This past weekend I loaded up the Dodge Grand Caravan for a trip to the Island to do some prep work for the Shawnigan MOMAR. The plan was to do a few site visits around Shawnigan Lake and spend some time with Course Designer, Jason Sandquist, scouting new trails for this year’s race course.

My first stop was in the quaint little Shawnigan Lake Village which has a nice mix of restaurants, stores, and coffee shops. I had a great lunch at Gerald’s Deli and Pastry Shop which I highly recommend you check out when you’re in town for the race.

I met up with Jason later that afternoon for our ride through the course. I was very excited as it was my first real ride on the new MOMAR Berg bike. For those of you that didn’t see it at Squamish, Al Bergman built me a full suspension ride that is truly another piece of beauty. Toxic Harald put on a custom paint job to match this year’s MOMAR poster and the end result is nothing short of awesome!

Out we went onto the new trail network that featured about 8km of amazing single-track with sections of fast, flowy and technical descents. I loved every minute of the ride and riding a full suspension bike on trails sure makes for one smooth ride. I was amazed at how much faster I was able to descend knowing the Berg would just eat up the bumps and not kick me around through the rough stuff.

We also managed to put together the rest of the MOMAR course route which will feature another great paddle on Shawnigan Lake, 30km of mountain biking, river running sections, water challenges, and an orienteering stage. The total course distance will be 50km for the full course and 30km for the short course.

After the ride, I setup camp at the Koksilah River Provincial Park Campground and Michelle, Kris, Kari, Jason and Alison joined me for a BBQ and some beers. It was really so nice to kick back and relax on my mini work holiday.  This is a great place for you to stay on the MOMAR weekend, but the only problem is that you may have to walk into your campsite.

The next morning Michelle, Kris, Kari, and I geared up for another awesome ride of the trails. I led them on a ride complete with easy to advanced sections of trail two nice hike-a-bike sections!

So that sums up my weekend in Shawnigan. For those of you that are doing this race, you’re in for a great time. This course really has it all (well, except for rappelling) and I know you’re going to love it!