Even I know that there’s more to racing than the MOMAR.  As we head into the summer months, there are lots of events to get involved with either by racing or volunteering.  Here are some that I personally recommend:

Sunday, June 8th — GutBuster Trail Run in Nanaimo
The third race in my old race series takes place in Nanaimo, BC.  This course features an 8km and Half Marathon course through the trails around Westwood Lake and into the Abyss.  Go to www.gutbustertrailrun.com for more info.

Sunday, June 8th — Edge to Edge Marathon in Tofino/Ucluelet
I was the event director for this race in ’06 and ’07.  In that time we added the half marathon and increased registration numbers by 110%.   I’m not organizing it anymore due to my new job with the City of Surrey but Danielle Stothers, the new event director, has a good handle on things and things should hopefully be as smooth as ever.  A few spots are left for this race. Go to www.edgetoedgemarathon.com for more info.

Sunday, June 8th — ALS Adventure Challenge in Deep Cove
This is probably where I’ll be on Sunday.   This is a sprint adventure race with mountain biking, kayaking, and trekking.  Total distance is 20km and 175 people will be on the start line in Deep Cove.  Lisa Richardson and her team have raised over $445,000 in the past four years for ALS and they hope to have another big year of fundraising.  You must raise at least $350 to race.  For more info, go to www.alsadventure.com

Wednesday, June 11th — Greater Vancouver Orienteering Club in the Delta Watershed
Who wants to join me for some orienteering training?  The GVOC’s WET series comes to the Delta Watershed on Wednesday night and I’ll be there. The session starts at 6:30pm.  AND if you want to meet for a XC mountain bike ride before the race, send me an email and we can meet up at 4:30pm. For more info, go  to www.orienteeringbc.ca/gvoc/

Thursday, June 12th – MEC Big Chop Summer Paddle Series presented by Helly Hansen
The 4th race in the 10 race series takes place off the shores of Vanier Park.  Come out and experience the fun of the Big Chop by paddling the 4km or 8km course. This is awesome training for the MOMAR and one of the best ways to spend a Thursday night.  The prize table is LOADED with schwag and you even get a free smokie and lemonade with your $8 entry fee — It’s the best deal in town.  Boat rentals are available.  Go to www.bigchop.ca for more details.

That’s all for now. I hope to see you out there, somewhere…

Cheers, Bryan Tasaka