Coming up at the Coquitlam Crunch
So the Coquitlam Crunch has gained much momentum since putting in the 437 stairs (295 metres / 967 feet) at the first span up The Crunch. So much so that a new facebook page for those that love the stairs as a work-out has come about. Coquitlam Crunch Stair Crushers now has close to 150 members. I am one of its members and it took me awhile to realize that this group does focus on the stairs (duh Robbin). I was simple excited to find a Facebook page related to The Crunch in any event, but I was confused for a while on all the group's focus as to how many times persons were doing 'the stairs.' I work from home, so when I get out to walk, hike etc, I want to see more than those stairs. My time is also not as limited perhaps as many of the 9-5 jobbers who need to fit in a tight and concise workout, which the stairs portion does provide.
For me the entire Coquitlam Crunch is what I love, as this way I get the intensity of the stairs, but also the beauty and endurance of the complete hike up to the top. The 2.2 km trail spans from Guildford Way, where I walk up to the Landsdowne entrance (you can park your car there at a designated lot above the lacrosse courts)and keep going crossing two more roads to the top of Westwood Plateau at Eagle Mountain. It's a beautiful view from an elevation of 794 feet (242 m) with Mount Baker visible in the distance.
The City of Coquitlam continues to enhance the popular trail which is part of its 90-km trail system, a portion of the Trans-Canada Trail.
Almost complete now is a new short stair system in the second rise above the stairs and across the street past the beautiful gardens that one resident has placed in (over their fence) which seems to be for our enjoyment exclusively.
After my run in with a bear on another trail in Coquitlam this year, I do feel safe to walk The Crunch year-round as their seems to be enough traffic noise and people to keep it safer from the big furry four-legged ones, however some crunchers do wear the bear bells, which are smart in any event. However one Stair Crusher reported sounds of a bear while doing an early morning hike, so do take heed.
Bears are not the only concern, as it seems many two-leggeds bring their pet four-leggeds out for exercise and leave those nice little plastic bag bundles along the path! Hello... I'd rather see flowers! It might help if the City of Coquitlam put in a trash can at the base of the stairs section, as within the first 100 stairs the other day I passed 4 colourful doggy-doo bags on the ground. Come on people!
When I first wrote about the main stair system being put in the City had marked the stairs with number points which helped a lot of people assess their workout progress, however the rain had since worn the white marks off, and I do believe a good citizen has taken it upon them self to add some numbers back. Thank you!
Coming up this September is the return of the Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge. "Alexander Bell has teamed up with the Coquitlam Foundation to create a Diversity Initiative Fund for Coquitlam. Bell’s goal is to raise $10,000 over five years so that the fund will begin to generate enough interest to start distributing annual grants within the Tri-Cities. This is the 5th year for the Coquitlam Crunch Diversity Challenge and so far $9,697.14 has been raised. The more money that is raised, the larger the yearly grant that can help support diversity initiatives in the community.
The event starts at 6:30am for the 'Make It or Break It' category or 10:00am for the 'Recreational' category Coquitlam resident and Safe Harbour Co-ordinator, Bell, is inviting the community to join him to walk the Coquitlam Crunch to raise money for a Community Diversity fund with the Coquitlam Foundation.
Last year a third category was added called the "Anything's Possible Trail" for people with mobility challenges. This category starts at 10:30am from the Church parking lot on David Avenue and follows a paved portion of the Crunch trail up past the dog park.
The event is said to happen rain or shine, and I am personally planning to help volunteer at the event this year to get a closer look.
We've been blessed with another hot summer, which has given us more time to use this wonderful trail, and I am hoping that an Indian Summer ensues so that we can enjoy these warm days and hikes for many days ahead before the west coast rains set in for the winter. I do hope to maintain my visits during the rainy season, but I know it won't be as often.
Rain or shine, see you at The Crunch!
