Change of Venue and Start Time for Sunday Ride (9 AM).

Thanks to some research by Mike and Graham, we have decided to relocate the start of the Sunday Ride back to the Landmark Square area on Dickson Avenue.  The Bean Scene is open again and selling coffee in paper cups.  We will gather in front of Landmark 6 (next to the Bean Scene), where there is lots of space for sitting and distancing, plus room for bikes.

Please also note that the ride will now be starting at 9 AM, weather permitting.  Social distancing rules as outlined in a previous post will apply.

Biggi Hikes The Pacific Crest Trail.

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.

The ‘New Normal’ for Killer Beez Group Bike Rides

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 18th 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 20th 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 24th 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.

Safe Social Distancing while Running and Biking.

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.

Bike Stolen

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.

Enjoy the Easter weekend!

Just a quick check-in to see how everybody is doing! Hope you’re staying safe and positive. We will get through this one too! It’s great to see everybody outside being responsible and distanced, and it seems to be working.

Remember to take care of your health by going outside – to replenish mind and body, and to avoid Vitamin D deficiency (which weakens the immune system)! Responsible/safe walking, cycling, etc. are all good to keep you healthy … whatever your own choice may be.

If you want to connect with 1 or 2 other Beez for an activity (socially distanced of course), feel free to reach out to them directly; email me if you’re missing contact information for a friend. There will be no group rides or hikes for now 🙁 Also, please use the comments section below to let us know how you are doing, whether you need help with anything (please don’t hesitate to ask!) and what keeps you strong during this time.

OSCR (Armstrong Ride) 2020 and Beez Group Rides are Cancelled.

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.

 

OSCR Ride Registration Reminder

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.

Waiver and Safety Rules

To view the content of the Kelowna Killer Beez website, you must read and agree to the following Waiver and Safety Rules that apply to all our rides. Compliance with these rules and the signing of an annual waiver is mandatory in order to participate in our group rides.

  • You are riding at your own risk!
  • All road rules and traffic signals must be followed.
  • A helmet must be worn. It’s the law.
  • You should have liability insurance to cover any potential accidents.
  • All participants must ride single file and in bike lanes where available.
  • Highly visible clothing should be worn at all times while riding.
  • Pass only on the left when it is safe to do so. Passing or pulling up to riders on their right is not permitted.
  • Use of headphones or cell phones while riding is not permitted.

By clicking “AGREE” you acknowledge that you ride at your own risk and comply with the safety rules.