Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine 2013 | Page 20

Father and son

IRONMEN,

with wheelchair

Every Ironman competition brings forward inspirational
stories. But this one, in a league all its own, features father
and son triathletes.
Dick and Rick Hoyt – otherwise known as Team Hoyt –
race even though son Rick was born with cerebral palsy
and competes in a wheelchair.
They began running together in 1977 when Rick was
just 15. After their first race Rick said, “Dad, when I’m
running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.” They’ve been
competing ever since.
During the event’s swim portion, Rick sits in a rubber
dinghy pulled by his father. For the bike race, Rick rides
on the front of a specially built tandem bicycle; for the
run, Dick pushes his son’s wheelchair.
In total, the Hoyts have competed in more than
1,000 endurance events, including 70 marathons and
six IRONMAN competitions.
This year Rick turns 51 and Dick 73, yet they still
plan to compete in 20-25 events a year (that’s
roughly two a month).

views all part of the unique and challenging course.” Of course,
taking in the triathlon is just one thing to keep you busy that
weekend. Whistler is all about big mountains -- fun, outdoorsy,
energetic and challenging.
Biking enthusiasts will be happy to learn that they are a lift
ride away from over 50 trails at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park
(Blackcomb Way, Whistler, B.C., tel: [phone]), complete
with jump parks and skills centre.
For a quieter cycling option, there’s another 200 km of
trails surrounding Whistler Village, the perfect way to explore
the attractive town. Its 40 kms of paved trails connect all of
Whistler’s neighbourhoods. Walk, run or cycle your way from lake
to viewpoint to a beautiful picnic spot! For more information on
different ways to enjoy the trail, map out your route at whistler.
com/activities/.
After a full day of outdoor adventures, you’ve probably worked
up quite the appetite. Fortunately, Whistler Village is home to many
hidden culinary gems. For a quick bite, check out El Furniture King,
or ‘El Furny’ as the locals call it. El Furny has become the undisputed
local king of value, with every meal priced at just $4.95. From
mushroom-swiss burgers to tacos to quinoa green salads, it’s the same
price, all day, every day. There are gourmet upgrades (like the delicious
onion rings) but value’s the name of the game here. Combine that with
a super casual, friendly, cool vibe and it’s no surprise El Furny is a new
hot spot in Whistler. (El Furniture Warehouse, 24-4314 Main St., Whistler,
B.C., 604-962-8848)

Editor’s Note:
Dick and Rick Hoyt were
competing in this year’s
Boston Marathon. They were
only about a mile from the
finish line when the two
bombs went off. Along
with thousands of other
runners, they were stopped
by officials who prevented
them from completing the
race. Neither was injured.
Ironically, a bronze statue
honouring the Hoyts was
dedicated near the start of
the Boston Marathon just
one week prior to
this year’s race.

complete without an evening at the Bearfoot Bistro (4121
Village Green, Whistler, B.C., (604-932-3433). Enjoy a meal
specially crafted by award-winning executive chef Melissa
Craig and be sure to visit the Belvedere Ice Room, the
coldest v