Missing Doug

Johnny,

 

Thanks for the great write-up on Doug.  I actually miss him already, I had a lot of good times visiting him over the past couple years.  It’s our job to make sure those bastards at the city keep up with their promise to keep his land as true green space for hikers, bikers, joggers, etc. and not just another urban park.  It’s too bad we didn’t know Doug when he sold the land to the City.  I’m sure he would have sold it to us with the same commitment to preserve it.  At $200,000 for the 60+ acres I think we could have raised the dough – then we really could have had a full blown outdoor club.  Maybe we could have called it the McNally Mountain Bike and Back Country Ski Club – proprietors: The West Side Boys.

 

It’s too bad we all had work responsibilities after the funeral – Johnny and I would have happily spent the whole afternoon toasting Doug’s spirit with Jim Brickman.  The picture of Dean drinking a beer is pretty incriminating –but I can vouch for him that is actually non-alcoholic.

 

Cheers - Tommy

Doug McNally Passes

Obituaries - Sep. 16, 2006
Douglas McNally 1922 - 2006 Passed away quietly in his sleep, at Freeport Health Centre of Grand River Hospital, on September 15, 2006 in his 85th year. Doug devoted his life to the outdoors on his Tree Farm off Wideman Road, near Erbsville. Doug's passion for the environment inspired him to generously offer his greenbelt, known as the McNally Lands to the City of Waterloo, to be enjoyed by future generations. Doug was an environmentalist long before it was fashionable and remained true to his convictions throughout his entire life. ...... (Doug pictured in his June 2004 visit with the West Side.)

Doug was a friend of the Waterloo Westside Back Country Ski club who supported our outdoor spirt and inspired us to care for the forest he helped to create. We appreciate his enthusiasm, the challneges he encountered in a not so eco-friendly, high growth world. Doug you will be remembered and we will continue to honour him regualarily in the use of the McNally trails. Since he gave us permission to "use the land as long as you take care of it" we have collectively stood up for the environement and responsible use of the surrounding area. Doug beleived that we all must play a role in the use and protection of places where people can enjoy nature and all its wonders.

Doug will be missed. However his spirit and concern for the greenbelt that he has protected will live on as long as the WWBSC is intact. Doug we value what you have nurtured for so long!!!

Deathbridge comes back to haunt

Ok, This what goes around thing is really scary. Dietmar moves in we gain a friend - in the process we meet someone who we really doubted liked skiers - the word is she wants to join. I let her know that we begin training in the fall. Dean - she really wants to speak with you.

Mud paddeling at the hydrolines - 18-May-2006

Blog update from Hong Kong thanks to the great Blackberry technology I figured out how to post the pictures from our last bike trip in May-18 the night before I left to Germany.

Dave, Jonny, Joe and Dietmar went out for a nice bike trip to the hydrolines. Dean wimped out because he just came back from TX and had some private duties to fulfill.

Joe hurt his butt big time falling on a tree!

More pictures will be added!

But for the grace of god we go...... to Chicopee

March 23rd was a Big night of hills. After we all wrapped family and business commitments, off to chicopee we go. Members Dean, Dietmar, Rich, Dave, John, just can't get enough. Tom is out with shoulder injuries - (ouch).

When you reflect on what makes a team strong it always comes back to commitment. Tonight we surely should be committed.

After ducking police on patrol, narrow bike bridges and lots of green patches we found the motherload. Who said we can't ski? (aside from the authorities). Chicopee sets up for a snow mobile jumping event as we ski - the "carnies are asleep in their trailers".

After numerous climbs to warm up we begin the downhill challenge and boy was it fast and not really controllable for turning. After many styles it was finally the Chinese downhill that took the cup - Dave out in front Diemar and Dean in hot pursuit. John and Rich on the camera. A night to remember Video footage not available in this medium but can be shared. Just e-mail.

The Weather Giveth ... and Takes away

Well those of little faith would say it is over - however the True West Sider would know that "it ain't over 'till its over". Just 2 short years ago Members Rich and John Skiied right through to April 13th. Sounds crazy but I think we could have repeat - at least one April ski if all goes well. Just a round the corner is snow and we are now on high alert - for the next three weeks we will be on a ski - when available schedule - meaning that if there is snow we must go!! So warn the Family - heck bring them along. The Season closer is targeted to be March 31st - but lets see what we can do about that!!

Pray for snow!!!!!!! And in the mean time keep your tips up and don't let the weather get you down!!

Jeff's Update

Good News for West Side Fans following the fate of our Guest Jeff!!! He is on the mend and spirits are high. According to Mr. Donnelly " he is seriously considering his return to the West Side upon his recovery from accident #2". Well I guess there is no stopping you Jeff - three times is a charm!! Jeff - the West Side team wishes you all the best and speedy recovery! You definitely have the right spirit -you just can't keep a good man down.

Sunday Mar 5th

Fast and furious!
Good base, temp -4c.
Controllable. 17 k. What happened to all the fair weather members? Your missing the fair weather. Randy and 5ean who? TPB tripple header to close it at cabana.
members Dave, John, Deitmar, Tom.

Westside goes to Peaks Men's day

click on title above for pictoral
Steep, Fast and full of big air!!
The team met at Peaks to leave our West Side mark on a big event. Full day of fun and high speed cruising. Peaks steep slopes meant lots of speed. Chineese downhills were the order of the day. Dave and John Square off for the Big air. Everyone tries and survives.
Thanks to Ed for the accomodations, John and Little Joe (sorry about the Shoulder Joe! Get well soon) for the tickets, Mike Kelly (why weren't you here?) and all that participated!!!!

Special Mention to Tom who began his stand up comedy act to the stage at Peaks. The evening ended with Dinner at Teds Dinner and wind down session where it usually begins - The cabana!! We all returned home alive and ready for the next back country adventure. - JP

Paricipants Dave, Rich, Tom, Deitmar, John, Ed, Andrew L, Andy Davis, Ted Pimm, Mike Atkinson,

Sunday Feb 25th

Antoher great Night - Dave, John and Tom carve up a storm. Tom takes Blue run and nearly hits Mimi and goes down hard. Another shoulder injury!!! When asked what now? Tom replies take me home!!

Thurs Feb 23rd

<>


Six Centimeters of fresh powder, fast yet controllable conditions... Does it get any better??

Bigggg night!! 23 km's. Ich bien vertig!!! Doctors Downhill was unbelievable - calculated it to 120 ft of vert drop. Then the jump everyone got air. Blue run Fantastic. The Edge was scary, Johnny's Bowl extreme, but the final outcrop bowl drift JP down hard!! Total altitude climbed was approx 1200 meters. Not bad for a bunch of 40 years olds!!

Tuesday Feb 21 st was fast!!

For those who missed it we climbed a total of 230 M of vertical and confirmed that peak sits a 595 meters above sea level (thanks to Dave's new watch). A fast night with Peak run giving us the best of the night. Honourable mention goes out to Doctors Run where we shot the downhill then tried out the new jump. For the record John and Dietmar made it Dave bailed (he had "scared" in his mind.) maybe the wooden jump wasn't his thing.

Rain delay

Thursday night rain delay. Spent serious hang time with Dave installing the 36" tv for the cabana. Can you say multi-media? Till next time. Hoping Sunday night is a gem!!
John & Dave

Feb 14th 06 - Valentines Masacre

(click on title above for a slideshow of nights events)

It was the best of times (Big turn out for our biggest guest night this year 2 foursomes),
It was the worst of times ( Jeff Injures his knee).

Waterloo West side - 9:15 pm: Members Dave, John, Rich (nice to have you back), Dean lead out with guests Jeff, Gerrard, and Steve Hirsch to meet with Tom at Cabin. A fast pace is set and everyone is moving well. En route things go wrong fast - MAN DOWN!!!!

Jeff who just recently received his therapists "OK" to return to the west side had a short lived return as he meets his challenge at "Johnny's Bowl". "It popped on both sides" - jeff was heard shouting as he held his knee. After walking it off he was able to make it back to cabin and assess his situation.

Jeff shown below at Cabin checking out the knee that brought him down.








Please note that WWBCSC is not responsible, liable for the actions of members, participants or family who participate in a club nights.

To comemorate the night we have created "Masacre Mug" to help raise funds for the "Jeff's rehab fund" Click on mug for more info on how to order yours today!!

Other memorable events: Steve Hirsch renews membership though his particpationnin over 2 nights for the year!!! (thanks for coming Steve!!) Gerrard Keough makes full member and swears he will return!! Welcome aboard Gerrard! The club issues an "APB" missing persons report for member Steph Krug who has yet to claim her membership pass.

PS Rumors of a club spouse event presist. Have we considered our own race event? Perhaps Dean could perform a biathalon training event!!

Feb 9th - Guest night

The night started out with Guest Victor Vector who gave it his best. Members Dave, Dean, and John, present Dietmar Wennemer with his official membership. We socialize a bit following a strong ski. After the return we open the skating rink and flood it. Likely to be ready in a week or so.
Special mention tonight to "Suicide run" which captivated us all!! Its good to be alive!!

Waterloo Westside Back Country Ski Club

Members provide positive feedback to the Blog!!! Waterloo Westside Back Country Ski Club

The Clubs new Blog

Welcome to the new Web log (Blog) for Waterloo West Side Back Country Ski Club

Members Tom and John take to the re-start of winter in style with guest Girrard. Continued snow and great conditions make it a great night as we ski the edge and the "drift". A great loop at Tommy's place!!!




Snow depth reaches 3 feet in areas and considering the kids were playing soccer Friday - we are blessed by the snow gods indeed!!!

The only downside of the tour was the visible destruction not unlike that of the Quebec ice storm of the late 90's. Clearly the heavy snow that followed the days of rain created a big impact as many trees down on key runs including "Super S".

Feel free to enter your comments on our blog - your feedback is Key!