Spring is finally here and the trails are drying out nicely in time for this year’s Round the Mountain festival. Course planner Colin Squirrel has already been out clearing the winter dead and windfall, and he reports there are just a few patches of snow remaining. A new section of single track, the ‘Tora Bora Ridge’ was still too new and soft for the event last year, but has set up nicely over the winter and should be good to go for the biking and running course.
This year marks the 7th year for the event which is a celebration of Kimberley’s trail network and a showcase for the 20km Round the Mountain route which circumnavigates Northstar mountain a.k.a the Ski Hill. RTM and Kimberley’s other trails continue to gain popularity with locals and new residents, and are an important draw for our tourism economy.
Hosted by Kootenay Orienteering Club, Kootenay Freewheelers and Kimberley Trails Society, proceeds are directed towards trail maintenance and improvements, as well as supporting the volunteers who maintain them. The Festival would not be possible without the support from the community volunteers and business sponsorship.
So whether you want to trek, run or bike RTM this year, there are events available for the whole family. There is a 10km course in the Kimberley Nature Park if you’re not up for a RTM lap, and kids events within the Kimberley Nordic Centre from which all events start/finish, and the site of the Festival. Be quick, registrations for all events close on May 31st and events are filling fast! Even if you are not participating there is entertainment provided by The Hollers and great food from Flippin’ Crepes, FoodEx and the Burrito Grill or enjoy a beer or two in the Over Time Beer Garden. There will also be a silent auction, raffle and other activities including the Spirit Rock climbing wall on site again. The shuttle bus will be running from the Visitor Centre downtown to the Kimberley Nordic Centre with a stop at the Kimberley Alpine Resort for overflow parking. All the details can be found at www.roundthemountain.ca
