The Torch and The Test

We are getting into the games in our own way around here.

The Olympic movement definitely inspires the inner athlete in all of us to reach high and achieve. This year I signed up for the Test of Metal mountain bike race and the Squamish triathlon! The "test" is the stuff of local legend around here. This epic 67km mountain bike race boasts 1200m of hill climbs. I started training in October and this past weekend I completed my race in 5 hours and 20 minutes. I have to say I broke a chain and had a serious cramping fit about 4:30 into the event so that definitely gives me something to work on for next year! We also provide all the merchandise for this event and have done so for 8 years. This is the first year I was actually able to ride thanks to my wife and her parents for helping me achieve my own personal "gold medal"



In other news, my wife recently attended a pre-2010 event in Squamish and got to hold the torch! She also moonlights as a volunteer mascot on occasion. We can't tell you which one though as we are sworn to secrecy.

We have both completed our volunteer screening process for the games. Courtney has applied to be a part of the opening and closing ceramonies as a performer. I've applied to assist at the media centre in Whistler.

The best news is the Sea to Sky Highway project is nearly finished. We've been living in a construction zone for 4 years now.

Olympic Legacy for my home town!

Our local community received a nice shot in the arm from VANOC, organizers of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic winter games for Vancouver and Whistler. This past weekend, a $750,000 legacy fund was granted to our community for the creation of recreation facilities of infastructure.

“The Sport Legacy Trust Fund is an investment in the future health of this community and an opportunity to build on its growing reputation as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada."

Squamish is home to world class mountain biking, kite boarding, rock climbing as plays host to several triathlons, bike races, adventure races and soccer, hockey and baseball tournaments.

Ideally located between Whistler and Vancouver, Squamish will host several thousand volunteers and games staff.

I'm getting into the spirit by racing in the Test of Metal and the Squamish Triathlon this summer! -Craig