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| Great events WEST - summer 2012 |
| Author: [ trailpeak ] Contact Author: trailpeak | Wed May 30 11:47:13 EDT 2012 |
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Top 10 Summer Events 2012 – Western Canada
Here they are, folks! We’ve tried to find a mix of heart-pounding intensity and alpine serenity from the Pacific to the prairies. Start booking off those vacation days!
Squamish Test of Metal
June 16, Squamish, BC
Test of Metal
The Test of Metal is a legendary cross-country mountain bike race, pounding through 67 kilometers of unforgiving Coastal Mountain terrain. A mass start of 1000 riders will see the cream of the crop demolish the course in close to two hours, while those enjoying the scenery along the way tend to finish in six. It is a great benchmark event for those wanting to try their hand at serious xc riding in a festive, supportive atmosphere.
Round Bowen Challenge
June 17, Bowen Island, BC
RoundBowen
Ready to challenge the ocean? The Round Bowen event is heading into its 17th year; watercraft enthusiasts from around North America bob and weave their way around the 32-km shoreline of the scenic island. The race is open to kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and outriggers as solo or relay team members. For those just dipping their toes into the water, there is a 5km SUP race as well – a sport that is taking off faster than lonely mariners after a busty mermaid.
Pain in the ASSinibone
June 24, Winnipeg, MB
Pain in the ASSinibone
The prairies bring their own special flavour to adventure racing with this dual-discipline challenge. Featuring 32 km of biking over varied terrain, followed by a 32km paddle (canoe teams, or solo kayaks) down the river, it is tough enough to fill finishers with pride, but moderate enough for anyone who loves the saddle or the paddle.
Yukon River Quest
June 27, Whitehorse, YT
RiverQuest
The Yukon River Quest is 715km of Klondike-inspired canoe and kayak madness. Paddlers come from around the world to test their endurance, racing day and night on one of North America’s great rivers from Whitehorse to Dawson City. It is open to solo and tandem canoes and kayaks, and voyageur canoes. While it may be too late to register for this year’s race, the Yukon is always a great place to visit, and even more so during the festival atmosphere of the Quest.
First Summits Mountaineering Camp
June 29 – July 3, Lake Louise, AB
Mountaineering
If you’ve ever wanted to try mountaineering, but wanted to do it in the best possible company, you can’t go wrong with the ACC. This hut-based camp will cater to members with minimal summer mountaineering experience or offer those looking for a refresher a chance to get back to the basics. The First Summits Camp starts with two nights at Bow Hut, allowing access to the most popular peaks in the area such as Mounts St. Nicholas, Olive, Gordon, and Rhondda. A traverse over to Peyto Hut for the last night opens up access to even more crowd-pleasing peaks like Mounts Baker and Thompson.
Icefields Parkway Cycle
July 7, Jasper, AB
Icefields Cycle
We’ve all thought about biking one of the world’s most celebrated roadways – now it can be done without figuring out how to cram everything you could possibly need onto your ride. This four-day van-supported trip starts in Jasper and ends in Calgary, passing through the scenery and wildlife of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Accomodation is in campgrounds along the way, with the tour cook whipping up breakfast and dinner while you recover from your time in the saddle. All you need to do is pedal and enjoy the view; the guides take care of everything else.
Bare Buns Run
July 15, Vancouver, BC
Bare Buns
You will either find the idea of a naked hoard bouncing along the sands of Wreck Beach wildly amusing, or deeply disturbing. Either way, the uniqueness of this once-a-year clothing-optional race cannot be denied. Nude beach etiquette requires that respect for the natural state be maintained; no gawking or mockery, and no photography without permission. And yes, if you show up fully dressed just to check out the action, everyone will think YOU’RE the weirdo. So strip down and join the fun!
The Amazing Hunt
July 14 & August 18, Vancouver, BC
Amazing Hunt
The Amazing Hunt folks shamelessly rip-off two insanely popular reality TV shows for the benefit of all. The July 14th “Urban Expedition” features teams of two running and transit-hopping across the city in search of markers. Along the way, of course, are challenges requiring physical or mental prowess.
On August 18th the game changes to “Castaways” where you will have to use social skills, intelligence and stamina to out-perform (while charming) a group of total strangers. FOX-worthy twists and surprises await at every turn.
If you have four hours to spare on a Saturday, how much more fun could you possibly have?
Kokanee Crankworx
August 10-19, Whistler, BC
Crankworx
Whistler knows how to party. The fact is indisputable. The mountain also has some amazing biking terrain. Compile the two realities and you have Kokanee Crankworx; a 10-day celebration of all things mountain bike. DH races, enduro XC, slalom, loops, big airs and tricks comps will keep you entertained whatever your style. Take advantage of down-time by checking out the hectares of lift-access single and pump-track, or sampling the fare on one of the village’s kazillion patios. If you haven’t checked out Whistler in the summer, you haven’t lived!
Callahan Country Wildflower Hike Weekend
August 24-26, Whistler, BC
Callahan Hike
This one is for those who enjoy a little bit of luxury and a lot of laid-back in their wilderness excursions. Callahan Country is what Whistler used to look like before a resort popped up. Someone has plunked a European-style, 5000sq foot lodge in the middle of the wilderness, and this will be your base as you explore the alpine in all directions. Gourmet meals are provided throughout the stay, and knowledgeable guides will help you discern the difference between lupines and monkshood.
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