Category Archives: Activities

Electric Cycling in Saltair

Ebikes have surged in popularity in the last few years.  They’re great for outdoor activities like exploring nature, your local community,  family time and improving overall fitness.

Electric bikes makes riding convenient, easy and effortless. And this might keep you wondering: “Isn’t the point of riding a bike to get exercise?  Isn’t an ebike cheating?”.

That’s a legitimate question a lot of people have. And the answer is no.  First of all, that  electric motor is there to help you, but you don’t have to use it all the time. The pedal assist makes riding super easy,  you can just pedal or use the motor only. Going uphills is a breeze!

Electric bikes make exercising accessible, whether you are fit or not. In fact, most e-bike riders get more exercise as they ride more often, and for longer distances.

For most people, the difference between an electric bike and a regular bike is riding or not riding. Riding a regular bike is fun, but can be exhausting. Electric bikes are easy, convenient and accessible, so you’ll be more inclined to ride more  and  get the physical benefits as well.

Riding any bike at all gives you so many things. Freedom, stress-reduction, better health, more free time, more enjoyment. And we shouldn’t dismiss other benefits, such as reduced car traffic and a better environment.

No longer do you need to worry that you won’t be strong enough, or have enough endurance to complete a ride. By eliminating the barriers that stop so many people from riding, such as their health, hills or distance, more people will ride.

If concerns like these have kept you off a bike, then an electric bike might be just the thing you need to get back out there.

Check out the following Ebike experiences from our local  Saltair  Ebike owners to help you decide whether an Ebike might be for you.

Local Saltairians and Ebike enthusiasts the “Stegemanns”

“I had biked for most of my life but because of my advanced age, found it increasingly hard to make the hills in this area.  A little over seven years ago my husband and I decided to try e-bikes.  John, who had not done a lot of biking, fell in love with the e-bikes.  We bought two bikes and in six years put more than 22,000 km. on each of them.  We took them “south” where we spent four months of every year and rode them almost every day.

After six years we would have had to purchase new batteries, tires etc. so made the decision to buy new bikes  –  this time from Costco.  We love our new bikes.  They are lighter and are even easier to manage than the more expensive bikes we previously had.

My husband is 82 and I am 79 and it’s now time for us to stay home and ride our bikes here. 
We are thrilled with the wonderful biking trail from Watts Rd. all the
way to Crozier Rd.  We often ride into Chemainus and go for coffee at the Willow Street Cafe or the little bakery on Pine, or supper at Wings.  Some days when we are especially ambitious, we ride from Saltair to Crozier Rd., then come north again all the way to Watts, then back to Saltair.  That is approximately 20 km.   We have also gone all the way to Transfer Beach and back. That means we have to ride on Chemainus Rd. for part of the way and then through parts of Ladysmith. 

The e-bike allows us to work as hard as we want to.  We always peddle, but depending on whether we are on a straight path or going uphill, we’ll turn our bikes to the appropriate number. This allows us to ride almost all hills.

We also ride all around Saltair.   By riding into every cul-de-sac we
can manage approximately 12 km.  while avoiding Chemainus Rd.

Most folks in cars are very cautious and give bikers lots of room.  We
appreciate that so much.

Eight years ago I had a hip replaced.  Biking has kept our muscles from atrophying.  Three years ago I had open heart surgery but was back on my bike within four weeks.

We often say that buying e-bikes was the best investment we have ever made because we have kept in shape and are out there in the fresh air, enjoying ourselves immensely.  Especially now with this Covid 19 happening, our e-bikes have become a life saver because we have not isolated but are able to distance and still be out there in the fresh air.

We can heartily recommend purchasing an e-bike if you have knee or hip problems.  You will get a good workout without putting extra strain on knees and hips.  Remember, your weight is primarily on your seat but you are using and moving all parts of your body including your arms and torso.  It is easier on the body to ride a bike than to walk.  I hope to be able to ride my e-bike until I am no longer able to walk”. Submitted by Christa Stegemann

Local Saltair Gal & ECyclist “Debbie Neil”

1)  I was returning to cycling for fun after a long break and I liked the idea of an e-bike because of the battery assist for hill climbing.  My son who is only 32 years old recently purchased an e-bike for the hills of Kamloops so e-bike span the needs of all ages and stages!

2)  I like the power option provided by an e-bike and still have my traditional bicycle to ride if the mood hits me.

3)  Cycling the streets of Saltair is fun.  The Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) is great for cycling but gaining access to it via Chemainus road can be daunting as it is narrow and very busy with car traffic.  We certainly could use bike lanes.

4)  I think it is both safer and more fun to cycle with a friend.  It is a great way to spend time with friends while social distancing.  Great way to feel connected to the community of Saltair.

5)  I would cycle to Chemainus and beyond on the Great Trail.

6)  I think an e-bike is a health boasting device as it gets you out and moving, good both physically and mentally.

7)  An e-bike is great for anyone any level but especially if you are compromised physically. 

  Submitted by Debbie Neil

“There are a few reasons  I transitioned to an ebike from a traditional peddle bike. Mostly I was tired of lugging my groceries up Oak st in Chemainus from the old 49th I needed help to manipulate the hill on my old ten speed.
Peddle assist and the throttle are very beneficial and now I can lug all the groceries I need without breaking a sweat.
I love riding my bike around Saltair especially down Nebel and Olsen road along Diana park area,overlooking the cornfield.
I ride the CVT at least twice a week to Chemainus and or Ladysmith as we don’t have any transit service here in Saltair,all year round ,rain or shine.  Without my ebike I probably would have to move.
I do feel I still get a workout, I like to peddle and conserve my battery.  Even when riding an ebike I still feel I am getting exercise!”  Submitted by Helen A.
“I want to put in a word about purchasing an e-bike. There are very nice people in the Nanaimo and Duncan bike shops, and they are definitely becoming more knowledgeable about e-bikes.
It really is important to spend some time road testing various bikes because it can be an expensive purchase and you need to be sure you find an e-bike that fits you. They are also much heavier than a regular bike, so look at a “push” feature to use when you are dismounted to climb a hill or have a bike breakdown. Also, if you have problems with arthritis in knees or hips, remember that you will probably have to step through the frame to mount your bike rather than push off and swing your leg over like we did when we were younger.
I have also talked to a number of people who have bought an e-bilke with a motor mounted on the rear axle. If you are remounting an e-bike and the power assist is on high or the gear ration in low, the bike can take off like a rocket! I think a motor mounted on the pedal ‘crankshaft’ is much safer, 
My wife and I purchased the best bike we could afford, and after two years of riding, we are really glad we did! We are also very pleased that we chose to buy locally from Kelly Demoline and Citrus Cycles. Kelly sells only e-bikes and is extremely knowledgeable. He has also provided us with excellent after sales service and is especially sensitive to the needs of seniors.  See you on the CVT!   Submitted Ed Nicholson. 
In Closing:
Saltair is specifically fortunate to have access to the Cowichan Valley Trail system which allows for a safe scenic ride away from the vehicle traffic of  Chemainus Road.  The Cowichan Valley Trail allows cyclists to access communities like Ladysmith and Chemainus for sightseeing and  local shopping.
Saltair ECyclists can also meander slowly through our quiet neighbourhoods via South Oyster School Rd, Olsen Rd, Wilcox, Clifcoe Rd and Stocking Creek Park.
 Always be mindful of sharing the trails with pedestrians, pets and horses, slow down and ring your bell when passing by.
If you would like information on choosing an Ebike:  Click here
There is also a local Ebike shop in Ladysmith Citrus Cycles:  Click this to go to Citrus Cycles
“Its hard NOT to smile when riding an electric bike!”
 Sunny Saltair Admin.

Volunteer Opportunity – Stocking Creek Park Native Planting Event

STOCKING CREEK PARK VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Bridge over Stocking Creek

Are you interested in spending more time  outside this fall? How about volunteering your time to initiatives that will improve the health of ecosystems of CVRD parks and trails through invasive plant removal, native planting, improving trail networks, and clean ups of natural areas.

Next volunteering event is being held on:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH ( This is a Pro-D day for School Dist.79)

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Prior to volunteering please  fill out the CVRD Volunteer form provided in the green highlighted link:  http://bttr.im/eui10

For directions and park information click here (https://www.cvrd.bc.ca/237/Stocking-Creek-Park). A CVRD staff member will be there to greet you.

We will provide tools and gloves. Please wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and long pants and sleeves and remember to dress for the weather. Please wear clothes that will protect your skin and that you don’t mind getting dirty or torn.
Please note that the only washroom at this site is at the other park entrance at Thicke Road (a fair walk from the work site). The work area is along maintained trails. We will be working alongside these in natural areas.
Please bring drinking water and snacks or lunch for yourself. We will also provide some beverages and snacks for the break.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions about this event using the below contact information:
Parks Volunteer Coordinator, Elizabeth Aitken
Elizabeth [dot] Aitken [at] cvrd [dot] bc [dot] ca
Office: 250-746-2649
Cell: 250-709-1739

Don’t forget to sign up for volunteering on line, please visit the following link: https://www.cvrd.bc.ca/275/Volunteering.

 

 

New Ivengar Yoga Classes for 2020

New Classes for 2020

Register with a pass now to secure your spot: limited passes available

All Classes are located at The Saltair Community Centre. Bring a yoga mat, (I always have extras if you don’t have one) dress comfortably with an added layer for the final cooling pose work. All other props are provided. Arrive 5-10 mins early first class to fill out a waiver. 

Level I –  Morning Retreat. Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9-10:15, starting January 7th and ongoing

Suitable to beginners and those developing an Iyengar practice. This is an excellent class to start your day: energize, strengthen and align body, mind and spirit.

Level I – Wednesdays Energize and Thrive 12:00-1:00  January 29th – March 11th

This class is suitable for beginners and those new to Iyengar Yoga. For those who rise later in the day or a great break from your work day!  Let’s undo negative postural habits and set the spine and the mind right for the rest of the week.

Level I/II – Thursdays Restore and Renew 4-5 pm January 9th – March 11th

Beginner and suitable to those who’ve practiced yoga but are new to Iyengar yoga. This class will have a definitive restorative element and be especially valuable for those looking to recalibrate at the end of the work week. Join us and take the time to care for yourself.

Level II – Thursdays Moving Upside Down! 6-7:15 pm Level II January 30th – March 11th. 

We will be working towards supported inversions, headstand and variations, shoulder stand and variations. Suitable to those with some yoga practice, yoga teachers or those new to Iyengar yoga with no injury to the head, neck or shoulders.

Information about levels
Level I is suitable for beginners or those with moderate knee, back, hip issues. Level I/II is suitable for those who have some experience in Iyengar yoga and also beginners. Level II is for those with some experience in yoga or beginners with no head, neck, shoulder injuries.

Pricing and registration:

You can purchase a flexible 8 class pass for $110 for  use with any and all the classes. Explore! Payment can be made by etransfer or in cash/cheque on your first class. Please email me if you are interested in purchasing a pass and if you plan to attend Moving Upside Down, please indicate in the email. As of the end of January once you purchase an 8 class pass, the pass has a four month expiry.

Give and get!

Encourage your friends to join our community. For those with current passes, I will gift you a class for every student you bring in who signs up with an 8 class pass. Please let your friends know you referred them to me in their email or communication to me and I will manually add a class to your pass. Thank you for the ongoing support!

Jessica Lowry
Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher
connect [at] alignwithjessica [dot] com

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Fitness For Life Classes at Saltair Centre

Fitness Classes at Saltair Centre

Ages 55 and Up! Mobility – Core – Balance- Strength- Stretching

Classes will begin Monday, September 16th at 10:15am at the Saltair Community Center gymnasium. Classes run for 60 minutes. ⁣⁣

You will learn a wide variety of techniques tailored to you meet your current fitness level. ALL fitness levels are welcome.

If you are under the age of 55 and are interested in attending a class please let me know in the comment section below and I’d be happy to offer a second class.
⁣⁣
Please email or call us to reserve your spot. Classes are limited to 12 people. $15.75 per person.⁣⁣

Coach and Instructor -Tyler Buck:  250-716-6306

or email: info [at] boundlessfitnessandnutrition [dot] ca

Visit the website

Summer Yoga Sessions at Saltair Community Centre

Summer Session and more!

Hello yoga students and prospective students,

I will be offering a summer schedule of Tuesday/Thursday morning Iyengar yoga classes at The Saltair Community Centre.  Here is the summer schedule. Drop in for $20 a class or purchase a flexible 8 class pass for $110.   Please consider inviting a friend to try a class as summer will be a good opportunity to introduce new students to the practise.  I will be returning to foundational work in all the poses and you’ll likely see/feel more repetition to solidify the work we’ve been doing.

Here is a link to the sequence that inspired this past Thursday morning’s back care sequence which was requested by students. We may continue with some of this work at next Tuesday’s class to add in additional pose work and bring Tuesday’s student on board so they can also practise at home.

A reminder if you purchased a ticket to the film/documentary: Iyengar: The Man, Yoga and The Students Journey, it is showing next Wednesday June 19th 4:30 at Cineplex Galaxy Cinemas. The event is sold out at this point!

Stay tune for news about fall classes and continuing practise support.

And one last thing! One aim of mine is to connect my yoga practise with my work as a performer/artist so if anyone is interested in supporting new Canadian theatre, I am performing in a reading of a new play, Wild Geese, on Thursday June 18th at the Port Theatre lobby.

Jessica Lowry
Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor
alignwithjessica.com

‘The study of asana (yoga postures) is not about mastering the posture. It’s about using the posture to understand & transform yourself.’ BKS Iyengar
Ivengar Yoga in the gym at Saltair Centre

Women’s Iyengar Evening Yoga Classes

Monday Strong
Iyengar Yoga Classes for Women

Where: Saltair Community Centre Gym

When: Mondays May 6th – June 24th. 7 sessions. (there will be no class on Victoria Day May 20th)

Time: 5:45-6:45 pm

Price: $105 for 7 sessions. 

Iyengar yoga offers specific practices that are hormonally stabilizing and intelligently embrace the myriad hormonal changes that women move through month-to-month, year-to-year.  The emphasis in Iyengar Yoga is cultivating awareness through alignment and feeling the changes that arise when we come into ourselves and undo negative habitual patterns- physically and mentally. The sequencing for women offers nourishing work that cultivates deep integration with the bodies natural processes.

My hope is that these classes will be a sanctuary and build a community that will help women develop true confidence through body and mind awareness. Women need to come together and share these practices now more than ever. Yoga offers exercise, awareness, stability outside of competitive environments that focus on results and performance.  We all deserve this kind of protected space to grow from within and to honour the miraculous changes a women moves through in her lifetime.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to share these teachings and my passion for both the discipline and creativity required to unveil our true selves.

Register and for more details contact Jessica

Jessica Lowry
Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor
alignwithjessica.com

Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor, Jessica Lowry
‘The study of asana (yoga postures) is not about mastering the posture. It’s about using the posture to understand & transform yourself.’ BKS Iyengar

Iyengar Yoga For Teen Girls

 

I am is a series of classes for pre-teen and teen girls ages 12-16.  Iyengar Yoga will be a regular practise with the intention of fostering awareness of self, balance and emotional stability. There will be a special focus on this practise offering pose work to stabilize the hormonal body and nourish ourselves during this time of great physical, mental and emotional change. Iyengar yoga offers specific beneficial practises for girls/women.

I will foster a unique, non competitive, exploratory, fun and safe space for teen girls to explore their authentic selves, voices, feelings through intelligent yoga practise.

Awareness is the gateway to change. And this is yoga.

Additionally, there will be a specific focus on leaving your phone at the door, exploring what that feels like through journalling, creative expression, and connection – to hold space for one’s self and for each other without a screen in between. Participants, by choice leave phones, internet aside.  ** No journalling will be required to be shared.

Our aim post i am classes is a return to the world, as a warrior in control of your destiny- more aware of tendencies and more importantly feelings, as they arise. You will leave with positive tools including several balancing Iyengar yoga sequences to navigate the world of self and others outside of the veil of connectivity that can be a dark side of technology.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to share these teachings with a generation that deserve the tools to lead  and live with clarity, confidence and love.

Please feel fee to share with those who might be interested.

Where: Saltair Community Centre

When: Mondays May 6th-June 24th, 3:30-4:30

Who: Girls ages: 12-16 

** There will be no session on the Monday 20th, Victoria Day.

Cost: $90 for 7 sessions. If financing is an issue please contact me.

Register and for more details contact Jessica

Jessica Lowry
Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor
alignwithjessica.com

Certified Iyengar Instructor, Jessica Lowry
‘The study of asana (yoga postures) is not about mastering the posture. It’s about using the posture to understand & transform yourself.’ BKS Iyengar

Spring Yoga Classes at Saltair Centre

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN JOINING UP FOR A SPRING SESSION OF IYENGAR YOGA with Certified Instructor, JESSICA LOWRY?

Spring into Iyengar Yoga at the Saltair Community Centre

  • Saltair Community Center
    Every Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9-10:15 am
    March 12th to  June 27th 2019
    ** there will be no class on Thursday, March 28th

Register now! Click on highlighted text to register

Whole session (31 classes): $320

8 class pass (can be used for any Tuesday or Thursday class): $110 – renew as needed.

Building a Foundation, part II will:

Focus on the building blocks of correct alignment: posture, strength, flexibility, stamina, balance and proprioception/awareness. Additional focus will be on how to build a practise at home. Even 5 minutes a day! Work well with heart and humour and be rewarded with a deep, nourishing restoration.
Offer Yoga for Every Body. Beginners and all levels encouraged!

These are beginner classes for those new to yoga or new to Iyengar yoga. Iyengar yoga is taught by rigorously tested teachers who train over several years: anatomy, philosophy, and practical, applied teaching skills. The Iyengar method offers yoga that is progressive, detailed, hands on, safe and accessible to every body.
Here is what students in Saltair are sharing about their experience:

“Your classes are fabulous! I had hip surgery last January and my hips felt better after this morning’s class than they have felt in a year! Thank you!” – Deborah Zellermeyer
“I have practiced a variety of yoga styles for many years and am only now hearing through Jessica’s Iyengar classes, how to pose properly. Jessica demonstrates point by point how to position and offers instruction which ensures safe and effective practice. I always feel grateful for our class.” – Celia Norris

“After a few weeks of teaching by Jessica, I am in love with this amazing yoga practice. Jessica is cheerful, professional, exceptionally knowledgeable and always fully prepared for the classes. She gives excellent group instructions and individual corrections to bring out the best in each of us in our practice. I have re-registered for additional classes and plan to make Jessica’s classes and Iyengar yoga a basic in my life.” – Deirdre Saunders

Contact Jessica to register and for further details. Class registration will be limited. Potential for additional classes if registration exceeds 25 students. Click on highlighted text for further information or to register

Jessica Lowry
Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor

“Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together.” B.K.S. Iyengar

Jessica Lowry, Certified Yoga Instructor