Are you newer to gravel, or are you looking for a less technical or slower paced gravel ride? MIVA’s Green Gravel rides are a great way to grow your skills and legs in a supportive, no-drop group format, meaning we'll regroup to make sure no one gets left behind. Green Gravel rides will start April 19, check our calendar for dates, meeting locations, and routes.

Routes will generally include gravel roads with surfaces appropriate to grow your skills without being too overwhelming. Routes are best enjoyed on a gravel bike with tires 38mm or larger. More seasoned gravel riders are welcome, but please do not push the pace. If you are frequently finding yourself off the front, go back and ride alongside or behind the slowest rider.

Rides can include remote areas without vehicle access or cell service. Riders are expected to be prepared for longer rides, carrying supplies for basic mechanicals, fuel and hydration.

This ride requires MIVA membership. Join here, or or you can try two MIVA events with signed waivers. Waivers can be found on the "About Us" page: either print, sign and bring along, or fill it out and email to miva.board@gmail.com

If you have more questions please reach out!

Before the MIVA clothing store opens April 9th we would like to give you the chance to review some of the items that will be available. Further details about each item can be found on the Jakroo site (Custom Products / Road Bike). There will be more items than shown here, hopefully this sample will peak your interest.

We have tweaked some of last years designs plus we have added to the collection a new gilet, packsack, socks and a proper cycling cap.

Fondo

Two jersey styles will be available: the race fitting Nova Pro and the more relaxed Fondo jersey. It would be advisable to get sizing advice from last year’s costumers. The MTB style shirt Flow SS will also be available.

Mistral

Two light wind/rain resistance jackets are available. The differences between the Barrier Pro and Mistral are subtle so I would recommend checking the Jakroo clothing site.

Ventura

If you plan on spending long 5+ hours in the saddle the Ventura cargo bib would be recommended. Thicker padding and cargo thigh pockets will be appreciated on those more adventurous rides. The Solar Pro bib is the competitive option wth less frills. The Luxe cycling shorts are also available.

The Epic gilet is new for 2025. Dual back pockets, breathable wind resistant fabric and a 2 way zipper. This should be a popular addition.

Epic

Epic

We have also added the Century cycling cap and small Scout backpack that easily fits into a jersey pocket.

Century

Scout

Another year and a fresh start to Strava Challenges. After some discussion we are putting up the same challenges as last year, maybe next year we will make some adjustments or if members rise up with pitchforks and demand change we will tweak the list. The segments are an interesting collection of popular bike routes, some flat (TTish) and others requiring strong climbing strength. Despite the remarkable participation in 2024, only a handful of club members managed to finish all the challenges.

In the table below please note the start of the two week interval when the challenge is active, the closing date and the 2024 average time of MIVA members for this challenge. The average gives a majority of the club members a meaningful reference. In 2024 at least one segment KOM was set, impressive. Note there is a 2 week makeup period starting August 4th when all the challenges will be open.

At the end of the season when all the efforts have been tallied, there will be prizes for the top three women and top three men. For us mortals who have not made it to the podium, and have completed at least 3 challenges, you will be selected for one of 4 draws weighted by the number of segments completed. So get out there and ride.

#	Strava Segment	Start Date	Close Date	avg 2024
1	Maxey Sprint	14 April 2024	27 April 2025	3:45
2	Nanaimo River Rd - Yellow Gate to White Rapids Rd	28 April 2025	11 May 2025	30:44
3	Rolly Polly to the top!	12 May 2025	25 May 2025	8:56
4	Cedar Rd Northbound - Hwy to Gould Rd W	26 May 2025	8 June 2025	15:32
5	MIVA 20K TT OUT	9 June 2025	22 June 2025	19:56
6	It was all yellow	23 June 2025	6 July 2025	29:26
7	Rolly Polly to the bottom!	7 July 2025	20 July 2025	5:14
8	MIVA Doumont Hill Climb	21 July 2025	3 August 2025	16:56
*	Strava Challenge Makeup	4 August 2025	17 August 2025	-

The Strava Segment names in the table are links to the Strava page, may require logging in

Points: 1st place 12 points, 2nd 10 points, 3rd 9 points, 4th 8 points etc. Minimum of 1 point.

Please note: Sunday rides should be posted before 10pm else they may get lost.

Weather permitting, Coal City Gravel rides will start Feb 22.

If you haven’t already: Register here

Check the calendar for details and Discord to keep up on all the latest. Join Discord here

See you out there!

Happy New Year!

2025 Club Registration is now open! Register here

We are looking forward to another great year in cycling! MIVA membership gains you access to weekly road and gravel rides, friendly competition via our Strava challenges, and special events such as our Spring and Summer challenges. Gravel rides are expected to start in February and road rides in April, keep an eye on our calendar for all the latest.

MIVA is an IMBA affiliate club, insured under Oasis Insurance, so Cycling BC membership is not required in order to become a MIVA member. As members of a IMBA affiliated club, MIVA members are eligible for discounts on optional personal liability, accident, or physical bike damage insurance coverage through Pedal Power. To find out more, go to: https://pedalpowerinsurance.ca, click on “Get an Online Quote” and under “Membership to Participating Provincial Association” select “International Mountain Bicycling Association of Canada”, or consult with your insurance professional.  

Other Ways to be Involved

Volunteers are truly what keeps MIVA rolling along!

We would like to thank each and every one of our ride leaders who generously gave their time week after week for the countless road and gravel rides in 2024: Patrick, Lesley, Brad, Eric, Susan, Shep, Erin, Carey, and David. If you are interested in becoming a ride leader for 2025 please email miva.president@gmail.com or reach out to any one of the board members.

In addition we’d like to thank all those that volunteered with the Nanaimo Unpaved and Hot Cross Bunnies events this past year. Volunteer support is critical to being able to run local events, and profits from both of these events are shared back to MIVA.

I’d also like to acknowledge the 2024 Board members for their leadership and service. All of our 2024 board members are willing to stand for re-election for 2025 at our AGM (date TBA). If you are interested in joining the board, or have any questions, please let us know.

Discord

While we wait for the official 2025 calendar to start, make sure to join us on the MIVA discord server for informal indoor and outdoor rides, as well as bike talk, buy & sell and more. Join Discord here.

Hope to see you out there soon!

Christine Schilling- President