Author: Mel Saari

With the introduction of a no-fault system by the Insurance Corporation of BC in 2020, BC cyclists are behind the 8 ball if they are involved in an accident with a motor vehicle.  Click here to learn the unfortunate facts.

Be extra careful out there.

Having received numerous inquiries regarding plans to repeat last years 3 day Kootenay Cycle Trip, we are now in the very preliminary stages of compiling a list of those interested. The tentative dates are Saturday Aug 27th to Tuesday Aug 30th. The route would be the same as last year but in reverse. We would start and finish in Castlegar.  Day 1 would be Castlegar to New Denver, day 2 would be New Denver to Nelson via Kaslo, and day 3 would be Nelson back to Castlegar.  Each day is would consist of a minimum of 100 kms of riding and approximately 1,000 meters of elevation.  Support cars would accompany riders.  Hotel rooms have been held.  If you are interested in participating please email kootenaytrip@shaw.ca to be added to the list and receive further information as it becomes available.

Regards to All.

Angus

Finally,  it looks the weather might be warming up.  Therefore it’s time to officially start the Killer Beez Group Rides for 2022.

The Saturday ride will start from the Bread Company parking lot on Pandosy at 10 AM.

The Sunday ride will start from the Landmark Bean Scene at 10 AM.

The Wednesday ride has a new starting location, route and start time.  This ride will now start from the Landmark Bean Scene at 2 PM and will do the Airport Loop with optional hilly sections each week.

Start your engines ! !

Lisa Jaffary is urgently seeking a Food Director for the OSCR Committee which organizes the Okanagan Shuswap Century Ride scheduled for May 29th, 2022.

This position involves coordinating with the Armstrong Kin Club.

Notes, to-do items and contact names and numbers are prepared.

Volunteer time: Only 1-2 hrs per week through April and May plus 2 director meetings.

Past Food Directors have ridden the Century Ride as the Kin Club volunteers take over during the ride.

Perks – being part of a great event and committee, giving back to the cycling community, free entry to Century Ride and celebration dinner in June.

Please consider volunteering for this position so this ride can proceed.  Call Lisa at 250 861 5166 with any questions.

Here’s some good news.  One of our favourites, the Okanagan Shuwap Century Ride is scheduled for Sunday, May 29th, 2022.  This is the word directly from Lisa Jaffary.  Registration starts at 6 am on Monday, April 4th, 2022.  Click here for the OSCR website where you can register and get the complete details on routes available.  If you are interested in participating in this ride, register early, as it sells out quickly.  The maximum number of riders is 500.  4 distances are available: 14 km, 51 km, 73 km and 100 km.https://www.traditionrolex.com/9

Lisa is looking for some volunteers for the OSCR organizing committee.  If you are interested, you may contact her through the OSCR website.

The street sweepers are out doing their thing.  That’s great.  However there are a couple of route closures to let you know about, thanks to Mike.

A) There is a complete closure of the Rail Trail for 1 km from Dilworth Drive to near Walmart.  The City has built a detour through the forest, made of fine, packed gravel (yellow dashed line).   However, the detour can get quite soft and muddy, therefore is not suitable for skinny road tires.  There is an alternate route for roadies along Leckie Rd, Hunter Court and Enterprise Way (blue line).  The bike lanes are not swept yet, but are in reasonable condition.  TURN INTO THE ALLEY-WAY OPPOSITE WALMART TO REJOIN THE RAIL TRAIL  This comprises of about 100 meters of fine, packed gravel that is usually hard and dry.

B) Old Vernon Road at the north end of the Airport is completely closed.  The old wooden bridge is being replaced. (It’s about time, huh?!!)  There is no route to ride a loop of the Airport until this project is finished.

Now for some gossip, Graham M has a new Trek road bike.  He  broke it in by doing some riding on the Galloping Goose last week and is now feeling confident enough to take the training wheels off.

Looks like the cross country skiing season is rapidly coming to an end.  That makes some of us sad.  Time change gears and dust off the hiking shoes and bikes.

Where are those street sweepers anyway??  I know some of you hardy gravel bikers are already out there.  However some of us don’t want to wear 14 layers and a toque under our helmet.

Anyway, we should be riding soon.  In anticipation, click here for some of the popular things cyclists say and do.  You might recognize yourself or not.

See you out there soon, I hope.

Calling all hikers.  It’s time for a Winter walk in the woods at Sutherland Hills Park.  The hike will start at 9 AM on Friday, January 14th from the Eco Centre parking lot at Mission Creek Park.  Crampons and rain gear could be required so bring them along.  This is a mellow, scenic hike of about 5 – 6 km.

If you’ve never seen a Cycle-cross race before check out this video.  It shows highlights from the 2021 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships for Elite Men.  Cycle-cross races are super exciting as they involve many tight turns and rapid terrain changes.   These guys are GOOD !!

It’s too cold to ski, so why not hike instead. 

Let’s meet at the Knox Mountain parking lot at 12 PM on Wednesday, December 29th.  Climbing Knox should get us warmed up.  If not, coffee afterwards should do the trick.