MIVA 20KM I.T.T. Nanaimo River Road

April 27^th, 2012Nice night tonight a bit cool windy but dropped significantly as the riders came back from the turn. The organiser mad a dreadful error in going to the 20km turn instead of the 15km turn. He hasn't done that kind of thing in about thirty years. Senile dementia must be setting in. Observing the riders out on the course, some were very efficient, with good form and high cadence but others were not taking advantage of the aero equipment on their bikes and had too slow-a -cadence. Here is a good article on RPM for cycling. http://www.cycle-faster.com/using-high-cadence-to-cycle-faste

On a very wet windy, and cold, cold evening, four riders completed the club's first time trial of the 2012 series. Two were returning riders and two were new to our events. The lone man, Ian Drown, did a creditable 29'03” in his first attempt at 15km. In the womens category, newcomer Katy Condon did a very good first 15km in just over 28 and a half minutes, having ridden out to the course beforehand.. Janna Gillick, starting last, overtook all the other starters and finally finished a great ride in 24 and three quarter minutes with Colleen Wtorek who was first off almost 5 minutes slower. It's heartening to see riders out on such an unpleasant evening and bodes well for the numbers later on in the season.

Only two days after the club received its first order of clothing, nearly all jerseys, bib shorts and jackets are gone.  All those who were disappointed should send in a prepaid order by this Friday as a second order will be sent in then. The MIVA clothing is high quality and beautiful fit. It  is an absolute bargain when compared with anything produced by the "designer" marques. Get those orders in pronto so you won't be disappointed again.

Monday, thirteen people showed up at the Aquatic Centre for the first evening clubrun. Most of the participants were ten or more minutes early. Before the start, Coordinator Janna Gillick, who is MIVA's Directeur Sportif Feminin,  gave a short talk on the priorities for the run - safety, proper signalling to other road users and to other riders in the group, and stressed that hills could be ridden at each rider's own pace as the group would reform at each summit. We then took off (yes, your old fart of an editor went along too) and soon were on Nanaimo Lakes Road, one of the longer hills, with a number of steep sections. As promised, lead cyclist Colleen Wtorek made sure that we were all present after each climb and then we set off again.

The descent to Nanaimo River Road, halfway along the MIVA time trial course, was exhilarating and your editor was pleasantly surprised at the descending  and drafting skills shown by a number of the riders and the general level of fitness.

After reaching the time trial start location, we then turned onto White Rapids Road and enjoyed the fast ride down to the Trans Canada Highway at Chase River. Then it was time to head back to the Aquatic Centre as twilight was approaching. All arrived safely and it was obvious that everyone had enjoyed the 31km ride.

Next Monday, the clubrun will start at 6pm at Oak Bay Bikes and (hopefully for your ed.) tackle some somewhat gentler terrain.

Thanks to Janna and Colleen for an excellent job.

The weekly race schedule for the club starts this Thursday with a 15km time trial on Nanaimo River Road. The first criterium is on the Boxwood circuit on May 1st. please check the race schedule for all times, dates and locations. PDF now online of our scheduled events, check it out here.  Our calendar will be updated shortly.