Pre-season, for many years, there takes place an epic ride from Toronto Zoo to the shores of Lake Simcoe - about 75km. Some of the route is on paved roads, but the majority of the course is along old rail beds, disused trails and the occasional ditch. The Hell of the North was started by the father of Pro Tour super domestique, Michael Barry and was traditionally held on the same day as the Paris Roubaix. A number of different clubs have organised this tough, off-road challenge over the years and in the early part of the present millennium, the Midweek Club kept the ball rolling. For the past few years, Toronto's La Bicicletta club has done a fine job of continuing the tradition.By the way, the "winner" of this "non-competitive" ride is presented with a trophy made from one of the actual cobbles from the Hell of the North lanes of the Paris Roubaix, hence the name. Here is a video of last year's event, courtesy of Ed Veal.
MIVA is pleased to announce a series of 3 Sunday afternoon criteriums on our great, closed 1.1 kilometer circuit in Nanaimo on April 3rd, 10th, and 17th. 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 14th. 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