Author: Mel Saari

Some of you in the Killer Beez community may be unaware that Biggi started her conquest of the Pacific Crest Trail on Friday, May 22nd.  4,265 kilometers long, the PCT travels from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington and spans the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountain Ranges.  It’s quite a formidable challenge especially since she had to postpone the start by a month due to the pandemic.  Because of the delay, Biggi started her hike in Dunsmuir (on Interstate 5 in Northern California near Mount Shasta) and is travelling North.  Once she reaches the northern end of the trail she will travel back to Dunsmuir and complete the southern part.

You can click here to track Biggi’s progress and offer encouragement.

A number of Beez have expressed an interest in restarting our group rides, particularly now that BC has officially started Phase 2 of reopening the Province during the Covid 19 pandemic. According to Phase 2, BC is now allowing groups of up to 6 people (friends or relatives who do not live with you) to get together with appropriate social distancing.  For the complete, up-to-date information on British Columbia’s response to COVID-19 please click here.

For those interested in the positions of the Federal and Provincial Cycling Associations regarding Covid 19 please click on the following links (as an informal group, the Killer Beez is not bound by the rules and regulations of these bodies):

Cycling BC

Cycling Canada

As of Monday, May 18^th the Interior Health Region had 181 confirmed cases of Covid 19 with only 1 person hospitalized and no one in ICU. For an up-to-date report on Covid 19 cases click here for the BC Covid 19 Dashboard.

Due to the start of Phase 2 by the government of BC and the low incidence of Covid 19 cases in our region we have decided to restart the Wednesday, Friday and Sunday Killer Beez group rides this week with the following conditions:

• Appropriate social distancing must be practised before, during and after the rides.
• Pace lines are prohibited. Click here for more information in this regard.
• Riders will go out in groups of 6 maximum with a staggered start based on desired distance, route and pace.
• Spitting and snot rockets are prohibited.

The Wednesday Group ride will start on May 20^th at 5 PM from Kelowna Cycle.

The Friday Group Ride will start on May 22nd at 9 AM from Starbucks (101-2231 Louie Drive) in West Kelowna.

The Sunday Group ride will start May 24^th at 10 AM from the SE side of Capital News Centre. Exit east off Gordon onto Lequime.  Click here for a map. There’s lots of parking, a porta-potti plus a large grassy area for socializing after the ride (bring your own blankets, chairs, food & drinks).

NB. Your choice to participate in these group rides is your own personal decision. Each cyclist should consider his/her risks – greater public exposure, expanding your social circle. Are you living with someone who is sick or with elderly family members?   Do you or a family member have compromised immune systems?  If you are not feeling well, have COVID 19 symptoms, are living with or have been in contact with someone with COVID 19, or are self isolating, please do not participate in these rides.

On each group ride, be aware of who you are cycling with in case tracing is required.

We are all in this together and everyone must do their part to keep each of us and others safe.

Thanks Biggi for the following article which sheds some light on the controversy regarding safe, social distancing while engaging in outdoor activities such as running and biking:

Inside the Controversial 6-Foot Social-Distancing Study

“A good rule of thumb? Give as much space when passing others as is safely possible, whatever that is. If things are so congested that you can’t pass safely, it’s time to consider other routes and workout times, or work out indoors.”

Be safe out there.

Layton Carefoot’s road bike was stolen from his garage last week.  Following is a picture of Layton’s bike:

Please call Layton at 250-575-0202 if you see this bike.

Here’s some more food for thought as regards safe and responsible riding in today’s pandemic conditions  (Riding in the time of Covid-19) as submitted by Larry Wright.  Thanks Larry.

Your comments are welcome.

The following article from road.cc was received from Lawrence Berg and deals with “How much distance should you leave to the cyclist ahead in a time of pandemic?”  Please review this before going out on your next ride.  It makes a very strong case for only riding solo during this time.   Thanks for this Lawrence.

Your comments are welcome.

Cycling Canada has recommended the cancelling all cycling events scheduled for May due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.  Therefore Lisa Jaffrey issued a statement today saying that the OSCR (Armstrong Ride) has been cancelled for 2020.  Lisa stated that the OSCR is next scheduled for Sunday May 30, 2021 with registration on Monday April 5, 2021.

Due to the pandemic the popular Killer Beez group rides will also not be starting up this season.  Even though the BC Centre for Disease Control allows public gatherings of 50 people maximum, a large group ride would not be acceptable under current conditions.  However, riders must ride and we can continue to do so in small groups (2 – 3) while practicing social distancing.  Call up a Bee friend you haven’t seen for a while and ask them to join you for a ride.

Be safe out there.  Keep your distance and respect others.

 

Lisa Jaffary asked to remind everyone that the OSCR Ride (also known as the Armstrong Ride) registration is coming up soon.

• OSCR 2020 Registration is on Monday April 6, 2020
• Registration opens at 6 am and fills up within 2 hours.
• Click here to register online on April 6th.
• Date of OSCR Ride – Sunday May 31, 2020
• OSCR Training Rides will take place on Saturday April 25, at 9 am.
• 40km and 70 km training ride routes will be available.
• Training Ride registration is available when you register for the OSCR Ride.

Here’s the perfect cross-country ski event for all of you Cookie Monsters out there (Graham).

Date: Sunday March 1st, 2020

Time: 10 am to 2 pm

Location: Kelowna Nordic Main Cabin

Kelowna Nordic is celebrating the 2020 season with the best ski trails anywhere, which calls for a celebration—with prizes, chili, hot dogs and of course COOKIES! 

Join us on March 1^st, 2020 for a ski tour of either:

·         6 km one cabin ski loop to Log cabin,

·         12 km two cabin ski loop to Log and Meadow Cabins, or

·         16 km three cabin loop to Log, Meadow and Back Country Cabins.

There will be volunteers following each group, on this self-guided event. There will be colourful signs at intersections pointing you in the right direction based on your chosen route. Each cabin will be stocked with cookies for you to enjoy along your journey.

Back at the Main Cabin, there will be pots of chili, and drinks awaiting your return and a bonfire to roast marshmallows.

***Bring your bowls and spoons for the chili*** Who wants to use plastic spoons and paper bowls? We will have bowls and spoons for those that forget to bring their own.

All of this fun and food will be provided for a $5.00 donation.

Now, about those lovely prizes from Fresh Air, Kelowna Cycle and Anthony’s Subaru, how do you get those? You need to register that you’re going to attend. This will let us know you’re coming so we know how much food to prepare and to enter you in the prize draw. Register today with Wendy Vandenberg (wvandenberg@telus.net) for the festivities.

Note: please bring water for the tour and eat your cookies responsibly 

 

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