Farmer's Market

Some of my fondest memories of Kamloops Farmers Market are meandering my way through the various vendors with my grandma to buy fresh fruits and veggies for the week. As a little boy, the farmers market helped show me the faces behind the food we eat and what fresh foods actually look like. Whether you're looking to for the freshest fruit in the city, craft alcoholic beverages, delectable food trucks, exclusive jewellery or specialty jams unique to the Thompson-Nicola area; the farmers market is the perfect place to purchase products. In the city of Kamloops, there are two farmers markets, one on Wednesday and the other on Saturday. Subsequently, the Saturday market is located on 200 block of St Paul St. and the Stuart Wood schoolyard 8:30-12:30 (April 22nd to October 28th, 2017). As for Wednesday's, the market is on 400 block of Victoria St from 8:00-2:00 (May 3rd to October 25th, 2017). On another note,  some of the every one of  the products offered at the Kamloops Farmers Market is unique to Kamloops, fresh and supports the local economy. After all, the fresher the food, the better tasting and healthier it is.  In a nutshell, the Kamloops Farmers Market is an ideal location to buy fresh food and support local farmers/craftesmen. Not to mention, the market offers an interesting social experience. This week is time to make memories and expirience the tastes of Kamloops! 

TRU Basketball Courts

          What's better than sun, friends and a competitive game of pick up basketball? Recently, Thompson Rivers University added two new outdoor basketball courts to the university's campus for the public's use. A few days ago, my brother and I enjoyed the whole court to ourselves for an intense game of one-on-one. My first impression was one to remember as these outdoor basketball courts are a work of art. First of all, the courts are full sized and concrete with glass backboards and high quality netting. Furthermore, the "playgrounds" are located in the heart of TRU's campus and offer impressive views of Kamloops. During anytime of the day you can bring a ball and some friends for shoot around or some competitive fun. As a result, these outdoor courts are a substantial substitute for Tournament Capital Centre when the indoor basketball courts are reserved for practices. A strong distinction from TCC is you won't have to worry about playing on a crowded hoop or getting in anyone's way because the TRU outdoor courts are relatively unknown to the public. The peak time of use on the outdoor hoops is usually early or mid afternoon if you're looking to join in on a bit of street ball. Playing basketball is a fantastic way you and your friends can incorporate a new workout into your week.

Click here for a map of TRU if you're having trouble finding the courts!

   

Kamloops Bike Ranch

As a kid, the Kamloops Bike Ranch was the place where I learned to love the sport of mountain biking and progress my skills Whether you're into cross country, DH, BMX, or dirt jumping the Ranch offers a variety of trails/features for your riding style. There are many advantages to choosing the Ranch for your weekly ride. First of all, the Kamloops Bike Ranch offers some of the highest quality trails and features in the entire province. Furthermore, it can be used for free at any time of the day during riding seasons. As for the trails, if you're looking for a more mellow single track ride I'd recommend 'Three Amigos'. On the other hand, if dirt jumps and table tops are your thing I'd advise you to take 'Tumbleweed' if you're intermediate rider and 'Fist Full of Dollars' if yo're more experienced. When you reach the bottom, you have option of either biking up the switchbacks found on the cross country trail or pay $2 to shuttle the road. Another way you can enjoy the Kamloops Bike Ranch is by staying in the Bowl (look on map) which offers a variety of features that can be shredded from dusk to dawn. Why not head out to the Kamloops Bike Ranch and discover the true thrill of mountain biking today?

Talking Rock

 Affordable pricing, free junior memberships, challenging terrain, great food and scenic views are just a few of the reasons why you should head out to Talking Rock Golf Course this week. With every golfing season, I try to take on new courses and challenge myself with a variety of terrain. In the spirit of taking on a new challenge,  I headed 40 minutes east from Kamloops to check out the secluded golf course known of Talking Rock. The whole golfing experience left me very impressed and I'll definitely come back again for a number of reasons. First of all, the pricing of Talking Rock is very affordable as it only costs a mere $37.00 for adults and juniors can golf for free. Furthermore, the golfing consists of the well maintained fairways, rolling hills and beautiful views of the traditional Secwepemc area. It's not only the golfing that makes Talking Rock unique, they also offer luxurious accommodations, delicious restaurants, private beach use and a relaxing spa. So whether you dabble around with your five iron, drive 300 yards, or could spend all day in a spa come check out Talking Rock this week because they have it all!

 

Bachelor Trails

    We were blessed this Easter weekend with sunshine and great weather. I was able get out and ride for the first time in bachelor and I left with a smile on my face. We took the Bachelor Pass around the cell tower and hit the lower Bachelor routes to the parking lot. With a harder climb to begin with, the ride pans out to be a flowy single track with a few fun berms and steeps. On the return bike, the trail consists of a few up downs and turns. Throughout the ride, there are panoramic views of Kamloops and the semi desert landscape found in this region of the province. This week is the perfect time to get out and ride or hike Bachelor because in the summer this area gets too hot. Also, the risk for rattlesnakes is less in the spring time so it's alot safer for you and your dog. Why not get out and enjoy the many awesome trails Bachelor has to offer for hikers and bikers? Cheers!                                                              

Rio Escondido Bike Trail

    

         Rio  Escondido is one of the best riding trails in all of Kamloops with some of the best jumps and berms in the area.  Kamloops boasts as one of the most profound mountainbiking cities in the entire province with a variety of riding options. Above all, Kamloops single track, such as Rio, is sought out by riders all over. As the weather warms up it's the perfect time to get out on your bike and have a thrill. The ideal way to do this is to head out to Juniper where "Rio Escondido" flows. The directions go as follows; locate Rosehill road and a leave a car at the bottom. Then, shuttle or bike to the top turnaround spot just after the water tower and head down the trail. On the other hand, be careful if you're biking up because it will be very hard and long ride. For the ride down, keep your eyes open for alternate routes. Don't fret about other trails because everything ends up in the same area near your car. As for features keep an eye out for airs, steeps, flume rides down dried up creek beds with banked corners, a banked slalom style spot and a lot of high speed loving. Be sure sure to check out the video link I have below for a POV video of the entire trail. Happy riding!

Shredding Rio Escondido

Map of Trail

Lookout Hike at Kenna Cartwright

        Kenna Cartwright offers beautiful views in Kamloops along with some of the most accessible trails. With this seemingly never ending winter finally starting to turn to spring, the trails at Kenna are now able to be hiked. This week I was fortunate enough to be able to get out and complete the entire hike to the Kenna Cartwright lookout. Although the hike was a bit chilly with the high altitude, overall it was great to get out in nature and enjoy some spring vibes. If you're looking for a good workout that also offers great views, keep heading West from the Dufferin parking lot and look for signage for the lookout.  There are a variety of trails that lead to the lookout so pick your own adventure and keep an eye out for the signage. When you reach the top there are panoramic views of Kamloops as well as the lake. Furthermore, there is a picnic table so don't forget to bring some snacks for a well deserved break! With the upcoming forecast of sunshine, I'd encourage you to put on your runners and hit the trails for an unforgettable view and great workout.