The Vancouver Island Spine Trail Association (VISTA) held their inaugural conference Saturday, May 31 at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort.
The event brought together stakeholders, trail users and interested parties to build momentum toward the completion of a 700km tip-to-tip wilderness trail from Victoria to Cape Scott. Island adventurer and backcountry guidebook author Phil Stone was the keynote speaker.
On Sunday, June 1 there was Trails Day Out, exploring the Vancouver Island Spine Trail route above Cumberland with hiking, mountain biking and running. All three events started out from the Cumberland Recreational Institute parking lot, with some 200 participants slathering on sunscreen before heading out on their respective courses.
VISTA past-president Gil Parker and Cumberland Coun. Gwyn Sproule were among the speakers to address the participants prior to the start of the three events. Friends and family accompanying the participants had time to enjoy the village while waiting for completion of the events.
The hike was led by Terry Lewis of the River Rats, who have built many of the best trails in Cumberland. The mountain bike ride on the proposed VISTA route was hosted by Martin Ready of Island Mountain Rides while the Comox Valley Road Runners organized the run.