The Aldergrove Chapter is an enthusiastic mix of about 90 members from across the Lower Mainland. Our members range from people who are happy to participate in a day ride to hardcore packers itching to head into the backcountry for a week or more.
There are a lot of “out-of-the-box” thinkers in our club, and we try to accommodate the different needs and interests of our membership.
Monthly and Annual Rides
Nearly every month, the Aldergrove Chapter hosts a day ride. We have ridden everywhere from Campbell Valley Regional Park to the Fraser River in Deroche. These rides usually include a campfire and lunch.
Our annual rides include the Whine Ride, the Cordial Ride, the Remembrance Day Ride, and the Jingle Bell Ride. These events need inventive names because the weather is often abysmal, and we will try almost anything to entice people to participate.
Rig Rides and Resort Rides
During the warmer months, we host several “Rig Rides.” Members trailer to the destination, ride as much as they want, sleep in the comfort of their camper, trailer, or tent, and ride again the following day.
We have organized rides at Golden Ears, Lundbom Lake, Whitworth Horse Camp, and the Haller Trail, to name a few.
Even more decadent are the “Resort Rides,” where we stay and ride at a ranch with meals and cabins provided. This year, we held one at Timber Ridge, and it was very popular.
Backcountry Pack Trips
Of course, there are also the pack trips. We try to organize one each year, but the need for pack animals, packing skills, high-lining knowledge, and other backcountry experience limits the number of people who are able—or interested—to participate.
That is where our education program comes in.
Education and Skills Development
Each year, we pass around a sheet to find out what members would like to learn. We cover topics such as packing, high-lining, hobbling, building a fire, replacing a pulled shoe, using a GPS or compass, human and equine first aid, chainsaw operation, and much more.
During the dark and rainy days of winter, we get together to learn and practise these skills.
Social Activities
The members of our club genuinely seem to enjoy one another’s company, and as a result, we have an active social calendar.
Some activities are simply for fun, such as gatherings of our would-be musicians, known as “The Pond Frogs,” as well as our annual picture night, Christmas party, and barbecues.
Other events help raise funds for our trail work. For the past few years, we have hosted a Cabin Fever Dance, which has allowed us to have a lot of fun while raising a little money.
Trail Work and Advocacy
More than anything, however, our focus is trail work.
We are currently working on the South Langley Regional Trail and helping to maintain the trails around Golden Ears and Whitworth Horse Camp in the Skagit Valley.
Our mandate is to protect our right to ride. We take a proactive approach by working with governing bodies and other user groups and by volunteering our time, machinery, and considerable trail-building knowledge.
Meetings
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month from September through June. During the summer, we ride.
Meetings are held at the Lucky Star Saloon, located at 607 200 Street in Langley. Before each meeting, we host a speaker who covers topics ranging from colic to bears, with plenty of time before and after for socializing.
That is probably why we all keep showing up!