample some of the delicious local cheeses: camembert, blue cheese, squeaky cheese curds and a selection of flavoured cream cheeses. They were all simply delicious, the camembert was my favourite!

Not only was the cheese delicious, the Cheese Pointe Farm itself was lovely.

Cheese Pointe Farm is located at 1282 Cherry Point Road in Cowichan Bay, BC. They are openFriday to Sunday 11am to 5pm. Follow The Creamery at Cheese Pointe Farm on Facebook.

What’s your favourite cheese?

Update: We’ve been notified that the farm at the Creamery at Cheese Pointe has been sold and will no longer be making cheese at this location. The nearest option would be Hilary’s Cheese in Cowichan Bay.

This past weekend marked the beginning of the Savour Cowichan Festival in Vancouver Island’s beautiful Cowichan Valley. With 40 artisan food and beverage producers participating it will be an incredible 10 days of  tastings and special events in the Cowichan Valley. The event runs from September 26 to October 5, 2014.

This past weekend I had the pleasure of visiting some of the participants, one of which was Cherry Point Estate Winery.

Cherry Point Estate Winery – About the Winery

Cherry Point Estate Winery is located in Cobble Hill, BC on Cherry Point Road (see map below). Tours are available year round but must be booked at least 48 hours in advance, and take about 45 min to complete. The tasting room is open every day from 10am to 5pm giving you an opportunity to sample their award winning wines.

Cherry Point Estate Winery – Savour Cowichan

Cherry Point Vineyard and the Amuse Bistro served Spanish Paella and Sangria to celebrate the wine and culinary festival to thank the community for their continuous support. After indulging in a wine tastings by the wine maker (the whites were my favourite), we sat and enjoyed our paella and sangria on the beautiful garden patio followed by a wander through the vineyard to sample some juicy grapes. (shhh!)

Cherry Point Estate Winery – The Wines

2009 Pinot Noir

2009 Pinot Noir

Sweetness: 0
Price: $24.00

This 2009 Pinot Noir is produced from a single vineyard block that was carefully tended to during the spring to ensure early ripeness. This wine was aged in old oak barrels for 10 months and has big cherry aromas with hints of raspberry and undertones of clean cedar. A silky mouth-feel is brimming with cherry, strawberry and raspberry flavour notes. A perfect wine to pair with smoked salmon, roast beef or any favourite west coast dinner.

2009 Coastal Red

2009 Coastal Red

Silver Medal, North West Summit Competition
Sweetness: 0
Price: $16.95

A delicious blend with aromas of orange blossom, wild blackberry and spice. Juicy dark cherry and black current flavor notes with a kiss of oak are followed by a peppery, berry finish. Food friendly wine, ideal while picnicking al fresco, barbecuing or just sipping on the patio.

Bête Noire

Bête Noire

Our Bête Noire is a cross varietal, cross-vintage blend of our better vintages and a wine representative of soils and climate which are unique to Cherry Point. Pinot Noir 2007, Agria 2009 (the true black beast) and Castell 2009 have been crafted together to create a wine reminiscent of the Rioja region in Spain. Rich red in colour, an earthy nearly dusty aroma introduces the wine followed by plum and spice with a savory oak finish. ThisBête Noire has a great backbone; perfect pairing with steaks and mature cheeses.

2009 Forté

2009 Forté

Sweetness: 0
Price: $25.80

Cherry Point Estate Wines premium red wine is made with the best performing Castel, Agria and Zweigelt grapes. Forte is aged in old French oak barrels for 18 months giving the wine a supple velvety texture. This wine is dominated by a cherry aroma, with hints of plum and raspberry. The full-bodied fruity taste is suitable for pairing with all red meat dishes.

2011 Pinot Gris Reserve

2011 Pinot Gris Reserve

Sweetness: 0
Price: $19.75

Pale yellow with a lovely citrus fruit and spicy bouquet, juicy pineapple, mandarin orange and pink grapefruit flavor notes on the palate, with a long honeyed finish; Delightful with poached salmon and white sauce, pasta primavera and crisp shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy.

2010 Coastal White

2010 Coastal White

Bronze Medal, Northwest Summit Competition.
Sweetness: 1.
Price: $16.95

This Germanic style blend of Pinot Gris, Siegerrebe and Sylvaner has a light straw hue and aromas of honeysuckle and fresh citrus fruit, pear and orange flavor notes are followed by a long crisp finish. Ideal for summer sipping or as an aperitif. Great with seafood, poultry and Asian dishes.

2011 Gewürztraminer

2011 Gewürztraminer

Bronze Medal, Northwest Summit Competition.
Price: $23.20

This stylish aromatic white has subtle tones of lychee and peach on the nose with floral undertones and a crisp grapefruit finish typical of our terroir.

2011 Ortega

2011 Ortega

Double Gold, All Canadian Wine Competition
Silver Medal, North West Summit Competition
Sweetness: 0

This Cherry Point classic is pale straw in colour and displays aromas of grapefruit and apricot with underlying floral notes, typical of the varietal. A full palate of ripe peach lingers with balanced acidity. Pairs well with risotto, pasta and chicken.

Cherry Point Estate Winery – Wine Tour Photos

(click for larger image)

 Cherry Point Estate Winery – Location

The winery is located at 840 Cherry Point Road in Cobble Hill, BC. For more information visit the Cherry Point Estate Winery website and/or follow them on Facebook.

The Cobble Hill Fair celebrated its 105th year this summer and the 4-H Club celebrated its 100th year in BC.

“The fair showcases everything about the Cowichan Valley that is good and its emphasis on agriculture is really a reflection of the founding of South Cowichan area,” said Cobble Hill Area Director and long-time fair volunteer Gerry Giles. “It began when people came into the area, cleared land to farm and really that tradition or heritage and culture has continued on through the years. When people come to the fair they get glimpses of our past and what agriculture means to the community.” 

If you missed the fair this year, be sure to keep an eye out for the 2015 fair date!

The Cobble Hill Fair Parade

The Animals of the Cobble Hill Fair

The Children of the Cobble Hill Fair

This Saturday August 23rd, the Cobble Hill Fair will be celebrating its 105th year. Visit the Cobble Hill Fair from 7am to 5pm for an old fashioned country fair celebrating South Cowichan’s agricultural roots and rural lifestyle. You’ll enjoy seeing livestock and poultry, domestic science entries, flowers and fruit, crafts, needlework, horse show, vintage machinery, stage entertainment and much much more.

The Cobble Hill Fair is organized by the Shawnigan Cobble Hill Farmers Institute and Agricultural Society and is run by volunteers with aim to promote and celebrate the legacy of agriculture and support the education and participation of youth in agriculture.

The day’s entertainment begins early with a pancake breakfast at 7am followed by a parade at 9:30am and the opening of the exhibition hall at 10am. Enjoy a full day of outdoor exhibits and activities with the whole family.

 100 Years of 4-H in BC

This year not only marks the 105th year of the fair, but it is also the 100th anniversary of 4-H Clubs in BC. 4-H is a developmental program designed to build leadership qualities in today’s youth. Their motto is: Head, Heart, Hands and Health. Projects within 4-H can range from animal husbandry to bees, dogs, sewing, agriculture, crafts, photography, domestic science and so much more. Be sure to visit the 4-H displays and watch Club members show their animals at the fair. Visit the BC 4-H website for more information about the 4-H program or to find a club near you.

Cobble Hill Fair Details

Come join a full day of exhibits, activities and entertainment on August 23 from 7am to 5pm, in Cobble Hill on beautiful Vancouver Island.

For a full list of events, exhibits and activities check out the Fair Catalogue.

Admission:

Adults (17 to 64) ………………………………. $7.00
Seniors (65 and older)…………………………. $5.00
Juniors 12 to 16 yrs …………………………… $5.00
Children under 12………………………………. free

Parking is available at the Christian Church at 3805 Cobble Hill Rd on Fair day with a convenient shuttle to the fairgrounds.

The fair is located in and around the Cobble Hill Community Hall at 3550 Watson Avenue, Cobble Hill, BC.

(Photos courtesy of the Cobble Hill Farmers Institute.)