1

TRAILS

BC

Ride the Rockies 2008:A Cycling Adventure…

by Al Skucas

August 2008 marked the first ever Trans Rockies Trans Canada Trail event.The ride was held to prove the viability of the proposed TCT route fromElkford to Banff. It was also an exercise to expose trail advocates,stakeholders and government officials to the spectacular scenery anddesirability of this route. What better way to test the route than do it.

Altogether 39 riders and four support personnel took part in this four day,almost 180 kilometre trek into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Trailsrepresentatives from the four western provinces rode alongside tourism,industry, Trans Canada Trail representatives and government officials. Theoldest participant was a 73 year old from Fernie, which re-enforced thepremise that this route was doable by the average "fit" Canadian. The tripsegments all averaged 40-65 km a day. The trip was completely supported soriders could concentrate on the ride itself and not have to worry abouthauling their camping gear in panniers or having to prepare a meal at the end of the day.

Newsletter of the Trails Society of British Columbia

Vol. 14 No. 1 — March 2009

ContentsRide the Rockies 2008:A Cycling Adventure… 1

2008 Myra to Penticton TCTChallenge: A huge success! 3

Sea-to-Sky Trail: Part of theTrans Canada Trail 4

Vancouver Island Report 5

B.C. Trails Strategy 6

Destination MaillardvilleChallenge/Défi 2009 6

Columbia & Western TrailSociety Report 7

2008-2009 Board 8

Your 2009 MembershipSupports Non-MotorizedTrail Users 8

Laurie Gourlay: New VIDirector 8

Everyone lined up for a photo-op at Elk Pass on the border between Alberta and BC.Rebecca Skucas photo.

ISSN 1705-4559

Published quarterly by:Trails BC#803 - 1018 Cambie Street,Vancouver, B.C. V6B 6J6

Editorial CommitteeSue BurnhamLéon LebrunMurphy Shewchuk

www.trailsbc.ca

Trails BC News is also available on-line at www.trailsbc.ca.

Day 1 - Elkford to Weary Creek Rec SiteWe started from Elkford late in the morning utilizing

the main Elk Lakes Forest Road. Eight km north oftown we crossed over to the east side of the Elk Riveron a recreational bridge at Round Prairie. The route on the east side follows forest and power line roads which slowly ascend the valley in an undulating manner.Seven km before Weary Creek rec site, we fordedAltridge Creek. Fortunately at this time of the year thewater level was low enough to make the crossing easy.

Day 2 - Weary Creek to PocterraCampground - Peter Lougheed Park

While on the BC side of the Continental Divide weappreciated the support of the Elkford ATV club whichprovided guidance on this section. We soon foundourselves back on the main Elk Lakes Forest Road - now considerably narrower than when we started on it the day before. We had lunch at Elk Pass on the BCAlberta border with the customary photo-ops. Thedownhill runs on some dual and single track trails inPeter Lougheed Park were especially invigorating.After we made it down to the main part of the park,we also enjoyed the eight kilometre paved Wheelertrail which brought us close to our campground.

Day 3 - Pocterra Campground to WestSpray Lakes Campground

Our ride in the morning of Day 3 used the SmithDorrien highway. This very wide industrial gravel road had remarkably light traffic. We were fortunate that itwasn't the weekend as we had been warned that onbusy days one could inhale a lot of dust. Several riderswere fortunate to spot a grizzly bear on this section.

After doing 30 km on the Smith Dorrien road we hada private lunch prearranged at the Mt Engadine Lodge. Chris and his crew provided a welcome meal for us ina rustic lodge in a pristine setting. In the afternoon our ride took us along the west side of the Spray Lakes.The combination of the deep blue skies and the azurecolour of lakes in this mountain backdrop is something that every off road cyclist has to experience.

Although this would be an ideal route for the TCTfrom a riding and scenery perspective, the AlbertaParks Branch is concerned about the potential forhuman-bear conflict. If the route was closed 50% ofthe time during the short summer season because ofgrizzly activity then would it be worth it? Seriousdiscussion by all stakeholders on a potential new trailon the east side of the Spray Lakes has been initiated,so at the end of the day the TCT will likely have aformal route through the Spray Valley.

Day 4 - Spray Lakes Campground to BanffOur last day took us back onto a short stretch of

Smith Dorrien Road around Goat Pond. After whichthe group split up in two with some following theutility road alongside the Spray River Drainage Canaland others following a dual track to the west side ofthe valley. We entered Banff National Park on the Goat Creek Trail which is already formalized as the TransCanada Trail. After being in the wilderness for fourdays we arrived at the Spray River Trailhead with theclassic Banff Springs Hotel looming in the background.

The trip was most memorable for everyone. Thevariety of riding terrain and group camaraderiecombined to make this a successful endeavor. Therewere a few spills and bruises but nothing too serious.Many thanks go out to our dedicated volunteers whomade this ride a complete success. Special thanks toDon and Millie Barnett, and Ron and Marg Wiebe.

Since the ride some positive initiatives concerning the Trans Canada Trail route through the Rockies havebeen announced. The BC government has committedfunds to a TCT Scoping study for a trail between Elkoand Elk Pass.

There are still many challenges to overcome for theTrans Canada Trail in the Rockies but this event clearly demonstrated that there is a route through the Rockies that can be thoroughly enjoyed by the TCT traveler.

Following up on the success of Ride the Rockies2008, plans are being made for the Ride theRockies 2009 which would take us on an adventurefrom Gray Creek on Kootenay Lake to Fernie, BC.

•••

2

Ride the Rockies 2008: a Cycling Adventure… Trails BC News: Vol. 14 No. 1 — March 2009

Past Fernie Mayor Randal McNair rides through Altridge Creek,40 kilometres north of Elkford. Photo by Rebecca Skucas.

2008 Myra to Penticton TCT Challenge:A huge success!by Léon Lebrun

The July 6, 2008 TCT Challenge was organized inconjunction with the re-opening of the Myra Canyontrestles. The event that was fully booked in advancewith 561 people registered, of which 495 were cyclists. While several of the 460 cyclists that completed the 80km course looked a little gaunt at the end, mostappeared to have enjoyed the ride and the supportalong the route. Many reported disappointment in the sandy and rough portions caused byATV's and dirt bikes, but they did not allow this to quell their enthusiasm.

This event depended on a number oforganizations that provided more than 70volunteers. These included: Trails BC, theNaramata Woodwackers, the Myra CanyonRestoration Society, Friends of the SouthSlopes, Canadian Ski Patrol System,Summerland TCT Society, Amateur RadioClubs from Kelowna and Penticton, and theNORCO Powerbikes team. The agenciesincluded Ministry of Tourism, Sport and theArts, City of Penticton, Regional District ofOkanagan-Similkameen, and B.C. Parks.

Mussio Backroad Mapbooks provided themaps. Ben Veldhoen and Craig Henderson from the Naramata Woodwackers served as our main liaison for Penticton and they produced theinformative guidebook that was distributed tothe participants. We also greatly appreciatedthe cooperation and flexibility forthcoming fromCountry Coachways and Budget Truck and CarRentals. An event such as this is so very dependent onvolunteers to take on responsibilities.

What about the 2009 TCT Challenge(s)?Due to the increased uncontrolled ATV and dirt bike

activities on the KVR it is not prudent to organize anevent that involves cycling on this venue. The railsurface is becoming much too laborious for cyclists tomake this a pleasant event. While the KVR isdesignated for non-motorized trail users, regulationsare not in place to enforce this at this time. Hopefully,by 2010 this will have been remedied allowing thesurface to be repaired on a substantial section of theKVR so that an event could once again be consideredon this portion of the Trans Canada Trail.

At this time we are looking at the possibility ofoffering two TCT Challenge events in the LowerMainland or Fraser Valley. One is called 'DestinationMaillardville' and the other, the Golden Ears BridgeTCT Challenge on October 4, we hope to organize inconjunction with the opening of the new Golden EarsBridge which will cause a re-routing of the TransCanada Trail.

'Destination Maillardville' is a Centennial event thatwill be organized with our assistance and will be heldJuly 12 and described herein. The Golden Ears Bridgeevent is intended to be a 54 km course and should take place on October 4. We are told that the bridge shouldbe ready by the end of July. Once, again this should be an exciting and featured course for our participants.

•••

3

TCT Challenge 2008 - a huge success! Trails BC News: Vol. 14 No. 1 — March 2009

ACCEPT THE TRAILS BC CHALLENGEAdditional Information is available

on-line at:WWW.TRAILSBC.CA

A cyclist rides across one of the recently-decked Myra Canyon trestles aspart of TCT Challenge 2008. Photo courtesy of Peter Hiebert.

Sea-to-Sky Trail: Part of the Trans Canada TrailBy Léon Lebrun

A steering committee represented by theSquamish-Lillooet Regional District, TCT, Trails BC,District of Squamish, Village of Whistler, Pemberton,B.C. Parks, Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Arts andFirst Nations is meeting regularly to formally establishthe Sea-to-Sky Trail. As a first phase the section fromSquamish to Whistler will be completed for the WinterOlympics. It is chaired by Jim Bishop, a Trans CanadaTrail Director. We have been given indications thatportions of the trail may be used by the Torch Relay.

Much preparation is being made to register theSea-to-Sky Trail as part of the Trans Canada Trail. Thesecond phase will be to take it as far as D’Arcy. Fromthere it is hoped that it will get back to the main routeof the Trans Canada Trail either via Spences Bridgeand Merritt or via Harrison Lake. For the time beingthe connection between Horseshoe Bay and Squamishis a blue-way in Howe Sound. It is anticipated that aTCT Pavilion in Whistler will attract importantcorporate sponsors.

Challenging Trail Building AheadA group of us cycled the trail from Whistler to

Squamish in its raw state last fall as the snow wasshowing signs of starting the ski season. There isdefinitely some challenging trail building that will take

place but all of us agreed that it was doable and willbe a feature trail. We are looking forward to yetanother important popular world class trail in B.C.

•••

4

Sea-to-Sky Trail... Trails BC News: Vol. 14 No. 1 — March 2009

This is a section of the Sea-to-Sky Trail that was completed in2007. Photo courtesy of Gordon McKeever.

A suspension bridge across the Chekamus River.Photo courtesy of Gordon McKeever.

SUPPORT TRAILS BCMEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS CAN

NOW BE PROCESSED ON-LINE AT:WWW.TRAILSBC.CA

5

Vancouver Island Reportby Jeannette Klein

E&N Rail TrailIn a previous issue, I mentioned the

acquisition of the E&N rail corridor by theIsland Corridor Foundation (ICF), aconsortium of First Nations and localVancouver Island communities. Theownership of this rail right of way by alocal foundation presents severalopportunities for the rail-with-trail conceptthat has been used throughout NorthAmerica since the 1960's. The CowichanValley Regional District has identifiedseveral areas where they can route the TCT within the right of way. The CapitalRegional District (CRD) is now developinga trail that runs through several Victoriamunicipalities and connects with the TCTin 3 places. It is not a part of the TCT butwill enhance the trail system in the capitalregion and increase access to the TCTwithout using road ways.

Victoria to Langford“Stretching from historic Johnson Street Bridge in

Victoria to the majestic forest around Humpback Roadin Langford, the Esquimalt and Nanaimo (E&N) RailTrail promises to be a vibrant, green pathwayconnecting downtown Victoria with the West Shore.Built within the existing E&N rail corridor, the‘Rail-With-Trail’ will meander through developingcommunities and urban settings, and oversalmon-filled streams, while allowing rail service tocontinue on the rail line itself. Along the way, the E&N will connect with the popular Galloping GooseRegional Trail.” As the CRD website describes, this 17km trail should be a pleasant combination of urbanand rural settings.

$11.3 Million GrantThe $11.3 million grant received from the federal gas

tax fund, earmarked for green infrastructure, isintended to encourage people to use the trail tocommute by cycling or walking. For that reason theplans for the trail include a four metre wide pavedpathway for the whole 17 kilometres. The futureincludes developing a commuter rail service whichwould require rail and trail separation for safetyreasons. The corridor is 15 to 30 metres wide so where

the width permits there will be a natural separation. In other areas fencing will be used.

2010 Completion GoalThe funding for the rail trail was announced with

some fanfare in August 2007 by federal Minister ofNatural Resources and local MP Gary Lunn. Thisproject has been ‘in the works’ for some time but withthe addition of the green initiatives and Olympics focus it has become a high priority for the region and theprovince. The goal for this project is to have the trailcompleted by 2010.

•••

A special note from Jeannette Klein:

I have resigned as Vancouver Island Director, but willcontinue to be a member of Trails BC and help Laurieany way I can. I have really enjoyed my association withthe members of Trails BC and admire the work that mycolleagues have done to work toward the completion ofthe Trans Canada Trail in BC. Unlike Trails BC, most(all?) of the other provincial trail groups have at leastone paid employee with more provincial support.

I’ll miss ‘you guys’!

Jeannette•••

Vancouver Island Report Trails BC News: Vol. 14 No. 1 — March 2009

A cyclist with the E&N passenger train on the Johnson St. Bridge in downtownVictoria. The new E&N Rail Trail will start at this bridge. Photo courtesy of the

Capital Bike and Walk Society.

B.C. Trails Strategyby Don Reid et al.

A Provincial committee, established by the Ministryof Tourism, Culture and the Arts, consisting ofrepresentatives of various outdoor trail recreation hasdeveloped a draft of a strategy for trails in B.C. TrailsBC did not have a representative on the committee, but did have opportunities for input and attended severalof the open meetings which were held at a number oflocations across the province in the latter part of 2008and January of this year. Trails BC also made twowritten responses to the committee's invitation forcomment on the draft. A number of written personalcomments were also submitted by directors andmembers of the Trails BC.

Meetings well attendedGenerally, the public meetings were well attended.

For example, in Langley and North Vancouver morethan 200 people attended and Cranbrook just under200. At the meetings, Trails BC directors, members,and individuals from our member groups were strong

advocates for non-motorized trail use. It was a goodoccasion to hear each other, representatives ofdifferent recreation groups, about the draft. For themost part, everyone was very supportive. We arehoping for positive outcomes in the implementation ofthis strategy and we are asking support as we continue to advocate for walkers, cyclists and equestrians. Theprincipal issue for Trails BC is that of conflict betweenOff-Road Vehicles (ORV's) and other trail users. Weare especially concerned about ORV's on the TransCanada Trail.

The Provincial Trails Strategy Committee is to becongratulated for delineating a fair assessment of thetrails situation in British Columbia and for itscomprehensive overview. The 'Strategy' outlines aframework for implementation and therefore is shorton specifics. We agree that the province should aim for a 'world class trail system' and with the proposedactions to make it so. In our view the vision for a'world class trail system' must emphasize qualityexperiences. (Continued on next page.)

6

Destination Maillardville Trails BC News: Vol. 14 No. 1 — March 2009

Destination MaillardvilleChallenge/Défi 2009

Dimanche le 12 juillet, 2009Sunday, July 12, 2009

A fun oriented non-competitive personally challenging event.

On the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of Maillardville.

For Cyclists - Walkers - Runners - Voyageur Canoeists'Destination Maillardville' is an event planned for the

Maillardville Centennial (1909-2009). The activitywill highlight the discovery of Maillardville's heritagewhile walking, cycling, and paddling Voyageur canoesfrom points outside the community. The cyclists andwalkers will be starting from points along the TransCanada Trail. Those in Voyageur canoes will startfrom Fort Langley a 23 km paddle and 6 km walk. Cyclists and walkers will have options of up to 34 kmfrom Port Moody, Port Coquitlam or Colony Farm.

Everyone is invited to register and participate in this'challenge' event organized in conjunction with the"Fair in the Square" event at Place des Arts. Shuttles(buses and trucks) will be provided from Maillardville's

Laval Square to the starting points on the TransCanada Trail. Participants will work their way back toLaval Square in their chosen activity. On the way back you are invited to participate in the heritage activitiesat Place des Arts between 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. whereyou can enjoy food, music, the museum, train station,Maillardville tours etc.

You will be able to get more information and registerfor this event from the Trailsbc.ca or theMaillardville100.com websites starting the first weekin March.

•••

7

Columbia & Western Trail Society Reportby Harry Killough

April 1st to October 31st, 2008 was a very busyseason for the CWTS! In addition to our usual springwork party/picnic, we had another giant purpleknapweed weed pulling session in July, and rescued astranded SUV with dead battery at the railway crossing near Shields. After two day-long trips up the railwaywith teacher/columnist Gordon Turner, we werepleased to be featured in a pictorial article in "Route3", a local tourist magazine.

Along with help from many others, both within andoutside the club, we were grateful again that BillHubert and John Scott did a great job of grooming thetrail. Thanks to Steven Rigby and devoted helpers for a lot of slashing and for installing a badly needed culvert near Coykendahl Tunnel — laboriously digging it outby hand!

In addition to the usual maintenance work, we sawthe completion of five major projects, done throughpublic funding — two on the east half and three on the west half of the railway. With many thanks for twogrants from Columbia Basin Trust and good supportfrom RDCK Director Gordon Zaitsoff — we successfully placed a large metal storage bin for tools andequipment at km 12.0, and did a thorough slashing job under Farr Creek Trestle for fire protection. Thanks tocontractor Chance Delaney for a difficult job welldone.

During the final days of October, we were pleased tohave three major projects done on the western half ofthe railbed. We offer a big tip o'the hat to: BlairBaldwin (consulting for Tourism BC) for financialarrangements totaling more than $50,000; Leigh AnnJohnson (of Katim Enterprises) as project manager;contractor Rod Timm (with bobcat and excavator) and

Harry Killough for field consulting and final handwork. Through this teamwork the following pressing jobswere undertaken:

1) Clearing of four large badly obstructed culverts atWalker Creek (km 60.0) and rebuilding CPR'sdiversion channel to reduce further blockage bystreamflow boulders.

2) and 3) Replacement of two problematic flumesystems (at km 76.2 and km 77.1) by installing largedeeply-set culverts through the fill.

An additional project reduced the risk of majorblockage of the long and massive stone culvert atPorcupine Creek (km 46.6). Much of the exposedreinforcing rod was cut out and removed from thebadly eroded concrete floor - thanks again to KatimEnterprises.

At km 50.0, Harry Killough installed major logcribbing where a major washout was threatening. Atkm 68.6 (site of the vital bypass trail around the bigwashout) Harry also did considerable trailmaintenance and added more safety railings. On alovely spring day in May, Lesley Killoughphotographed a delightful profusion of blue clematisvines clinging to the banks of the washout trail andintermittently gracing the railbed from Coryell to Fife.

Sincere thanks to Regional Director Sue Burnham ofTrails BC, and to RDCK Director Gordon Zaitsoff forgood support throughout the year and for theirattendance at our 2008 AGM. Last, but not least, a bigthank you to Margo Saunders for devoted work asSecretary/Treasurer and expert production of “TheBulldog”, our nice photo-documented annualnewsletter. A big ‘tip o’the hat’ to all who continue tomake CWTS a big success.

•••

Trails Strategy/C&W Trail Society Report Trails BC News: Vol. 14 No. 1 — March 2009

(B.C. Trails Strategy - Continued from page 6.)

For the benefit of this submission we requested thatthere be a clear policy statement with regards to traildesignation regarding motorized and non-motorizedtrail users. Incompatibility between these two groupsof trail users most often lead to poor qualityexperiences. Such a policy would enable us to work more collaboratively with all other trail users becauseit will allow us to proceed with a clear mandate fromthe province. Clarity allows us to better support eachother. The confusion that presently exists is fertileground for much conflict between trail users.

We are hopeful that there is a 'will' and the 'where for all' to convert the strategies into plans and action assoon as possible.

The 'Strategy' can be viewed on the website: http://www.tca.gov.bc.ca/sites_trails/Initiatives/Prov_Trails_Strategy/recreation_trails_strategy.htm

Although comments were supposed to have beensubmitted by January 31, 2009, your views might stillhave impact by addressing your comments to: JohnHawkings. His e-mail: John.Hawkings@gov.bc.ca

•••

8

Back to Business Trails BC News: Vol. 14 No. 1 — March 2009

2008-2009 BoardPresident:

Al SkucasVice President:

Léon LebrunTreasurer:

Jack HarderSecretary:

Sue Burnham

Regional Directors:

Vancouver Island:Laurie Gourlay

Southwest:Léon Lebrun

Okanagan:Trevor Lind

Boundary:Tannis Killough

West Kootenay:Sue Burnham

Rockies/East Kootenay:Al Skucas

Northeast:T.B.A.

Directors-at-Large:

Jack HarderKelly KoomeTrevor LindDon ReidMurphy Shewchuk

Gordon WeetmanLarri Woodrow

Provincial Office:

Trails BC#803 - 1018 Cambie Street,Vancouver, B.C. V6B 6J6 Tel: (604) 737 3188Email: trailsbc@trailsbc.caWeb Site: www.trailsbc.ca

Your 2009 Membership SupportsNon-Motorized Trail Users

Trails BC has appreciated your support in the past and now needs it more than ever. The ProvincialGovernment has recently hosted a series of meetings to obtain public input in response to the draft of itsproposed trail strategy. At these meetings, Trails BC directors, members and individuals from our membergroups were strong advocates for non-motorized trail use. We ask for your support as we continue to advocatefor walkers, cyclists and equestrians!

Individual: $25 - Group Member: $100 - Business Associate: $100(Insurance and advertising opportunities are included.)

If you would like a hard copy of the newsletter please leave your name and address on the office answeringmachine (604-738-7175) and one will be sent to you. Membership application forms are also available on-lineor from the office.

Cheers everyone. May we all enjoy many happy hours on B.C. trails this season.

Laurie Gourlay: New VI DirectorLaurie Gourlay has worked

with conservation groups forthirty years, farms 20 acresorganically on Vancouver Islandwith life-partner Jackie Moad,and runs Thistle ConsultingServices – actively seeking localsolutions to global challenges.

A cycling enthusiast all hislife, Laurie was born inScotland, raised in Toronto,and got hooked on campingand canoeing as a Scout.Family camping vacationsacross Canada in the sixties kick-started a travel feverthat still hasn’t let go.

Hiking the Appalachians and Niagara Escarpment led to undergraduate studies on public use of private lands

in the ‘70’s, and on to submissions forsustainable community developmentbefore the Brundtland Commission inthe ‘80’s.

Active in a number of regional andnational environmental organizations,an offer to work in Ottawa in the early‘90’s kept Laurie focused on MP’s,legislation and Parliament for anotherdozen or so years.

Graduate studies in 2000 led to ‘round the world interviews with hundreds ofenvironment and political activists“...and an ingrained appreciation for

the rich historical, cultural and natural heritage we allenjoy here in BC and Canada.”

•••

Laurie Gourlay, a Nanaimo resident, is Trails BC's new Vancouver Island Director.