Get Dirty - Mud Run Ride 2012

The Mud Run Ride, a testament to Campbell River hosting some of the best mountain biking terrain in the world. 
 
This past weekend, Swicked Cycles hosted the annual Mud Run Ride on the McIvor Lake trails and what a lot of fun it was, we experienced the best weather we have had in months, the participants were pumped, and the audience and support network was full of enthusiasm, cheering for their favorite teams.  Many of the teams dressed in theme costumes only to have them get incredibly dirty, wet and in some cases torn. 
 
Each teams consisted of two persons. 

The course as laid out is 5 kms long winding through dense forest, old logging roads and rocky hills with each team member riding 5 kms in the first round then running 5 kms on the second round, switching positions when  the first round was completed so that each team member both rides and runs.   The circuit is not considered complete until both runner and rider are at the finish line together. 

CLICK THE READ MORE BUTTON FOR LOTS OF PICTURES
Be patient, it is worth it, there are a lot of pictures so it will take time to download, and I have a fast computer,

The route was rated as a beginner course but I would say it is a little closer to an intermediate level with quick switchbacks, short steep climbs, narrow trails, rocky declines and dense brush on either side of the trail.
 
Good on you participants; in what looked like a grueling ride; although it was not as competitive as some races, it was really all about just finishing and of course having fun.

There was no question that everyone had fun, even the volunteers and organizers were smiling all the time, many of them were captured on film while laughing. 
 
These are the types of events that are putting Campbell River on the map as far as mountain biking is concerned.  A clear reflection of the spirit of our community and what our active sports network is all about; friends having fun with friends, families participating in group activities, keeping healthy, and of course getting some exercise, lots of laughter and quite a bit of mud and sweat. 
 
Holding the ride at McIvor Lake Municipal Park demonstrates a fine example of ways our watershed is used for recreational purposes in an environmentally responsible manner. Luisa Richardson from Waterwise was on site with a booth educating the public on how and why it is imperative to maintain our watershed and the important role education plays in the preservation of such a valuable resource. Our resource, our water.
 
Healthy Way Natural Foods were also represented at the run, with snacks for the participants and the public, this completed the organizers goal to offer a well rounded experience.  Cheers to your health and cheers to the Mud Run Ride at McIvor Lake.  Good job you guys.

Click the picture to view the video:

And now for the Pictures
 
Because I was seen at the Mud Run Ride with a couple of cameras, I have had a number of people email me asking for photos, so I decided to post them on my blog so that you; the participants could download them for your own use. 

There are some really good ones, but not all of them are clear as it is very difficult getting focused pictures of people who are moving quickly, but I put the blurry ones in here anyway because it is a hoot to see yourself through the eyes of a camera, especially under these kinds of circumstances.


 
 
To download the pictures, just click on the image to enlarge, then right hand click and copy, then you can paste it on your desktop.
 
Have fun, I know that I did.