Category: Local cycling info

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MYTHS

Before getting into the myths, I would like to ask for your support again: We have been maintaining the Beez blog with volunteer hours for probably 10-12 years now. With recent changes to implement the waiver, we needed help from a web developer and we would like to ask for your contribution to help cover his charges. Please consider sending a $10 Interac transfer right now (gmcmynn@gmail.com).
$10 for all these years of communication about starting times, special rides, cycling articles and more seems like a great deal!  
 
Now, the below list aims to debunk some myths that I have heard over the last few days:
  • Yes you need to sign the waiver even if you just occasionally drop into a Beez group ride.
  • No it’s not a hassle, it takes 15 seconds. Once a year.
  • Yes we are checking the list at group rides.
  • No there is no cost for the waiver, the rides, the fun you have with your cycling buddies. But you have to sign the waiver.
  • Yes, thank you, we also think it works really well! 15 seconds, once a year.
  • No, we are still not a club.
  • Did I say you have to sign the waiver if you plan to join any of the rides in 2023?
THANK YOU!
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Victoria Group Rides Update

The Victoria Group Rides are only 2 weeks away.  Fingers crossed for good weather and no smoke.

Riders are arranged into two groups based on pace.  The B group (moderate pace) will start all rides at 9 AM.  The A group (fast pace) will start all rides at 9:15 AM. 

Riders will be advised of the group they are in by email.

The starting point for all of our rides is the Dallas Road parking lot just East of the intersection of Dallas Road and Douglas Street in Beacon Hill Park.  Click here for a map showing the starting point.   Please note that the maximum allowed parking time is 3 hours.  Therefore it is recommended that you cycle to the starting point rather than drive.

Following is the schedule and routes for all of the rides.  Garmin Connect versions of these routes are also available.

Many thanks to Lawrence Berg for providing us with so many interesting routes and for offering to lead us in exploring them.

Be aware that these are unsupported rides (no support vehicle) and therefore all participants must carry ample food, drinks, etc for their needs.

A waiver must be signed in order to participate in these rides.  Please click here to access and complete the waiver.  This waiver applies to all Killer Beez group rides for 2023 so if you have already signed it there is no need to sign it again.

Each rider is asked to contribute $15 to cover meals and ferry fees for our ride leaders plus other miscellaneous expenses.  This will be collected in Victoria.

A dinner for all riders and their partners/spouses is being held at 5 PM on Friday, August 25th at Browns Social House, located at 809 Douglas Street.  Please let us know in the comments section who and how many will be attending so we can advise the restaurant.

See you soon in Victoria.

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Good to go!

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

Sorry, we have noticed and fixed some of the technical issues so the waiver is working fine again!

Please remember to sign the new waiver if you plan on joining any of the Killer Beez group rides. Instructions in the previous post:

Click here to open and sign the waiver!

Also, please consider contributing to the costs for this waiver, professional website work and domain registration for our blog by sending $10 via Interac to gmcmynn@gmail.com.

We appreciate your support ❤️

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Action needed: SIGN and SEND

Photo by Alessio Soggetti on Unsplash

Fellow Beez!

With Peter’s help, we have now implemented a waiver for our group rides that is available on the website. Everybody who wants to ride with the group in Kelowna and around the Okanagan (out-of-town special rides) needs to fill out this waiver once a season. 
 
For 2023, please go to:
 
and enter your information. If you are not already part of the mailing list (you get a notification when a new blog post is published), you will get added to it unless you opt out. A few of us will have access to a master list of registered riders that is available on our phones so we will check this list against riders showing up for any of the rides. 
 
So please don’t delay and fill this out today – it only takes a few seconds!
If you are not on this list, you will not be able to join any group rides!
 
In addition, implementing this meant we had to use Peter’s IT skills and time, which is what he does for a living and therefore we incurred some costs. All the rest of the work on the website so far has been completed by volunteers (and domain costs paid) but we ask you this time to contribute a small amount to this necessary website upgrade.
 
Please send an Interac/email transfer to gmcmynn@gmail.com for $10 and we will collect these contributions to reimburse Graham. 
Thank you!
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A Gran Fondo for E-Bikes

If you are hankering to do a fondo this year and ride an e-bike, this is the one for you.

It’s the Creston – Kootenay Lake Gran Fondo which will be held in Creston, BC on September 23rd, 2023.

Click here for the full details.

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Armstrong / Enderby Group Ride

It’s once again time to enjoy one of the Killer Beez favourite rides: the Armstrong / Enderby Group Ride.  The ride will be held on Sunday, August 13th and will start from Memorial Park in Armstrong at 9 AM sharp.  The ride crosses over to the East side of Highway 97 and meanders through scenic farmland up to Enderby and Grindrod.  Ahhh, the birds, the bees, and the scent of fresh cow manure.  After a rest break and ice cream at Farmer Johns, we climb up onto the bench and head back to Armstrong via Deep Creek Road.  There is the option to climb Grandview Bench Road when we leave Farmer Johns.  Michael Malkowski will lead us with regroups along the route to make sure no one goes astray.  The total distance covered is about 68 km.

Route Map

Hope to see you there.

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Ferry Reservations for Victoria Group Rides

Word is out that it might be tough to get ferry reservations to Victoria unless you make them early.  Therefore anyone travelling from the Okanagan to participate in the Victoria Group Rides (August 24 – 27) should consider reserving a ferry ride now to make sure that you are not disappointed.

Some of you may also wish to car pool in order to reduce costs and plus save the environment.  This could be done from Kelowna or from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.

A group dinner for all participants and ride leaders has been scheduled for 5 PM, Friday, August 25th at Browns Social House located at 809 Douglas Street. 

So far we have 22 registered for this event.  There is still space for 8 more participants.  If interested, please click here for more details and route maps.  Also click here for an update posted on May 8th.

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.