Save SAM?
SAM's (Sam the Axeman) recent removal from his greeting position outside the Adventure Centre has been met by disappointment and at least one fan is doing something about it.Robyn Murray created a online petition, which 78 people have already signed.
"SAM has become a Squamish icon to locals and visitors alike," states the petition. "Any day, rain or shine, SAM is welcoming people to Squamish and will gladly have his picture taken with anyone who stops in at the Adventure Centre."
A letter to The Chief further details Murray's views on the matter (page A21).
The site asks visitors to the sign the petition stating their desire to see the Adventure Centre become SAM's permanent home. It has 78 supporters so far and the organizers goal is to have 1,000 supporters.
SAM has been stored away as he typically is every winter, this year being an exception only because of the Olympics, according to Squamish Visitor Information staff.
Sam Yu, a visitor centre counsellor, said it's not odd that SAM was taken down. He said a number of people have inquired about his whereabouts and are sad and angry he's gone.
"Everyone keeps on coming in here to ask where he is and I tell them he's on vacation in Hawaii," said Yu, adding he's not sure of SAM's exact return date but he believes SAM will be back up in time for Squamish Days Logger Sports Festival.
Orecrusher kicks off Hell of a Series 2010
Hundreds of cross-country mountain bike racers are doing their last minute preparations for the tough and strategic first race in the Hell of a Series 2010 season Saturday (May 15), the Orecrusher XC 2K10.
The race starts at 11 a.m. at Don Ross Secondary School with six-kilometer loops of single-track trails in the Cheekye Fan.
And unlike two other local Hell of a Series races - Test of Metal and GearJammer - Orecrusher is a multi-lap event that has riders starting and finishing in the same location.
The race style is ideal because spectators can stay in the infield and cheer on their favourite riders, see what's going on and actually watch the race strategies.
Race director Jim Douglas said that atmosphere is what he likes about Orecrusher.
"It works out quite well, I see lots of smiles at the end of the day," said the former semi-pro racer.
Since its inception six years ago as a race solely for teenagers called the Pre-Test, the Orecrusher has grown to include all ages, but it continues to be a fundraiser for the Outdoor Leadership program at Don Ross Secondary School.
This year's event is limited to 250 participants to ensure track damage and subsequent repairs are kept to a minimum but there are still registration spaces available for $40 per racer.
Racers aged 12 and up are invited to participate in first race of the series, and registration is still open. Mountain bike riders wishing to compete can register online at www.orecrusher.com or in person the day of.
The Hell of a Series includes North Vancouver's North Shore Bike Fest on Saturday June 5, and Squamish's Test of Metal on Saturday June 19, GearJammer on Saturday July 24 and Just Another Bike Race Saturday Aug. 21.
