They’ve been to Paris, France, and Hayward Lake, B.C. Whether it’s a destination on their doorstep or farther afield, members of the Ridge Meadows Outdoor Club really get around.
“We’ve been over to Europe a number of times,” said Alex Milner, a past president.
This is one active club. The members get around by various means – hikes, backpacks, scrambles, canoes, kayaks, bikes, snow shoes, and cross-country skis. They are active mostly in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Many of the outings are day activities, but there are also plans that last the weekend or longer, including trips abroad.
They’ve gone to Australia and New Zealand. The next big jaunt is a bike tour in Quebec, but there’s plenty of local adventures before the club takes its normal summer break.
Milner, the member people connect with when they call for information, explained that most of the members are older with many retirees joining, but that all ages are welcome. People need not be super athletes to join, and the outings are not competitions or about rushing. It’s about enjoying nature, getting some exercise and fresh air, and socializing. Members look out for each other on outings and often enjoy non-athletic activities such as Christmas parties and picnics.
And membership does have its benefits, ranging from enjoying the nature of the local community and maybe some interesting spots a person has never visited before, to better health and social connection.
“Just getting getting out in the outdoors and being with a bunch of friends [are some of the best benefits],” Milner said. “In fact, most of them kind of like a second family.”
The club’s history traces back to 1994 when resident John Hume approached Maple Ridge Parks and Recreation about forming a hiking club. Local newspapers let the community know about the idea and more than 200 people showed up to the first meeting. It currently has more than 120 active members.
The website includes a schedule of planned events, with lots of information such as the level of difficulty, and the person leading the activity.
Schedule to end of February:
• Pitt Lake marsh loop walk on Tuesday, Jan. 27
• Cypress Mountain snowshoe on Wednesday, Jan. 28
• Hayward Lake hike on Friday, Feb. 6
• Hayward Lake paddle on Saturday, Feb. 14
• Monthly club social meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Maple Ridge Library
The schedule is continually updated as more events are planned, so people are advised to check back often.
The club meetings include slide shows, guest speakers, skills training, and activity planning. These meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of each month (with no meetings in December, and in June, July, and August) in the Fraser Room of the Maple Ridge Library. Guests are welcome.
Learn more about the club at www.rmoutdoorclub.ca. Members of the public are welcome to go on a hike or two to see if they would like to join. Memberships are $25 for an individual and $40 for a family. Milner noted people should also have a good walking footwear, and clothes and gear to dress for the weather.
When Milner fields a calls from people interested in joining, he suggests they take part in one of the easy Monday hikes at the UBC forest to get to meet other members and see if the club is right for them.