KRIS WHEELER
Words by Kristina Wheeler
How do you help someone change their life, overcome a fear, or realize what lies beyond their grasp? First, it’s important to understand how much we take for granted in our ability to run our rigs on thousands of kilometers of dirt road. Then after understanding the journey that brought us there, we put out our hand to someone and lead them on a journey to build smiles and memories.
Those smiles are seen at many of the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC (4WDABC) events, such as our Newbie runs and burgeoning driver education sessions. However, it’s our community runs such as the 5th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters run that took place last summer along the Elaho Valley that leaves the biggest impact for our membership and the attendees.
The Elaho Valley, which is part of the Sea to Sky Corridor near Squamish, was chosen for its majestic mountains that embrace the picturesque meandering river, a tributary to the Squamish River. The area is well known for its river rafting, ancient groves of cedar trees, and a few of its abandoned mines.
At about the 90 km (56 mi) mark in the valley, there are the ghostly-charred remains of the “Elaho Giant,” which once laid claim to a Douglas Fir that had the third largest circumference in North America. It was sadly lost in 2015 to a forest fire that ripped through the region. However, the area provides a great introductory off-road run for those unfamiliar with dirt roads and primary obstacles in loose, sandy terrain.
On the morning of the run, volunteers and attendees met at the Brackendale Elementary School as it provided a convenient staging area. Unfortunately we were all greeted to a torrential downpour; Mother Nature was showing us her sense of humor, ensuring that all the rigs would be properly washed as we made our way up the Sea to Sky Corridor.
We had 18 sets of Bigs and Littles, two organizers from the program, and approximately 30 vehicles from the association. With everyone excited, we started matching the guests with their drivers, and handing out the goodie bags to our guests.
The Bigs and Littles were in awe of the variety of rigs showcased, which included Jeeps, Rams, Toyotas, Fords and Chevys all in various build stages – from stock to ripped-and-ready to run rigs that could take on the most challenging of trails at Moab. The Porsche caught everyone’s curiosity and even the experienced wheelers asked about its set up.
We sent ahead the support vehicles, which would be setting up the lunch area, and then the guests climbed into their paired vehicles to start the tour. The Elaho River has long been one of my favorite runs. Its winding rivers have etched a valley into the rock through the millennia, the wild strawberries veins run everywhere you stop, and the slate colour of the mountains of pure shale make a stark contrast to the deep green evergreens.
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Some of the Littles admiring the large, leafy greens on the run.
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Making way through the thicker part of the trail.
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Taking a break at lunch.
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Skipping rocks lessons.
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The scenic Peaches and Crème Falls.
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Just one beautiful setting that was admired during the event.
Of course, a few stops were made to take some pictures before reaching our lunch destination, a pristine beach located at about 45 km (28 mi). Although the trail would be considered tame for most of us, it’s great for those that fear the concept of dirt roads. As we neared our lunch destination, we made our way through a labyrinth of muddy trails, where delight of the kid’s voices carried in the wind.
Somehow we managed to pull off a straight line when we parked our rigs, like the shape of a half moon. A few of the volunteers were asking if the kids if ever skipped rocks before. They hadn’t, so lessons were quickly at hand. Others were off to play in the tree or building rock structures and castles in the sand. I sat back with Hitman, my new wheeling companion, watching it all with wonder.
Alas it was time to go back, breaking into three groups would allow for the best viewing of the sights that had been chosen for our return trip. The first stop was Peaches and Crème Falls. Luckily several of our volunteers heard we would be stopping here and wanted to ensure that it would be safe to visit for the kids. So, they thoughtfully arranged for some badly needed stair repairs a short time before the event. As we crested the stairs, even though we were standing a few hundred feet away, the spray of the water crashing down to the pools below was an enlightening experience.
Our final stop was at the Totem Poles, a BC Parks Rec Site, which was a perfect place for a water fight to ensue. Belinda, with the hot pink Tutu helping her blend in, handed off a water gun to one of the Littles and together they assailed Matt. A few of the kids were climbing some trees, while others investigated how the foliage was different here than at the beach.
As the adventure had come to an end, it was time to return to the staging area. Clambering out of the vehicles in the parking lot, the smiles spoke for themselves. Everyone came back in better condition than when we had left. This day will stay in the memories of those that were there for years.
For the volunteers, it will be memories of making a difference in the lives of others. For the kids it will be memories that others cared enough for someone they didn’t know to show them the beauty that we all take for granted.
As the Wheelers of Tomorrow program grows, we will be offering many opportunities for both the kids of our members and the kids in our communities to get involved in the great outdoors. To stay up to date on what we are up to please join our Facebook group or contact Kris.