Okay, you have to be a bit nuts to even think the Snow to Surf Team Relay race may be remotely fun, let alone something which deservedly draws participants from up and down Vancouver Island year after year.

Maybe it's equal parts spring ritual and dogged perseverence – whatever its dubious charm, the Snow to Surf has captured the imagination of several intrepid Quadrites who have signed up for a day of collective sportsplay celebrating all the things outdoorsy types profess to love here in Island country. It's all a bit, uh, counter-intuitive, as the race kicks off with a bunch of skiers running in full downhill regalia UP the mountain where they strap on their awaiting skis – no, make that first they try to FIND their awaiting skis – then they muster whatever remaining strength/breath they have in their overheated bodies, and pitch themselves down the same patch of mountain they've just schlepped up....

Okay, you're getting the idea. From the downhill skiers the torch is figuratively passed to skate skiers, then to mountain bikers, road bikers and finally to two sets of runners. (Why two? Presumably in case one requires a knee replacement mid-race). But it's not over till it's over, and following this ragtag descent of Mt Wash, there's still the 'surf' part to contend with. At sea level it's over to the – canoeists? canoers? the people in canoes – and the kayakers who bring the whole mess thankfully to an end.

Yes, Quadra, you will be ably represented by the likes of Meg Stewart, Deb Hughes, Erika Kellerhals, Robyn Budd and Darren Ebbeson. Rounding out the team are also Syd Lapan and Crista Hrabok from Courtenay.

Known collectively as The Gumbooters, the aim of the team is to really kick – all that needs kicking, and do us all proud in the process.

Any massage therapists, physios and DIY knee surgeons who wish to support the team are welcome to profer their services for Quadra dollars or lots of beer.

The race is on Sunday April 29. Really, the Gumbooters just can't wait.