The Coal City Gravel ride will meet at Coal City Cycles this week for a loop around Mount Benson. The route is posted in the Discord # coal-city-gravel-ride channel.
Note that there will be no Coal City Cycles gravel ride next Saturday April 19, only a Green Gravel Ride. Make sure to check the calendar and discord for all the latest info on our rides!
Click here to view the store, with some new and returning favourites.
The Jackroo store has dynamic pricing which is a bit unique. The starting discount level for all team members is 20%. As team members place their orders and reach the next discount level, the price automatically drops for everyone, even for those who placed their order before the drop.
Final pricing for each item will be based on the highest discount level achieved for that item. Payment is processed after the close of the order period so everyone receives the same low price, regardless of when your order was placed. Yes, it’s that cool! Also please make sure to use the code “MIVA25” at checkout.
Orders will be accepted through April 28 at midnight, with an estimated arrival on May 14. To save on shipping costs all orders will be sent together and can be picked up at Coal City Cycles. After the store closes orders can still be accepted, but the best pricing, and free shipping is available during this group order period.
If you need assistance with sizing we recommend the Sizing Recommendation Service provided by Jackroo. Prior to your order you can input the requested information and a size recommendation will be provided to you. If this recommendation is incorrect, you pay to return the unused item to Jackroo (with tags on, and within 14-days of original delivery date), and Jackroo pays to have a new size created for you!
We are excited to offer custom MIVA gear for sale this year:
Water bottles for $10 each. Produced by Specialized in partnership with Rock City Cycles.
Socks for $20 a pair. Quality athletic socks in size S/M and M/L from Custom Lab, which is headquartered in Victoria.
We will have these for sale at the Spring Challenge, etransfer or cash accepted. If you aren’t able to be at the Spring Challenge please email miva.president@gmail.com to arrange pick up.
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.
