Rainy Weekend Doesn't Deter Bikers and Runners in Fernie
The rain may have been pouring Saturday and Sunday mornings, but it didn't deter biking and running enthusiasts to head out for two classic Fernie events. Both the High Roller Poker Ride held by the Fernie Mountain Bike Club and the Fernie Half Marathon were a big success this weekend, with smiling faces (despite the mud!).
Many questioned whether the High Roller would actually run when they awoke to pouring rain Saturday morning, arriving at Rip and Richards for registration a little unsure. But all it took was the encouragement of race organizers Paul Attalla and Angela Etheridge, and the comradery of fellow bikers. A "we're in this together" attitude had riders off on a big day of biking, including some of Fernie's favourite trails. Riders were to complete each ride (Swine Flu, Slunt, Project 9 and Up Rooted/Hyperventilation to Hyper Extension) along with a fun/interesting task to receive their two cards at strategically placed stations, and prizes were awarded that evening after dinner for best and worst hands. A great fundraiser for the club, it was a fun and non-competitive event that celebrated another great season of mountain biking in Fernie.
The following day the valley was once again overcast and rainy, but runners laced up and headed down to the Annex Park to either complete the half marathon solo or on a team. This run is particularly enticing for competitors as it is off-road and includes beautiful trail running and vistas. The first leg took runners up above the city along Burma Road on Fernie Mountain before taking them along the Elk River and behind the Fernie Golf and Country Club. The second leg continued alongside the golf course, around Maiden Lake and then onto the dike, along the river and eventually alongside a beautiful barn on Coal Creek. The Third Leg toured through the James White Park, coming back on the dike and finishing in the colourful Annex Park to a large crowd of spectators.
Both events took a lot of organizing, volunteers, sponsors and riders/racers and we would like to thank all of those involved. What a way to begin October!
Here are a few of my favourite shots from the Half Marathon. Unfortunately I rode the High Roller and was unwilling (and too muddy) to snap photos.
Heather Mong competing in her second running event, and first half marathon.
Fernie Fix's Vanessa Croome competing in her first running race, on a team of fast Fernie gals!
After finishing her leg on a team, Hanna Morris went right to handing out water at the aid station!
The day turned around, and finishers were greeted with this amazing crowd and view!
Racers of all ages competed today!
For more photographs, please visit our facebook page.
Looking forward to next year already, and to a few more weeks of running and biking on the trails.
