It is with mixed emotions that I write this article. As most of you are probably aware, the deal to purchase the Seraphim lands (aka Harbourview) by the Land Conservancy of BC was finalized on March 9. With the help of the CRD and the provincial and federal governments, they managed to raise the $5.3 million needed to buy it.

This deal brings to an end the many wonderful experiences for members of the IRC and other motorized users who feel a strong kinship with these lands. It’s the end of jaunts up Mossy Hill to capture the amazing view; the end of summer camping trips to Shields Lake; the end of gazing at the spectacular array of colours of water lilies as they bloom in Crabapple Lake… I could go on but I do not want to add more salt to a festering wound.

Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of this decision, I would like to point out how much progress we have made for the future of our chosen recreation. Let us not forget that when we entered this battle over two years ago we knew we had a long, hard fight ahead of us. We fought the good fight and I commend everyone for doing all that we did to make our voices heard. Without a doubt, our frequent presence at CRD meetings, our countless letters, phone calls and faxes made a difference. Without that effort, our needs would never have been brought to the attention of the public, the CRD Board Members, our local MPs or MLAs. We do have a comittment from the CRD Board to address our needs within the CRD. It is uncertain at this point how this will be accomplished, but a committee has been struck to discuss options.

Furthermore let us not forget what is going on in the Cowichan Valley. I urge all members to set your sights north where negotiations and lobbying are in full swing for the “go ahead” of the Cowichan Valley Outdoor Recreation Park. If you have some spare time or money, support is greatly needed for this project. For further information, contact Peter Ash at pash@horizon.bc.ca.

I urge all members to take this opportunity to look to the future with hope rather than pessimism. Instead of feeling discouraged and bitter, refocus your energy on how we can make further inroads (excuse the pun!) for our sport. And last but not least, take the time to get out there and explore NEW areas and share those experiences with others. After all, that is the reason why you and I enjoy this sport so much

Lori Hryniuk - IRC land use coordinator

Upcoming Events

South Island

Contact Events Co-ordinator Lori Hryniuk
For Mid-Island run info, contact Steve Duifhuis

April 2001

Apr 5 – Monthly meeting at Royal Roads Continuing Education, 7:30 PM.

Apr 8 – South Island Monthly Club Run—meet in Sooke at Western Food at 9:30 AM.

Apr 23 – Mid-Island Monthly Club Run—meet in Duncan at Tim Hortons at 9:30 AM.

May 2001

May 3 – Monthly meeting at Royal Roads Continuing Education, 7:30 PM.

May 6 – South Island Monthly Club Run—meet in Sooke at Western Food at 9:30 AM.

May 20 – Mid-Island Monthly Club Run—meet in Duncan at Tim Hortons at 9:30 AM.

June 2001

Jun 7 – Monthly meeting at Royal Roads Continuing Education, 7:30 PM.

Jun 10 – South Island Monthly Club Run—meet in Sooke at Western Food at 9:30 AM.

Jun 24 – Mid-Island Monthly Club Run -meet in Duncan at Tim Hortons at 9:30 AM.

On Saturday, March 24, the IRC staged its first annual 'Play Day' at the Burnt Bridge gravel pit near Shawnigan Lake. Al Vandervelde and a band of helpers arrived bright and early to set up an obstacle course and a trail for people to drive while blindfolded.

The obstacle portion of the event consisted of a timed run during which drivers and their navigators had to make their way around the circuit as fast as possible, performing various tasks along the way. Each tasks that was completed sucessfully would subtract valuable seconds from the total time.

After leaving the starting line, first you had to blast through a pond, climb a small, muddy mound and follow the trail that lead out of the main pit and across the logging road into a smaller sandy pit. A steep descent and your choice of a three-foot drop or a line across some ugly slash would bring you to the sand-bucket relay. The navigator (or the driver if he was solo) would have to jump out, pick up the heavy buckets, and sprint around the pit. Upon returning to the middle, you had to pick up a paintball gun and take two shots at a target on a nearby stump.

Then, after fastening your seatbelt and roaring to the other end of the pit, you had to boot it up a steep gravel incline that saw most vehicles catching some air time before they crossed the logging road and back into the big pit for another trip through the pond. Talk about your bow waves!

Reaching the other side, there were three traffic cones set up with tennis balls on top.

The object was to use your vehicle to knock the tennis balls off the cones without tipping the cones over. Once complete, you bounce up the hill and pick up three tennis balls from a bucket for the next stage. While negotiating some tight paths marked by ribbons, and taking care not to knock over the stakes, you had to drop one tennis ball in each of three buckets, without ever getting out of the vehicle. Then an incredibly bumpy romp over the motorcycle whup-de-dos would bring you to the final station where you had to place a cup of water somewhere on the outside of your vehicle, and make a break for the finish line. Depending on how much water was left in the cup at the end, you could take up to a minute off your total time.

Once everyone had completed their obstacle run, next up was the blindfold course. The navigators had to hone their communication skills in order to guide the drivers around the circuit while wearing a blindfold. Believe me, it’s harder than you think! People were scraping bushes left and right, and plenty of screaming was heard as the drivers tried their best to follow orders (some given more skillfully than others!)

At the end of it all, everybody had a great time, and we’re looking forward to having another one.

The results:

• 1st place: Beaner/Lori
• 2nd: Vern/Chet
• 3rd: Rob F./Ian Ryan
• 4th: Rob Brooks/Jay
• 5th: Al/Chris B.

Bigleaf Maple,   Western White Pine,    Choke Cherry,   Western Red Cedar,   Yellow Cedar,
Amabilis”Silver” Fir ,   Garry Oak,   Western Hemlock,   Douglas Fir,    Western Yew,
Pacific Dogwood,   Arbutus,    Red Alder Sitka Spruce

answers