MIVA’s Second Annual Mount Washington Hill Climb and Social!

Need a reason to kick your training up a notch?  Join us on climbing 1,100m of elevation in 18.2 km

up Mount Washington!  This is not a race, but we will provide timing for the fun of it.  Burger and

beverage social at Ted’s to follow so that you can share your suffering with fellow cyclists from

across the island.  There will also be a start at the 8 km mark for those wishing to avoid the “Wall of

Suffering” at the bottom of the hill.

When – 10am Saturday June 11, 2016 (Weather Permitting).

Details:

         Pre-register online at webscorer  by Wednesday June 8, 2016.  $10 fee due day of race

includes a beverage and burger. $15 day of registration.  Cash only.

         Must have Cycling BC Citizen’s License and either a MIVA or CVCC membership.

         9:30 am – Meet at the bottom of Strathcona Parkway at the base of Mount Washington.  Drop

of f a small bag with a change of clothes/kit and comfortable shoes for the social event at the top.

***It is also wise to pack a jacket for the descent as it can be extremely cold coming down.***

         10:00 am – Start time from the bottom

         10:15 am – Start time at the 8km mark.

         11:30 am – Social at Ted’s.  Exciting draw prizes from our sponsors!

Please Note – Due to safety concerns, if the weather is looking inclement for June 11, we will have

to postpone/cancel the event.  Please check www.bikeracing.ca for details.  There are no washroom

facilities at the base of the hill.  Parking at Tim Horton’s/Superstore is 13 km/approximately 25

minutes away is a great warm-up.

Contact - Cheryl Morch at ontheroadcheryl@gmail.com

Sunday May 8

This year we’re building on the success of our Arrowsmith Bikes Hill Climb series and our incredibly successful Spring 50/100km challenge to offer something new and exciting.

Sunday May 8 come out and test your legs by riding all five of our Hill climbs in one go.  Five hills only 60kilometers of riding and 1200m of elevation gain.

Starting from Departure Bay to Uplands, then cut across town to ride to the top of the Doumberg, relax on the fastest descent in town before heading over to Jameson and Northwood road, almost immediately climb again up to Witchcraft lake then its off to the final and biggest of the Five -Nanaimo Lakes road.

To finish off everyone will return to Whitesails Brewing co. to check in, grab a recovery beverage and trade war stories of epic leg cramps.

Last year we had record turn outs for our hill climbs and many records were broken.  This is a chance to warm up for this years Hill climb series coming in August.  Come set a baseline for yourself or see how you do against your friends.  Take it seriously and try for the Strava KOMs or just enjoy a scenic ride around Nanaimo.

This is not a supported ride, so if you flat you'll need to have tools or friends with tools to help you out.  Also since it's a big ask to have volunteers standing in the sun or rain for several hours while you huff and puff to the top our check points will be by selfie with unique posters at the top of each climb.

1030am – Sign up and Registration at Departure Bay Beach

1100am – Riders off

1pm – 3pm Check in and snacks at Whitesails

The segments

Departure Bay Climb

Doumont Climb

Jameson Climb

Witchcraft Climb

Nanaimo Lakes Road Climb

Super Duper Climb

Our numbers have been increasing quickly so we are ready this week to offer 4 different groups if necessary which means there will be a good variety of skill and speed levels. We will maintain our "no drop" mandate meaning that no one drops off the back without the group doing what it needs to in order to regroup.We will strive to teach you new techniques each week and comfortably practice the ones already learned. Everyone is welcome so we hope to see you out this Monday - 6pm sharp - NIC parking lot. Remember to sign up for MIVA and Cycling BC or at least be ready to sign a waiver if it is your first time out. Ride on.

We had another record turnout tonight which including many great new members. We were able to split into 3 different ability groups and I anticipate that we will have 4 groups next week. If you are hesitating you need not anymore as there is a group for all types of "begintermediates". A huge shout out to Robin Dutton of Coal City Cycles who taught an excellent "flat repair" session before our ride tonight. It was well received and appreciated by many. Plus he stayed and lead a group. Thanks Robin!

Reminder to sign up for MIVA (club) and for Cycling BC (insurance) or you can try out a ride once or twice by just signing our waiver. Go to the membership part of our site.

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!