For those hardy souls who are still training hard during the Christmas season, there will be a Thursday "Sufferfest session in Peter McCaffery's garage, 7.30pm-8.30pm. Big screen, lots of great music and a FAN. Limited room so email first: pakamac@gmail.com, or call 250 244 1779

Most readers will have noticed the increasing presence of electric scooters, on our roads, bike paths and sidewalks too!  Many of you may have had an unpleasant encounter with one of these vehicles, usually ridden by people who haven't been on a two wheeled vehicle of any sort in years. When buying one of these scooters, consumers are given a brief demonstration in how to use the brake, accelerator and alarm system, they hand over their money and they are free to take to the roads – at speeds of up to 32kph, and more if they have been able to access one of the web-enabled methods of overriding the built-in governor.  No instruction is given,  no driving license test is handed out,  that’s it,  go learn by trial by error. In our experience, the majority of electric scooter riders rarely stick to the rules that encourage them to use the bike lanes or even attempt to signal before attempting life risking manoeuvers, putting electric scooters alongside traditional slower moving pedal-powered bicycles is a recipe for disaster.  Crash safety is the biggest concern;  in a runoff with an automobile the electric scooter rider is likely to be worse position than the car driver.  Worse still,  on rainy nights when it is difficult to see what is around you when driving or riding a normal bike, E-scooter riders will often silently come up behind you and pass within inches without warning.

We are in dire need of legislation and traffic act enforcement to get E-scooter users to ride safely and within the law.Any suggestions about getting them to obey the traffic regulations will be welcomed.  Any of you who have had a nasty experience with an E-scooter, please post a comment.

The club has a few items of 2011 clothing left. As 2012 will see new sponsors and a new design for the jerseys, the 2011 remaining stock is being offered to club members at a considerable discount. Jerseys - 2XL, 2L,3S, 2XS  $30.00

Bibs - 2XS   $35.00

Jackets - 1XXL, 2XL,  $50.00

Shorts - 1S  $30.00

Winter vest - 1XL  $40.00

The regular club price for clothing was already a real bargain but these close-out prices are an absolute steal!

This week's 7.30pm - 9.30pm trainer session at Pleasant Valley School is CANCELLED due to a schedule conflict with a school activity. Please note that the next session will be in the new year, on January 6th. same time and location. Sorry if this is an inconvenience. Suggest you put on your lights and fenders and go out for 100km ride instead.

Compared with the roadies and tri guys in most other Canadian cities, Nanaimo cyclists of both persuasions tend to get on very well. MIVA criterium series this year saw representatives of both groups riding together and after the time trials, there could be observed a welcome camaraderie. Here is a video highlighting the usual attitude of triathletes and road racers towards each other!