MIVA is pleased to announce a series of 3 Sunday afternoon criteriums on our great, closed 1.1 kilometer circuit in Nanaimo on April 3^rd, 10^th, and 17^th. Each Sunday, there will be 3 ability-based races of 45 minutes duration, If there are sufficient under - eighteen riders, there will also be a special event for them.

The first event will start at 12pm and composition for each race will depend on the numbers and range of ability of competitors.

Registration will open at 11.15am at the La-Z-Boy warehouse on Tulsa Street. Entry fee for each race will be $5 MIVA members and $7 for non-members that have valid insurance from Cycling BC.

MIVA's Thursday evening time trial series will start on April 14^th. With a 15 kilometer time trial on Nanaimo River Road. The Tuesday criterium series will begin a week later on the Boxwood circuit. Entry fees for all events will be $5 for MIVA members and $7 for non members.

For further information contact pakamac@gmail.com.

Bill Hutchinson sent in the following post: If you ever get to Maui you’ve got to try the road along the north shore bluffs! Just got back, spent a couple hours every morning for a week cruising those sharp corners, ups & downs (only a 25 mph limit for cars) and only about 30 minutes by bike from Kaanipali. Little traffic in the mornings, fantastic view, steep short hills, 80 degrees ! I’d go back just for that ride.

For all those intending to ride the Granfondo Axel Merckx this year, here is a good six week programme.

Pacific Cycling Centre will hold a Pre-Season Training Camp on May 4 - 8 in Victoria, BC. Open to cyclists of all abilities plus multi-sport athletes, the camp is a unique opportunity to fine tune racing techniques and skills, and train and work with an Olympic coach and Olympic athletes. Limited entries will be accepted for this camp. The five-day camp will focus on maximal aerobic power, sprinting and strength endurance development. At an indoor gym session, core stability/endurance, flexibility and balance will be evaluated.

The camp includes:

• Daily training sessions with Pacific Cycling Centre Head Coach and other coaches • Presentation on a variety of cycling topics like: training with power, and recovery based training. You will learn how to manage your fatigue and recovery from training and competition. Question/answer session with PCC Head coach • Complete Ride Support with Nutrition and Hydration products • Full Mechanical Support • 5 Lunch • 3 Dinners

During this camp each cyclist will be observed by the head coach, who will give feedback and assist their 2011 training plans. (Developing an individual program is not part of this camp).

For more information and to register online go here

Just confirmed - the June 23rd. Midsummer time trial will now be on Gabriola Island.  We are also working on having the  road race  stage of  the BC Masters Cycling Association weekend on the Island as well.  the twenty-six kilometre round-the-island circuit is challenging and three laps should sort out the boys/girls from the men/women! Watch for more news on this in coming weeks.

The best way for cyclists to visit Gabriola is to park  vehicles in Nanaimo and travel to the island as  foot passengers with bikes. This saves  over $20.

For more information on this gorgeous gulf island, go here.