Cowichan Valley Cycling, Cycle Therapy and Experience Cycling are co-hosting the annual Cobble Hill Classic on Sunday the 21st of April. This annual mountain bike race attracts over 150 racers from all over Vancouver Island and is held at the Cobble Hill Mountain Nature Park.After 6 years of racing at Cobble Hill we feel we have the perfect combination of single and double track trails. We also think the course distance is dialed in at 21km for Experts; 14km for Intermediates; and 6km for Beginners. And we know that there is enough tough climbing to satisfy a Billy Goat. The XC race begins at 12:00 noon for the Experts then 1 min stagger for the Intermediate racers and then another 1 min stagger for Beginners. The Expert race will last between 1.5 hrs- 2.5 hrs with 3 full laps. The Intermediate race should be between 1-2 hrs with 2 full laps The Beginners will be between 45min-1.5 hrs with 2 half laps. So what do the race organizers do to continue to evolve the sport? This year we are introducing a Vintage category! If your bike meets two of the three following criteria, you have a Vintage Racer. 1- Rim brakes, front and rear. 2- Full Rigid (no hi-tech suspension lockouts) 3- Single Speed The vintage category will be an Open race that will complete one lap of the beginner course, approximately 3km. Dust off that old iron and bring some nostalgia to Cobble Hill! The Vintage race will being at 11:00 and should take no longer than 30 min, 1 half lap. Registration is between 10am-11:30am. Fees: $20 Intermediates and Experts, $10 Beginner and Vintage (free Vintage with registration in another category) The Awards Ceremony is scheduled for 2:30.
A number of MIVA members have already indicated that they will be taking advantage of the great Marin Bike Deal. To see a couple of the top road bikes in the Marin range, got to Island Cycle in Parksville or Cowichan Cycles in Duncan. The owner of Island Cycles commented very favourably on the bikes and getting them at way below retail will be an absolute steal.
We have been asked to reprint the club ride guidelines published in 2011, so here they are.
MIVA CLUB RUN RULES
(with acknowledgment to Kingston CC)
1. Have fun: Above all, the club runs are fun. Even when it’s snowing. There may be some rules here but the club run isn’t a military drill, it’s about enjoying getting out on the bike. 2. Say hello: If you’re new, please identify yourself to those leading the club run. Please listen to them, as they will explain how the run works and where it’s going. 3. Join: We especially welcome new members on the club run and if you like the club run, please become a member. We’re happy for you to try the ride a few times but after three or four rides you join if you want to ride with us. 4. Don’t race: You’ll get fit riding the club runs regularly. There are no trophies on offer and many who come out for a club run do so precisely because they don’t fancy racing. If you want a hard ride, go with a training group. 5. Keep together: It’s inevitable some will sprint up the hills and others will take their time. So if you ride up fast, you must wait at the top for the others and make sure the group reforms after any descent too. 6. Group size: Groups setting off together shouldn’t be more than 10-12 riders strong. There’s nothing illegal about large groups but collectively the group is like a long vehicle and the bigger the group, the harder it is to ride safely together. 7. Safety: Be responsible and ride safely. It’s not complicated. You’re responsible for your own safety but think of others. If you see an obstacle ahead like a pothole, then warn the others with a shout or hand signal. Likewise, if you’re on the back of the group and notice traffic building up, shout for the ride to fall into single file. 8. Change the lead: Every few minutes, the lead should change. So if you’ve been sitting on the front for a while, when it’s safe to do so, tell the others and swap the lead. But if you’re tiring and suddenly it’s your turn to be on the front, tell the others as it’s fine to take it easy. 9. Wear club kit: Members should wear the club kit if they can. MIVA clothing is pro-team quality and stylish, it’s a nice gesture to support our sponsors. 10. Mechanicals: If someone punctures or has a mechanical, everyone is expected to stop. So in return for delaying everyone, make sure you start the ride with spares like an inner tube, pump, tire levers, patch kit, and that your bike is roadworthy.
These rules aren’t set in stone, it’s all about being sensible and aware whilst riding on the road. Our club runs should attract lots of riders and so these rules set out what’s required. Remember, you are responsible for your safety and take part in activities at your own risk.
Club Run FAQs
Do I have to be a member to come along for the Club Rides? The first time you show up you can ride without a membership but if you continue to come out you need a club membership (form and waiver in "membership section||). We welcome all potential new members, so please feel free to come along as it’s a good way to find out more about the Mid Island Velo Association. If you like it, sign up.
Do I have to tell anyone or ask permission to join you? No, just turn up before the start of the ride and aim to introduce yourself to a member in club kit, they’ll explain more.
Do you meet in all weathers? Yes, whatever the weather, members have been known to go out. But check the news on this site just in case there’s a change of plan.
I’m not local and want to drive to the ride, where can I park? There is parking near every start venue .
What sort of distance and pace can I expect on the club rides The distance varies according to the weather and what people feel like doing but it depends on start time and venue. Pace depends on who shows up and the ride may be split into slower and faster groups, with a rides captain in charge of each. When you come along, introduce yourself to some club members and explain that this is your first ride with the club so we can make sure you don’t get dropped or too tired. The ride captain will make sure that you will not get dropped. Remember that riding with others is a lot easier than riding by yourself.
Am I fit enough? It’s always a personal question but, as a rough guide, if you can do a steady one and a half hour ride, then you should be ok too.
What do I need to bring Bring some spares like an inner tube and pump and you should be capable of repairing a puncture. Also, bring some cash so if the ride stops at a cafe, you can get something to eat and drink.
I want to get fit for racing and cyclosportives like the Granfondo’s and Conquer Cancer rides Then come along and start with our club runs. Over time, build up the distance and start joining the training group of the club run and you’ll be well on your way.
Do I have to have a racing bike and all the kit? Enthusiasm for cycling is the most important thing. Some members do have flashy bikes but the truth is they don’t help you ride that much faster, a roadworthy machine is the main thing. A road bike is preferable although a mountain bike or hybrid with slick tires should be ok too – but you need to be very confident about your fitness. You must ride with a helmet and bring at least a spare inner tube and pump in case of a puncture. Also, a rain jacket will keep you dry in wet weather.
What about fenders? They will keep you dry and can be fitted to most bikes. It makes for a less mucky and dryer ride. It also shows consideration for those riding behind you.
What about insurance? You should accept responsibility for your own conduct and safety (including the safety of your bicycle and other equipment) during club activities. However, all MIVA members are covered by our insurance when participating in MIVA activities. If you are not a MIVA member,We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate third party insurance for your own sake. Membership of Cycling BC can offer you this form of cover and you’re supporting cycling in this country too.
Is there a minimum age?If you’re under 16, you must drop us an email before you come so we can discuss how things work.
The club has a table and tent at the Hub City Coop Bike Swap next Saturday. They do need volunteers for this event and they also see it as a great opportunity for members to take their old and unwanted parts etc. down and see if they have that certain thingy they have been looking for. If any members are available at any time during the day or if any unwanted parts, etc. are looking for a new home, please email info@bikeracing.ca
This post was to be labelled "full results" but, since there are no wiunners or losers in this type of event, the complete stats. will be presented without comment. 5o Kilometre event
3 hour group: Leigh Blaney ,Kim McCarley Jennifer Gordon 3h 27',Allen Henderson, Ian Grant 2h 25'
2 hour group: Paul Callow 1h 57,Sarah Davidson 2h 5', Brian Cashin, Gareth Slocombe, Mike Mann, Dave Patterson 1h 35', Keir Graaton 2h 10'
100km event
4 hour group: Jason Hare, Paul Thompson, Patrick Burnham, Janna Gillick, Russell Berg 3h 40', Bruce Mitchell, Shane Lorenz, Lori Baildham 4h 00', Doug Routley 4h 55'