Balmy Beach Canoe Club

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Masters Mid-winter Training in Bancroft  
February 7-9, 2003
Joseph’s Resort at www.joesresort.com
 

A small but dedicated group of Masters banded together to participate in the annual trek up north (well okay, only up to Bancroft) this past February.  We all arrived at Joseph's Resort to a warm welcome from Joseph himself.  The weather cooperated that weekend. Saturday found our group cross county skiing, hiking in the woods, tobagganing or playing a little shinny on the pond.  Although most of us had a great day, we were still ready for the apres dinner camp fire, snow ball fights and incredible story telling from Uncle Dave.

  

A walk in the woods

Sunday everyone was briming with anticipation in preparation of the annual BBCC Masters Luge Team competition on the only natural ice luge west of Calgary.  Competitors had gathered from around the world, including the star New Zealand and only known luge competitor Catherine, as well as the team members from Bulgaria, England, and  Newfoundland.  Two UN weapons inspectors also appeared incognito in their camoflauge white coveralls to observe the proceedings.  Last year's star competitor Jim "The Bomb" had a troubled start and never developed the momentum from his previous performances.  The ice track troubled a number of competitors including those the contingent from the Fire Departments.  Jumpy John performed his luge ballet into the snowbanks and Slippery Shawn had trouble when he crashed into the sidewall tires on the edge of track. Shawn clearly had early troubles when he only completed a 180 course change mid way down the course. The clear winner of the competition was the daring Bulgarian competitor, Grudy, for his amazing 360 degree mid course spin and follow through down to the end of the course.