The threat of rain kept the majority of the riders waiting until the morning of the ride, and luckily the showers held off for the most part. Overall 45 cyclists took part in this mornings ride, with 26 people taking on the 100k and 19 people in the 50k route (thank you Patrick for creating them). It was great to see such a diverse group of cyclists take part in the event, with the highlight seeing 40+ lycra clad cyclists in one room sharing a beer and a few laughs.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped to pull it together behind the scenes, and to Superstore for donating platters for post ride. The biggest thank you has to go to White Sails Brewing for stepping up like no other today. Co-owner (and MIVA member) Monty McKay, Brad, Teighlor, along with the staff worked hard to put together prizes and accommodate MIVA. Allowing MIVA to set up shop for 6 hours out front and inside, as well as letting 40 some bikes be parked right inside the brewery was amazing. They gave away 6 draw prizes, and on top of that a bomber of White Sails beer for every single rider at the social. If you haven't been there yet definitely check them out it's a great spot with tasty beers. This won't be the last MIVA event held here!

Want to learn to repair a flat from an expert?Monday night 5:15, NIC parking lot. Robin of Coal City Cycles will lead you through this skill with tricks and tips and perhaps some free swag. Come one come all. Monday night ride to follow at 6pm as usual.

One final follow up before tomorrows ride! 1: Registration: Online at Webscorer , or if you're like most and want to wait until the last minute, day of registration and cash is fine as well. Don't need cycling BC or to be a MIVA member. $10 per person.

2: Start and finish is at White Sails Brewing. The goal is for everyone to FINISH at noon together. Start your ride accordingly at check in.

3: Corey will be at check in out front of White Sails from just before 8am.

4: Parking - behind White Sails there is a small lot under construction (but not on Saturday). 100k'ers should park here as the Maffeo Sutton parking is 3 hours max. Maffeo will be fine for the 50k group.

5: Routes: We're going mostly paperless here, so if you wish to print the route off at home prior please do. The 50k route is here, the 100k route is here. When you open the route in your Strava app you should first Favourite it by hitting the star, then hit 'use this route' for guidance. Again it is an unmarked course so bring along the directions if you wish to be sure.

6: Not a race. Read this again.

7: One more time, not a race. This is a fun group ride to meet like minded people and have a social beverage at a quality brewery afterwards.

8: I will have all the extra MIVA gear at the registration if you are interested bring cash or cheque for this. Water bottles, socks, knee warmers, winter cycling hats, cycling caps, etc.

Last but not least, MIVA sponsor White Sails Brewing is really stepping forward to support this event (and the club overall this year), so be sure to come inside post ride for some post ride socials and be eligible for awesome draw prizes. White Sails has also let it slip that everyone who partakes in the social will go home with something. On top of that Superstore has committed to providing platters of appys that we will have available for all.

Thanks for your support!

It was a fast night for the debut time trial of 2016, with 19 starters lining up in race 1 of 16 in the Rock City Cycles TT Series. Don Gillmore hosted an informative TT clinic that covered everything from gearing to cornering, thank you Don for sharing your knowledge and experience with the club.

MIVA moved to 30 second intervals instead of the traditional 60 seconds, which meant the timekeeper had to stay focussed and chat less. It definitely made for a tighter TT with some fast times as people had to battle to pass the person in front and avoid drafting.

Usually the first night of the TT series is a 'warm up' of sorts for many, but tonight the dedicated racers turned in some very fast times with multiple PBs as well as a NEW COURSE RECORD in the Youth Male Category.  Ian Gillmore (11 years old) hit it hard turning in a smoking 26:54 over the 15k (33.4km/hr average speed). The previous record, held by him as well, was 28:42 set on the last day of the 2015 season. Well done Ian! Aiden Hare came in with a 31:52, just 29 seconds behind his sister Abigail Hare, who rode a steady 31:23 to get her quest for another youth female crown off on the right foot.

The female category was a bit sparse with some regulars hill climbing in California, but the 3 battled hard with Lisa Mcleod taking home top honours in 28:44, and Tamara Zavarise just 12 seconds behind (and only 39 seconds off her own PB). Nancy Patterson made her long awaited TT debut in a very fast 30:47 (having never ridden the course, or this road even).

Nicolas Kupiak broke out with his personal best time to take the win in 21:20, an average of 42.2km/hr! One minute back was speedy Orphee Bernard in 22:24 also breaking his old PB of 22:50, as he preps for the Victoria Half Ironman. The TT Series welcomed back a familiar (fast) face with Sean Lunny of MIVA Sponsor Rock City Cycles coming out and setting a fast time of 22:56 in his first TT on this course, setting the bar high for the rest of the season. Patrick Burnham rode to a solid 4th place finish even with missing his start call and having to gun it from way back. Lee Zavarise also set a PB proving his hard work this winter is going to pay off. Nice to have Dave Patterson out for his debut TT as well on his way to his quest for another podium spot at Ironman Canada this summer.

Personal Bests Set Ian Gillmore Orphee Bernard Nicolas Kupiak Lee Zavarise

Thank you to Patrick Burnham for setting up the turn around, the cones, and the signs. Thank you to Darcie and Liz for manning the turnaround, and to Adam and Joanne for helping at the finish line. Also thanks to Don for acting as holder and giving tips to riders on their way out of the gates.

See everyone next week for the 20k TT.

Time Trial #1 goes Thursday April 14th at 630pm. It's been a long wait for many of you since the last TT at the end of July last year. Some have worked hard over the winter, some have set goals of knocking PBs down early. Even if you're not in race shape these early TTs are a great way of benchmarking where you're at and actually seeing your progress through the 3.5 month TT season of 16 races. NOTE: the TT clinic will run 530-630 prior to TT#1

Race Start: 630pm sharp Cost: $5, or get a seasons pass Interval Gap Between Starters: 30 seconds Race Start List: Will be posted on the FB page by 4pm today Register online via webscorer (with estimated 15k time) Have your CYCLING BC card, or bring a signed Trial Ride Release of Liability Waiver with you.

Can you volunteer? Please sign up and come on out. Free waterbottle!

For all the details of the TT race see the link here.

Presented by ROCK CITY CYCLES