Banded Peak Challenge
After spending most weekends this spring & summer zipping around the province competing at numerous mountain bike races I was looking for new and different events. On Saturday July 18, 2009, I was fortunate to participate in the Banded Peak Challenge with my husband as a warm up for the Bragg Creek Days 10K run the following day. We elected to have fun and agreed that there would be no racing involved on the day, which comprised of a 15 km mountain bike ride along part of Little Elbow loop and a 6.5 km hike to the summit of Banded Peak. The event organization was well coordinated, efficient and ensured the day ran smoothly. All the volunteers were extremely helpful, supportive and friendly, especially at such an early hour! Bow Cycle Technicians were at the base busily taking care of all the minor mechanical issues (as well as some major tune-ups) that required attention prior to setting out for the summit. Anna Garcia checked us in, gave us our numbers and all the important stuff such as our prize draw tickets to be deposited at the draw of our choice long the route…. I’m still waiting for the phone call to advise I won the wine basket!
After a lengthy period of socializing in the parking lot, we finally got rolling at 7:15, cruising along the mostly flat trail for 50 minutes. Along the way we caught up with some friends, visited briefly then cruised on up the trail. At the transition point, we parked our bikes, changed foot wear and started the long hike up to the summit. Initially, the trail took a narrow winding course on an off camber shale slope which required diligent foot placement. Our early start paid dividends as we were sheltered from the heat of the sun until it came around the mountain mid morning. The volunteers at the outpost stations were looking a little sleepy, but said they had enjoyed their overnight camp on the mountain and offered up treats and encouragement to us and other hikers. It really is an event for every body, with a participants aging from 7 to 87 years young. It was impressive to see young children with their families and participants such as the Diehls who had rounded up a posse of children from the community and escorted them along the route. As we approached the summit we came across an older gentleman who appeared to be thoroughly enjoying his brisk hike and showing no signs of fatigue exhibited by some of the hikers half his age. We later found out he was the oldest person to take up the Banded Peak Challenge in the history of the event. It was also impressive to see his “old school” or “bone shaker” bike with zero suspension. After 3.5 hours we reached the peak and found John Lajeunesse guarding a flag that marked the summit and the place from which to indulge in a photo or two. The reward at the top was amazing with fantastic 360 panoramic views of the peaks. We didn’t stick around very long as it was very windy. Coming down we had some fun skiing down the scree slope, which proved to be far easier than the slog up.
What really struck me was how many familiar faces we met along the way. A high percentage were locals and I was encouraged to see numerous former Bragg Creek Physio patients who we’d helped to “get back into action” as well as current patients and friends. It’s so nice to see that the treatment made a difference and enabled them to stay healthy and injury free, taking part in events they love to do.
I’d like to thank all the folks who were kind enough to sponsor me and donated to such a worthy cause supporting the Easter Seal’s Camp Horizon. And a very special thank you to the organizers who spend all year preparing for this wonderful event as well as the volunteers who make the event such a fun experience.
At the finisher’s refreshment tent, one of the volunteers, Bob from Moose Mountain General Store, proposed a challenge to local businesses to enter teams for the 2010 event. Bragg Creek Physiotherapy will be there so start your training, raise funds and show your support for next year’s Banded Peak Challenge.
Bragg Creek Physiotherapy
Carole Damnjanovic
Jo-Ann Hartman
Lisa Le Poole
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