Cranbrook, British Columbia
High-octane love
Wanda and Eric Beilman have a passion for motorsports and each other
On a new adventure:Wanda and Eric Beilman, both avid motorsports enthusiasts, were married in Orlando, Florida, last November. —Photo courtesy Wanda Beilman
When financial advisor Wanda Haddad (now Beilman) found Eric Beilman through an online dating site last May, she knew he was the one. There were several things that made her certain: she found him very attractive, he had a warm, engaging personality and he had been a professional motocross rider for 10 years.
“I thought, get me some water,” laughed Wanda, “because he’s hot.”
Eric was equally smitten. He was intrigued by the woman who owned 10 acres near Cranbrook, B.C., raised cattle, and rode horses, dirt bikes and sleds.
“She did everything your best dude friend would do,” said Eric. “She’s like one of the guys—but she’s smokin’.”
One thing stood in the way of an immediate first date: 5,000 kilometres. Eric lived in Miami, Florida. But after thousands of hours logged on late-night telephone calls and one amazing 11-day meeting in September, Eric made the choice to move his life to be with the woman he had fallen in love with. He asked Wanda to marry him—after gaining his future father-in-law’s blessing—and the two married in Orlando, Florida, in November of 2008.
“It was a no-brainer,” said Eric. “This is just like home for me.”
Eric said his friends and family loved Wanda almost as much as he did, and they knew the move north would be for good.
“They knew I wasn’t messing around,” he said. “(A friend) said, ‘I saw the look on his face; he’s not coming back.’”
The move to Canada hasn’t been without a learning curve. Eric has had to learn how to chop and stack firewood, install fence posts, tend to livestock and most importantly, ride a snowmobile. Snowmobiling is passion for Wanda and a pastime that her entire family enjoys. In January, Eric and Wanda headed up to Lumberton, a popular riding area around Cranbrook, and Eric got his first lesson in sledding. According to Wanda, he did just fine and looked good doing it.
The snow has all but melted near Lumberton now, and with the whirlwind romance, wedding and relocation behind them, the newlyweds are settling into domestic bliss. They plan to do some riding this summer—horses and dirt bikes—and Eric is in the process of getting the necessary paperwork done to allow him to work in Canada as a management consultant. And in the meantime, Eric and Wanda marvel at how their lives have come together.
“This is just so significant for us,” said Wanda. “We’re the richest people I know because we’re so much in love.”
British Columbia key contacts
-
Your Honda headquarters
At B&F Sales & Service Ltd., located in Grand Forks, B.C., we specialize in superior customer service. Our large supply of Honda products includes ATVs, motorcycles, lawn and garden wares, generators, snowblowers, walk-behind mowers and water pumps.
Equipped with a fully stocked parts department, we'll help you find all the accessories and dress-up items you've been searching for. Our qualified technicians are ready and willing to help with any question or concern you may have.
Let our friendly sales staff and competitive service be the reasons why you choose B&F Sales & Service Ltd. for all your recreation needs.
B & F Sales & Service Ltd. -
When you store start with STA-BIL
STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer is specially formulated to keep fuel fresh for quick, easy starts after storage. Normally, stored fuel can go bad in as little as 60 days, causing varnish deposits and corrosion to build up in engines; however, with STA-BIL's blend of scientific additives, fuel will stay fresh for up to two years (using twice the recommended dosage). It also cleans carburetors and fuel injectors, prolongs engine life and eliminates the need to drain fuel before storage. STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer can be used for all two- and four-stroke gasoline engines, including snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, boats, jet skis and other power equipment.
Gold Eagle Co -
HOW DOES SNOWMOBILING AFFECT CARIBOU?
As most snowmobiling occurs in high elevation areas, there is the potential for snowmobiling to disturb and displace these animals from their preferred habitat into areas less suitable and more prone to avalanches. Mountain caribou may also become stressed, which can affect energy reserves during critical time periods. In addition, snowmobile trails can provide easier access for predators into areas occupied by mountain caribou. Please take caution and be aware of, and avoid, mountain caribou in your riding area.
Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry Of EnvironmentPHONE: (250) 565-6135Email: e-mail this contact -
Revelstoke, BC
Real mountain life is closer than you think!
Revelstoke is home to some of the best adventure recreation opportunities in the world hiking, mountain biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, heli-hiking, canoeing, ATVing and much more. With two national parks at our doorstep, we have everything from gentle hikes to challenging climbs, fields of alpine flowers, spectacular waterfalls and interesting interpretive centres.
The massive Revelstoke Hydro Dam and its self-guided tour is not to be missed. The beautiful Revelstoke Golf Club situated along the Columbia River is both scenic and challenging. Three area hot springs resorts are great places to relax and soak up some sun.
Tourism Revelstoke -
Kootenay Rockies
Create your dual sport adventure today!
Dual Tracks Inc. is a dual sport motorcycle adventure company with guides who have years of backroad riding experience. We would like to introduce you to a DS motorcycle experience as we ride through the spectacular foothills and mountains of southern Alberta and British Columbia.
Dual Tracks offers adventure tours and training for either multi-day or multi-week sessions, as well as both half- and full-day rides. We supply bikes if needed, and meals for full-day participants.
Let us provide you with an unforgettable, challenging and safe DS ride. We believe that a great ride is best shared with others, hence our motto, "Dual Tracks, ride with friends."