Some days you go hiking and it’s pissing down rain. It’s far from the bright warm sunshine that follows you around on the good days.

Some days you go sailing and there’s just no wind or the wind is howling and you’re hunkered down on the rail wishing you were somewhere else. It’s far from the constant 10-20 knots and sun on those days you dream about.

Some days are not the best. Depending on my mood I might go so far as to say they suck. Then I remember days that are spent inside at the computer, tired, stressed out, no outside recharge time in sight. Sucky outside days don’t seem so bad when compared to anything inside. They still aren’t great though.

I like to call them Appreciation Days. Any day outside is better than being inside. Those days with terrible snow, cold sideways rain and intense howling wind are there for a reason. Those days are there to make us appreciate the good days, the days with warm sun, light powder and the perfect wind.

Appreciation Days are there to still use for outside adventures but to remind us to pay much more attention to those good days that slip by because we take them for granted.

Then a slow song came on. Everything slowed down. I forgot about the beautiful trees and water and grass. All I could think about was how this new song was really not the right tempo. My groove was gone.

I reached for my left upper arm. My music-playing phone wasn’t there because it feels too big and heavy on my arm.

I reached for my jacket pocket. My phone wasn’t there either because it bounces around too much when I run.

I reach for my shorts pocket. My phone wasn’t there either because it pulls my headphones out of my ears when it’s in my shorts pockets. Nothing frustrates me more than having my headphones ripped from my ears.

I realized my phone was in my backpack playing away. To get at it I had to stop unclip the waist strap, unclip the chest strap, pull my bag off the same side as my headphones go into the top pouch, open the top pouch of the bag, and change the song. To get running again, I have to reverse the process. Every time I hit a song I want to change, or take a photo, or send a message, I have to go through this huge process to get my phone out and do something. I wanted a better way to carry my phone.

My backpack was a long process to get at my phone.

Armbands are tight and uncomfortable and heavy with a large phone attached to your arm.

Any pockets don’t provide enough support. My phone bounces around like crazy, changing music, pressing buttons or pulling the headphone cords out.

A quick look around online and I found the perfect solution to my problem. Obviously someone else had the same problem.

Waterproof SpiBelt carrying your gear

The SpiBelt

SpiBelts are small pouches made of stretchy material that can hold phones, ipods or keys while you run. They stretch to hold a considerable amount of stuff. I tend to only put my phone and keys in it when I run. Because of the stretch, it keeps things in place whether you have a tiny iPod Nano inside or a giant smartphone. I haven’t done a running race with them yet but I think they would be ideal for holding gels on a run.

Easy access to your stuff

This is the biggest thing for me. It’s a small, lightweight belt that fits nicely around your waist. If you need anything from it, spin the belt around and the pouch, and your stuff, is right in front of you. If I had a SpiBelt in my frustrating story above, I wouldn’t even have had to skip a beat to get at my phone, change the song, Instagram a photo of the lake and be on my way. 2 easy seconds. Not a couple minutes of frustrating finding my phone in my backpack.

Waterproof SpiBelt on the water

Waterproof

I’m not staying inside when it’s wet out and my gear doesn’t either. Electronics don’t agree with that statement though. They need to be kept in something nice and dry. There is a waterproof version of the SpiBelt that has a waterproof bag inside the stretchy outer material that will keep your precious music player nice and dry. It also works great for watersports like kayaking and SUPing.

Kayaking with the SpiBelt

After spending Friday and Saturday outside in the Southern Straights Yacht Race and Sunday outside at a family bonfire for easter, I thought Sunday should continue the trend. The weather was supposed to be warm and sunny, the wind a few knots from the south. Perfect conditions for a kayak out of Ladysmith.

I took the Narpa down to the Ladysmith Fisherman’s Wharf boat launch and popped it into the water. There was a slight breeze from the south but nothing major. I’d have to work against it on my way out but it would provide a nice tailwind coming back.

Washed up boat

Not wanting to spend too much time in boat traffic, I cut straight across the harbour into the islands on the other side and worked my way south on the east shore. The tide was low and dropping exposing the hollowed out formations in the rocks. I was lost in my camera taking photos of an old boat washed up on the shore as a few other paddlers passed behind me. I was a little annoyed at their presence wanting to keep the whole place to myself until they pointed out an eagle resting on a tree above us. I thanked them and ditched my selfish thoughts for the rest of the day.

Eagle over the harbour

I had heard of a great little beach near the point. I was headed there for lunch. Many beaches passed and not one of them looked like the one I had heard of. Eventually I gave up and rounded Coffin Point, ready to have a snack and head back.

Just off Coffin Point is a tiny island with a lighthouse on it and at low tide, a small sandbar perfect for lunch. I hauled the boat higher on the rocks so it wouldn’t float away when the tide started to come up and settled in for lunch.

Lunch off Coffin Point

2012

Awone Again – Awone Films
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Dang! – 4FRNT
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

DYNAMITE – FreeSki-Crew.com
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

En Route: Hokkaido – Nimbus Entertainment
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

En Route: Alberg – Nimbus Entertainment
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

En Route: Sled BC – Nimbus Entertainment
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Far Out – Wax Tracks Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Gnar – Unofficial Networks
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Kill Your Boredom – Voleurz
Trailer | Producer | Film Page  | Full Movie

Manifesto – Skilluminati
Trailer | Producer | Soundtrack | Full Movie

My World – Life Steeze Media
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Part Time – PYP
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Season 6: Tempting Fear  - Saloman Freeski TV
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

ShiA – Block-9
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Something Like That – Gapers Gone Wild
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

The Fire – Wordup Media
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Through the Looking Glass – North Cascade Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Time for the Whiteroom – SP Films
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Turbulent Flow – Chaoz Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

2011

Relentless Energy – Follow Me Down
Film Page | Producer | Full Movie

2010

Look on the Bright Side – Voleurz
Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

2009

Voleurz – Outdoor Graduation
Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

2008

Chaoz Productions – Empty Pockets
Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Voleurz – Outdoor Education
Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Newschoolers.com – First
Film Page | Full Movie

If you are looking for the full list of awesome DVD’s and downloadable ski films (for $$$ though) head over to the Biggest List of Ski Films in the World.

They start from different locations and criss cross all the way to the top. The first time I hiked it, I didn’t make it all the way to the top. We ran out of time trying to find out way around and turned around.  Eventually we found our way up to the top and I’ve been up many times since.

Every trip up Mount Benson is an adventure. The weather can be beautiful, clear and warm. Or it can be a blizzard. I’ve been up in both and each has it’s perks (I usually prefer the beautiful, clear and warm).

Since that first trip up, I wondered how I could make it easier for other hikers like you to get up there. I knew the way but that didn’t help anyone else. Lots of people were looking to hike the lush trails and see for themselves what the view from the top was like.

How do I get all that knowledge out in a format that’s easy for you to understand and be enough to show you the way?

Enter the Epic Guide to Hiking Mount Benson.

Everything I know about Mount Benson as well as everything I could find is in the guide. Photos, GPS tracks, descriptions of all the trails and how to get to the trailheads. All there.

After you have a read through the guide and load up the GPS tracks on your phone or GPS, you’ll have no problem getting to the top of Mount Benson. You can even start up a slideshow showing almost every inch of the trails up. We call it HikeView. Google StreetView but for hiking.

Updates to the guide will come regularly and you’ll get every single one as soon as they’re online. There’s no downloading of files. Just one username and  password and 2 seconds later you will be perusing the latest trail information about Mount Benson.

Check out the new Epic Guide to Hiking Mount Benson and let me know what you think. It’s the first product from PureOutside and I’m pretty excited.

** Beta Special: We’re in public beta right now with the guide. That means you get a deal on the price. It will go up after the beta is over so don’t wait!

If there are links missing below and know it, let us know in the comments or send an email with the contact form.

Every year, we do a roundup post of all the ski movies from the previous year. It’s a great time to catch up on what came out and find some awesome free films. The bunch is also added to our Biggest List of Ski Films in the World.

**

$10,000 Season Pass – 91 Octane
Trailer | Producer | Film Page

A Life Ascending
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

Act Natural – Toy Soldier Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy DVD | Buy iTunes

Adventures Chosen – Powderwhore Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Buy DVD | Buy Download

AK//Our Way – Dubsatch Collective
Trailer | Producer | Film Page

Another Day in Paradise – M-Line Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

Awone Again – Awone Films
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Baker – Bubsatch Collective
Trailer | Producer | Film Page

Because – Two Plank Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Buy DVD | Buy iTunes

Dang! – 4FRNT
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

DYNAMITE – FreeSki-Crew.com
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

En Route: Hokkaido – Nimbus Entertainment
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

En Route: Alberg – Nimbus Entertainment
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

En Route: Sled BC – Nimbus Entertainment
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Far Out – Wax Tracks Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Few Words – Quicksilver
Trailer | Producer

Flow State – Warren Miller
Trailer | Producer  | Soundtrack

Gnar – Unofficial Networks
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Hurt So Good – Legs of Steel
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Buy

In Space – Junkies on a Budget
Trailer | Producer | Film Page

Kill Your Boredom – Voleurz
Trailer | Producer | Film Page  | Full Movie

Like There’s No Tomorrow – Warren Miller
Trailer | Producer | Soundtrack | Buy

Manifesto – Skilluminati
Trailer | Producer | Soundtrack | Full Movie

My World – Life Steeze Media
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

No Matter What – Meathead Films
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

Part Time – PYP
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Pour Vous Sevir – PVS Company
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Buy

Resonance – Absinthe Films
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

Season 6: Tempting Fear  - Saloman Freeski TV
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

ShiA – Block-9
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Something Like That – Gapers Gone Wild
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Souvenirs – ESK Media
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

Sunny – Level 1
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

Superheroes of Stoke – Matchstick Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

The Dream Factory – Teton Gravity Research
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

The Education of Style – Inspired Media
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

The Eighty Six – Stept Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

The Fire – Wordup Media
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Through the Looking Glass – North Cascade Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Full Movie

Time for the Whiteroom – SP Films
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

Turbulent Flow – Chaoz Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Full Movie

We – Poor Boyz Productions
Trailer | Producer | Film Page | Soundtrack | Buy

Winter – The Ski Channel
Trailer | Producer | Film Page

I’m starting to work my way through the list to see what the best of the best is but it’s going to be hard to do it alone. What’s your favorite movie from 2012?

All these awesome films have been added to the Biggest List of Ski Films in the World.

Coming 2013

Into the Mind - Sherpas Cinema

Pretty Faces - Unicorn Picnic Productions

Valhalla - Sweetgrass Productions

McConkey - Matchstick Productions

*

Jess and I headed up Mount Becher January 13, 2013 for a quick ski tour. We weren’t sure we were going to make it to the top because of the nice crust (hence the pizza) up to 1100 metres-ish. The snow was light and fluffy above there.

We started around 10, hit the top at 1:20pm, started down at 2:00pm and hit the bottom at 3:50pm.

Snow sculptures on the way up

Nicest view of the day: Albert Edward.

Almost there

The Comox Glacier

**

Happy turns,

Ross

Skiing is a sport activity which is quite competitive in which individual attaches ski board to footwear and used them to travel on top of snowfall. Aside from entertainment and competitions, skiing has been used for army requirements and even traveling in areas that experience large snowfall. Many types of aggressive skiing activities are identified by the Worldwide Olympic Panel, and the Worldwide Ski Federation.

Below are the utmost important safety tips suggested while skiing –

• Usage of Helmet – Wearing helmet protects one from any kind of major injuries. It is suggested to all the elders to ensure to give their child helmet as a mandate rule and not to make any exception to escape from wearing it. The ski instructors also encourage wearing a helmet however there has not been any mandate rule passed yet.
• Use goggles – While skiing it is important to know and understand the right directions to have fun and enjoy skiing and for this to happen without any disaster it is important to protect your eyes. Wear goggles which fit around your helmet properly and if you are wearing eyeglasses ensure you get the right size goggles which fits your eyeglasses and helmet. It is also advisable to use prescription goggles.
• Take guidance – Never start skiing without going through skiing lessons through an instructor. Even the regular skiers take proper guidance and instructions to polish their skiing skills.
• Keep yourself fit – Be in a good shape by doing regular exercise to have fun on the slopes. Keeping yourself fit will help you enjoy skiing for a long time.
• Watch carefully – Watch out carefully for people around you while skiing because accidents due to collisions will cause major injuries.
• Do not go beyond limits – Know your limits and do not go beyond it. Keep your focus on and stay in control on the trials you are skiing.
• Follow the instructions – Follow the instructor and do not break the rules as they are meant to be for a reason. The skiers who are ahead of you and the other side of your trial will have right of way.
• Usage of Hat – Wear a hat while skiing as the heat on the head might give you lot of stress and will lead to low energy. This is very much necessary for children.
• Usage of Ski Equipment – The ski equipment can be major cause of concern if good ones are not used. Major injuries can be avoided if proper ski equipment is used. While purchasing the equipment ensure the ski boots fits you correctly.
• Medical conditions – Skiers who suffer from Asthma, diabetes and epilepsy will have go through medical check before skiing and it is advisable to always ski along with a partner. Take glucose, energy drink, and sweets as you tend to loose lot of calories.
• Alcohol – Avoid any kind of alcoholic drink the day you are skiing as you will remain to be unfit with excess of alcohol in the body.

**

Juliana Diana works closely with PowderWhore.com who has just released the best backcountry powder skiing ski film on the market. Her work for PowderWhore.com includes stories on Gear Reviews, Ski Film Releases, Backcountry Adventures, Outdoor Gear Testing, Random Stories… and more.

*

You may be asking yourself:

What exactly is an outdoor cooperative?

To start, the Outdoor Adventure Social Club (OASC) is a worker-owned cooperative, which means that there are 12 co-op owners who each have an equal share in the business – everything from the day to day business decisions to shouldering the financial implications of running said business.

Last February, the owner of the OASC pulled together a group of friends who he thought might be interested in going into business together. The backstory: he had started the business in 2005 and had been running it as a solo operation since then, with volunteers and some paid employees along the way. Now, he was getting married and the business was growing past the point where it could effectively be run by one single person.

From the initial people who showed interest, the group eventually evolved into the Adventure Co-op, which now runs the OASC. Instead of just one person shouldering the load of running a business, we now have 12 sets of hands and minds. We have business- and marketing-minded people, a designer and a developer, financial folks, teachers, small business owners – within the group, we have someone who has expertise in each area that’s necessary for keeping the business running smoothly. We meet at least once a month, sometimes more often, and have quarterly financial meetings.

How is the club itself structured? 

OASC Members are adults of all ages and skill levels exploring and enjoying nature’s beauty, experiencing diverse cultural and social events, and volunteering in hands-on community service projects while forming new friendships. Our mission is to provide daily opportunities to exercise mind and body in a safe, supportive atmosphere fostering camaraderie, education, and respect for our environment and community. And, unlike many adventure companies (as one example, whitewater companies who focus exclusively on rafting), OASC is activity and community oriented, rather than profit-oriented. We try to focus on building community while connecting people to their natural environment.

In a nutshell, we took a business model that was dependent on one person and flipped it to being cooperatively run. This spring, we will celebrate our one year anniversary of being in business, and will hopefully have implemented most of the changes that we as a group have been working on over the past six months. Our hope has always been that the members of OASC wouldn’t really notice the difference with the co-op behind the helm, and that has seemed to be the case. During the transition, we tried to keep things business as usual, and we are working on transitioning to a new and improved club this coming spring.

And now, the fun part:

What do you actually do?

One of the things that we love most about the business is providing the opportunity for people in our community to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors while strengthening their ties to the community. Because we organize large group adventures, we are able to utilize our community partnerships to get great deals for our members, allowing them to take advantage of trips they might not be able to afford on their own. (Those profit-oriented rafting companies mentioned above? We have a great relationship with one of them out in West Virginia, and partner with them several times a year!) We have adventures year ‘round, and wanted to take this opportunity to highlight some of the ways you can have fun during all 4 seasons!

Winter

One of our favorite winter trips is a long weekend where club members gather at several rented houses at Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia. Members are able to decide what level of excitement they want in their weekend (Quiet house? Party house? Somewhere in between?) and pick what outdoor activities they want to enjoy during the trip. Besides the standard downhill skiing and snowboarding, there is also cross country skiing, snow tubing and snowshoeing. When members want to come in from the cold, there is always plenty of food and lots of activities, ranging from movie showings and board games to live music and wine tastings.

Spring

While the early spring is usually cold and icy in our neck of the woods, the many caves and caverns that dot the landscape are a balmy 55 degrees year ‘round. Our members are able to take advantage of caving trips throughout the year, and here is the hilarious and awesome description given by one of our members (and a fellow co-op owner):

“If you’ve never been caving, it’s kind of like scrambling around in a field of large boulders with only your trusty headlamp to light your way. Sometimes you’ll be walking upright through large “rooms” while at other points you might be crawling or squeezing through a small passageway, scrambling up a wall of boulders, or fording a small stream. Throughout the cave, you’ll have the opportunity to admire formations such as stalagmites (“g” is for ground), stalactites (“c” is for ceiling), and cave “bacon.” Speaking of food, lunchtime in the cave is a great time to experience absolute darkness and see sparks fly when you chew on a Wint-O-Green lifesaver.”

Summer

Summer is the time when everyone manages to get outside, so we end up having more adventures going on than you could ever imagine attending. From hiking or mountain biking the local trails, kayaking under the full moon, sailing the Chesapeake Bay, playing sand volleyball, river tubing on the James River, climbing the Via Ferrata or playing frisbee golf to volunteering at a local organic farm, wine tastings or cooking club, we lead activities for all ages and activity levels. The weather stays amazing from late spring into early fall in central Virginia, minus the pesky hot (did we mention hot?) weather in August, so there’s always a chance to take advantage of the longer days.

Fall

Every October, there is a dam release on the Upper Gauley River in the New River Gorge of West Virginia. Members have taken advantage of this opportunity for years on end; the weekend is usually jam-packed with things to do, from hanging out with friends at Bridge Day watching base jumping, to outdoor rock climbing in the gorge, or whitewater kayaking. There’s hiking, mountain biking, tree-top tours, standup paddle boarding, fishing, horseback riding, and nearly anything else you can imagine in the river range of the town of Fayetteville.

All Seasons Travel

Along with trips to other states close by, we also like to spread our wings and do some traveling. This spring and summer, we have members heading to a mountaineering class on Mount Washington, New Hampshire, some folks making the trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and a 10 day backpacking trip through Sequoia National Park to Mount Whitney. There are generally at least a few trips of this type planned per year, and along with our other big adventures, give our members the opportunity to make some amazing outdoor memories.

Hopefully now that you’ve read over the description of the business and what we do, you’ll be inspired to get outdoors more, find friends to drag with you, or even start your own outdoor cooperative in your town! It’s been a great learning experience for all of us, and has allowed a fun local business to grow and evolve in a sustainable way. As for us, we’ll be busy behind the scenes keeping things running, but we hope to see you outside enjoying all the great outdoors has to offer. And, if you’re ever in Virginia, stop by and have an outdoor adventure with us!

**

Jessica is a freelance graphic designer, environmental activist & organizer, social media queen, musician, non-conformist, tree-hugger, ruckus-raiser, and lover of all things fuzzy. Her design work can be found at www.verdantspringdesign.com and all things cooperative live at www.outdoorsocial.com.

A new year means more new outdoor events! The events are even bigger and better this year than years past so don’t miss out. Make sure you book early on your events so you don’t miss out.

If you know of any that aren’t on this list, email us at pureoutside [at] gmail.com or head over to the contact page.

January

1 – Bastion Running Club New Years Run and Dip, Nanaimo

13 - Prairie Inn Pioneer 8k, Saanichton (Island Series)

7 – 11 – Bud Light Winterfest at Mount Washington (Ski and Snowboard Festival)

27 - Cobble Hill 10k, Cobble Hill (Island Series)

26 - Mount Washinton Yeti Snowshoe Race, Mount Washington (Snowshoe Race)

February

9-10 – Outdoor VanIsle Backcountry Festival (Mount Cain)

10 - Cedar 12k, Cedar (Island Series)

24 - Hatley Castle 8k, Colwood (Island Series)

19 – Historic Half Marathon, 10k and 5k, Fort Langley (Road Run)

March

3 – Chili 200 Road Ride by BC Randonneurs

10 - Bazan Bay 5k, Sydney (Island Series, Road Running Race)

22-24 - Outdoor Adventure Expo (Victoria)

24 - Comox Valley 1/2 Marathon, Courtenay (Island Series, Road Running Race)

24 - Victoria Populaire Road Ride by BC Randonneurs 50/100k, Victoria (Road Ride)

TBA -Victoria XC #1 Mountain Bike Race (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Cobble Hill XC #2 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Campbell River XC #3 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

April

6 – Somewhat Familiar 200km by BC Randonneurs (Road Ride)

7 - Merville 15k, Merville (Island Series) (Road Running Race)

20 - The Hills are Alive 300k by BC Randonneurs, Victoria (Road Ride)

21 - Sooke River 10k, Sooke (Island Series) (Road Running Race)

28 - Times Colonist 10k, Victoria ( Road Run)

28 - Comox Valley Snow to Surf, Courtenay (Multi Sport Relay)

TBA - Hammerfest XC #5 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Cumberland XC #3 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Campbell River XC #4 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Cumberland XC #5 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Cumberland DH #1 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Fletcher’s Challenge 12k Trail Run and 6k Family Walk, Nanaimo (Trail Running Race)

May

5 – Nanaimo Run, Walk and Roll, Nanaimo (Run and Walk)

11 - Mud Run Ride, Campbell River (Mountain Bike)

11 - Highway to Hell 400k, by BC Randonneurs, Victoria (Road Ride)

12 – Gutbuster Trail Run #1, Western Speedway, Victoria (Trail Run)

20-25 Eau de Hell Week 200km by BC Randonneurs, Chemainus (Road Ride)

25 - “Ride for Gold” 600km, Chemainus (Road Ride)

26 - Oak Bay Half Marathon, Oak Bay, Victoria (Road Run)

26 - New Balance Triathlon, Shawnigan Lake ( Triathlon)

TBA - Port Alberni XC #6 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Vancouver Island Paddlefest, Ladysmith (Paddling Exhibition)

TBA - Port Alberni DH #2 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - Hammerfest XC #7 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - 600 km by BC Randonneurs, Victoria (Road Ride)

TBA - Hammerfest DH #3 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

June

1 - The Great Walk 63 k, Gold River to Tahsis (Trail Walk/Run)

1 – Portage 200km by BC Randonneurs, Victoria (Road Ride)

2 – The Goddess Run, Victoria (5km/10km/Half Marathon Road Run)

8 – Nanaimo Populaire 100km by BC Randonneurs, Nanaimo (Road Ride)

8 – Gutbuster Trail Run #2, Mount Tzouhalem, Duncan (Trail Run)

8-22 Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race (Sailing Race)

9 - Edge to Edge Marathon, Half Marathon and Relay, Tofino (Road Run)

15 – Duncan Populaire 100km, Duncan (Road Ride)

15 – 18 – “————” 1000km by BC Ranndonneurs, Victoria (Road Ride)

22 - Kusam Klimb , Sayward (Trail Run/Walk)

22 – Tour of Greater Victoria 200km by BC Randonneurs, Victoria (Road Ride)

16 - New Balance Triathlon, Victoria (Triathlon)

29 - BC Bike Race Day One (Mountain Bike Cross Country)

TBA - Sproat Lake Marathon (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike Marathon)

TBA - Port Alice XC #8 (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike)

TBA - The River Run, Englishman River (5k Run/Walk)

TBA - 12 Hours of Cumberland (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike Marathon)

TBA - Hornby Island XC Final (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike Cross Country)

TBA - Hornby Island Super D (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike Super D)

July

6 – “Renfrew” 300km by BC Randonneurs, Nanaimo (Road Ride)

7 – Gutbuster Trail Run #3, Ladysmith (Trail Run)

20 – “Half Way to Tofino” 400km by BC Randonneurs, Nanaimo (Road Ride)

26-28 – Vancouver Island Fat Tire Festival, Ladysmith (Mountain Biking)

August

11 - New Balance Triathlon, Sooke (Triathlon)

11 – Gutbuster Trail Run #4, Mount Washington (Trail Run)

17 – “Ripple Rock Ramble” 600km by BC Randonneurs, Victoria (Road Ride)

September

14 - Run for the Mountain, Westwood Lake, Nanaimo (Trail Run)

15 – “Fall Islander” 200 km by BC Randonneurs, Qualicum Beach (Road Ride)

21 - Great Lake Walk and Ultramarathon 56k, Lake Cowichan (Road Walk/Run)

22 - Tour de Victoria (Road Bike)

TBA - Momar Adventure Race #2, Cumberland (Adventure Race)

TBA - Campbell River 50k (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike Marathon)

TBA - Terry Fox Run, Nanaimo (Road Run)

October

6 – Run for the Cure, Nanaimo (Road run and walk)

13 - Royal Victoria Marathon, Half Marathon and 8k, Victoria (Road Run)

27 - Shawnigan – Kinsol Half Marathon, Shawnigan Lake (Road/Trail Run)

TBA - The Ramble (Island Cup Series, Mountain Bike Marathon)

TBA - Perseverance Trail Run, Cumberland (Trail Run)

November

TBA - 14th Annual Harriers Thetis Lake 20k Relay, Thetis Lake Park, Victoria (Trail Run)

TBA - 26th Annual Harriers Gunner Shaw Cross Country, Thetis Lake Park, Victoria (Trail Run)

December

TBA - 7th Annual Harriers Stewart Mountain Cross Country, Thetis Lake Park, Victoria (Trail Run)

***

Also look back on Vancouver Island’s 2012 events.

Looking for events in Vancouver? Check out the Outdoor Vancouver Event Calendar.

Other Awesome Events

The Victoria Track Series

Requests

If anyone knows the Island Cup Mount Bike Series or the Prairie Inn Harriers schedules, I’d love to get them up here. Please contact us.

If your event isn’t up here, let us know.