The Tour of Tucson is one of many mass participation rides that attracts thousands of entries. I wonder if Nanaimo will ever see an event that attracts so many riders. Here is an interesting video of the leaders, the mid- pack, and the stragglers hitting a sharp climb. Note the difference in approach and the resulting variety of outcomes.

Arrangements are being completed for MIVA home trainer evenings. The weekly "sweat with the oldies" sessions will be on Thursday evenings from 7-8pm at a venue to be announced. There will be great videos and loud music to mask the pain! The Sufferfest series of training videos has been purchased and, believe me, these super productions will make you really work!

MIVA  riders posted more good results in the final Cross on the Rock event in Victoria on Sunday. Thanks to Janna Gillick for this report.

In the Intermediate Women's race, Charlene Stewart proved that consistency is key. She finished fifth, giving her enough points to take second place in the series. Vicki Boyd narrowly missing a 3rd straight win in Intermediate Women, finishing only seconds behind the winner. Colleen Wtorek and Charlene Hay toughed it out through the mud for a couple of solid finishes.

In Intermediate Men, Shawn Boyd finished 6th and Corey Friesen had a great finish for his first race in this new category.

A big crash and some mechanicals in expert women took out most the field so Janna Gillick managed to end the season with a good result too.

MIVA member Bill McMillan sent this interim report from the Cross on the Rock final in Mechosin

" I can tell you it was a mudfest. 14% DNF, at least 10 derailleurs torn off. The course incorporated a lap of a motocross track that turned from frozen to sloppy

upy mud as the racing progressed. I was happy with my 4th place, best finish of my injury plagued season. A minute ahead of me was Robert James Russell . I liked Rob's comment: " I want to move to Expert, so I can comfortably race in the middle of the pack with minimal pressure to win."  The podium in the masters series was decided on the final day, with each of the top guys suffering from the stress. Shepherd Stewart ran a good race, as did Ron Hewitson. Iain Hay succumbed to the mud :)"

One of the MIVA directors just sent me information on an interesting programme becoming very popular in many communities. It's called "Bicycle Friendly"  Here's a You tube video outlining the programme.

There is now a link to the Bicycle  Friendly  web site on our links list.

The MIVA board of Directors will be discussing the possible implementation of this exciting programme in the mid island region.