Hello everyone!
Here we are, the week before the 2023 GBC. I wanted to reach out and outline a few things with everyone registered prior to the start.
First of all, as I’m sure everyone has read and seen on your favourite source of news media, BC is having a hard time with fires at the moment. Thankfully, the area our event travels through (The Kootenays) is largely unaffected. Any fires which have taken place in this area (Sparwood and Kimberley) are now under control and not a threat at this time. As a whole, the Kootenays have seen much more moisture and are far greener than the Okanagan and the Shuswap, where the issues are. As well, the essential travel order issued by the BC government does not apply to this area.
We are continuing to monitor the situation, and will update if anything changes, but so far we are going ahead. Please be mindful that the campsite does have a fire ban in place and this applies to all types of campfires. As well, and this pretty much goes without saying…. expect smoke.
In general, GBC competitors can be some of the most resourceful and well equipped travelers I’ve met, so I likely don’t need to tell you what kind of tools, parts, or fluids to bring. Therefor I will keep it simple. BRING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER (or 2). The last thing we want is for one of our old leaky cars to start another fire. If you are bringing fuel, please note there is a 1 jerry can per vehicle limit on the ferry.
We will be meeting on Saturday at the old Davis Dodge lot in Fort Macloed (367 25 st). Please try to be there for 8am, so we can get everyone checked in and judged, with an aim for a 9:30 driver’s meeting and departing shortly after. During check-in, you, and everyone on your team, will need to sign the waiver electronically (You can even do it right now! https://lscc.speedwaiver.com/xheym ) as well as fill out a self-tech form, make sure we have your information correct, and pick up any pre-ordered t-shirts. We do have a limited number of GBC t-shirts available for purchase there as well, $25 each. (Thank you to Lauren @ Queen B Printing for doing such a wonderful job on these!)
When you finish the day, and arrive at the campsite, be sure to drop off your $10/person payment at the bathroom building (envelopes for cash drop are there, or they also accept e-transfer), and we will have a free BBQ for all competitors and volunteers. Thank you to John and Sue Lomas for putting this together!
Day 2 begins with a short jaunt to the ferry across Kootenay Lake. The first two ferry sailings from the Balfour terminal depart at 6:30am and 8:10am. You will likely want to be on one of these if you want to make the finish on time. (I’ll be on the 8:10 cause I like sleep). I will let everyone know what time is the cut-off to be at the finish for us to begin handing out awards, but expect to be at the finish before 5pm so we can be done awards and send out of towners on their way by 6pm.
I look forward to seeing you all soon,
-Peter
The Great Beater Challenge 