The Canadian event that answers the question: Can you go uphill on a Trikke?
Canada’s premier Trikke event is held in Vancouver.
Next weekend, Trikke lovers the world over will mount their Trikkes, go for a ride and participate in the Global LSM movement. One such location: Vancouver, Canada, site of the 4th Annual Seymour Hillclimb Challenge, a series of carve-ups, featuring scenic trails and plenty of hill climbing. TrikkeWorld caught up with John Goolevitch, the event’s organizer, to find out the 4-1-1 on this year’s Challenge.
TrikkeWorld Magazine: Seymour 4. This is becoming quite a tradition. What makes this such a special event?
John Goolevitch: This trail is the jewel of Vancouver. Every time I ride Seymour, I admire the beauty and solitude it offers. Although it’s only seven miles long, it really has everything you’d want in a trail. It’s 25 feet wide, smooth pavement, mostly shaded to keep cool, with just the right combination of hills and turns and a mountain fresh water supply at the end. It’s been said, “This trail will haunt you to return.”
TWM: What kind of rides are in store?
JG: Four rides are planned over the weekend to make the trip worthwhile. The main event is the Seymour Hillclimb on Saturday. The challenge is trying to do the whole distance without walking any of it. In the afternoon, there’s a hill climb training ride to Tynehead Park, east of Vancouver, where a constant grade and perfect pavement allow you to refine your hill-climbing technique. Sunday morning features a relaxing Trikke tour around the downtown waterfront and Stanley Park. Lastly, something new: riders choice on our last destination, either Burnaby Trail or Rocky Point.
TWM: What’s surprised you the most about the first three Seymours?
JG: The reaction and comments from riders after experiencing Seymour, everyone raving about how awesome it was. Something they keep talking about for a long time.
Lone rider carves uphill during the Challenge.
TWM: One of your recent postings on social media mentioned at least sixteen riders have confirmed. Might we see a new attendance record for the Seymour Hillclimb? What is the record, anyway?
JG: The first ride had nine riders and the second had eight. For the third annual, we only had five riders, due to all the locals who couldn’t make it. This year will be a record breaker, with 16 riders booked! I know the west coast of Canada is a long way for most, but it really is worth the trip.
TWM: Based on your experience with this event, what advice do you have for others who are considering hosting Trikke rides in their area?
JG: I love to share my best finds for great trails. If you have a memorable trail, it should be shared. It’s just a matter of making the effort to look into accommodations, eating locations and maybe a commemorative t-shirt. Those are the main ingredients for a successful event.
Also: TrikkeWorld’s coverage of last year’s Seymour Hillclimb Challenge:
O, Those Canadian Hills! (preview)
Canadian Carve Up (recap)
Plus: Contributor Douglass Weymouth on Seymour:
Classic Canadian carve-up comes calling again [videos]
Also by John Goolevitch:
Trikke helped me lose 120 pounds!
About Randy Boyd
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