Robert Hainsworth is spending 16 weeks in Powell River as a summer student with Fleming and Associates. He is writing a story for the Peak each month from a newcomer’s perspective about living in the area. This is his third story.
From what I have learned about Powell River and its residents, no one minds being at the end of the road, tucked away in a little piece of paradise. There is something special here and you have to be one of the in-crowd to know about it. However, this special quality is on display and it is nice to have it affirmed by the larger world every now and then.
I made it my mission to get involved over the summer and learn about the people and events that make the community unique. One such event that I was lucky to take part in was the BC Bike Race. By take part, I mean volunteer; I am in no shape to compete with the world-class athletes and devoted amateurs who hit the trails for the race. I was happy to help out any way I could.
With the day off work and covered in sunblock, I headed down to Willingdon Beach to look after the retail tents with some other volunteers. I was there to sell goods and give directions but my ulterior motive was to check out the great bikes and feel the intensity of the competition.
As the race began and the competitors tore off, I picked up on something. These competitors were at the very top of their games and some of the best cyclists from all over the world and they were here, in Powell River. Powell River had an opportunity to feel what it is like to be at the centre of the mountain biking universe.
Once the riders came back to the beach, my feeling of being in a special place was further confirmed. They were tired, filthy and smelly but almost all of them had ear-to-ear smiles. They raved about how nice the trails were, how beautiful the weather was and how accessible and accommodating the beach was.
No local needs to hear anyone extol the benefits of living in Powell River. Most people who live here can appreciate the blessings they have been provided, but it must feel great to have those feelings confirmed by hundreds of people visiting once a year.
The racers visit Powell River’s kilometres of trails and then are off without even a water bottle left behind. However, the trails stay for everyone to enjoy for the rest of the year. The trail builders and maintainers do such a great job and are one of the main reasons why Powell River has its moment as the hub of the universe for the mountain biking crowd.
It still amazes me that a core group of interested and devoted people can add so much social, economic and cultural benefit to the place they call home. It should stand as a model for other places and it is surely a principle that I will take with me.
