March 9, 2016

CALEDONIA NORDIC SKI CLUB HOSTS THE 2016 STRIDE & GLIDE SPORTS

SPIRIT OF THE RIVERS LOPPET ON MARCH 13, 2016

One of the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club’s most popular family events takes place this coming Sunday at The Otway Nordic Centre.  In spite of recent warm weather Chief of Competition, Andrew Watkinson says the 2016 Stride & Glide, Spirit of the Rivers Loppet will go this Sunday as planned. Watkinson went on to say “while it is not going to be ideal conditions, it will be safe and we will have the option to alter the courses and/or the stadium (maybe to the Biathlon area) to avoid some problem areas.” The only adjustment expected due to conditions is the classic tracks will not be set. The stadium will be bustling with activity beginning at 10:00AM (the first morning of Daylight Saving Time) on Sunday, March 13, 2016 as families and individual skiers participate in the Annual Spirit of the Rivers Loppet sponsored again by Stride & Glide Sports. For updates check the Caledonia website at: http://www.caledonianordic.com/events/cross-country-events/2016-spirit-of-the-rivers-loppet

The Stride & Glide Sports, Spirit of the Rivers Loppet is a fun, recreational style, family-oriented event with categories for all.  The loppet meets everyone’s expectation whether it is competition or a relaxing way to spend a day outside taking in the pristine beauty at the Otway Nordic Centre. The Caledonia Marathon Trophy was awarded in its inaugural year, 1977, to the “Family Ski”, recognizing the recreational nature of this event. In 1978 The Caledonia Marathon Trophy was awarded to Rolf Pettersen, who is recognized in the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame for his ability as a Nordic skier, as he was the first to complete 25 kilometres.

Last year skiers completed as little as 2.5 kilometres; some as many as 30 kilometres; some dressed up in costumes; and others pulled tots in ski chariots.  Afterwards, in the Rotary Nordic Lodge, all participants enjoyed the camaraderie and the chili or soup and bun included in the entry fee.  This year The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club is hoping to surpass the 170 skiers who gathered at Otway on March 8, 2015.  2015 results can be found at: http://zone4.ca/results.asp?ID=6632&cat=all

Registration for this event closes at 23:59 on March 11, sign up online at http://new.zone4.ca/. More information is available at: http://www.caledonianordic.com/events/cross-country-events/2016-spirit-of-the-rivers-loppet

For further information, contact:

Cal Benson                                                                  Andrew Watkinson,

Media Rep, CNSC                                                        Chief of Competition, Stride & Glide, Spirit   of the Rivers Loppet  

250-613-8656                                                               250-961-3688