Janna Gillick, MIVA's Directeur Sportif Feminin, will shortly be electronically circulating a questionnaire to the ladies asking for their input re. club activities and racing geared towards women. Here is a video of the women's criterium in the Tour de White Rock, courtesy of Canadian Cyclist showing a ladies pack riding safely and fast. For all those girls who are somewhat squeamish about riding in a bunch and following fellow cyclists fairly closely, Janna's survey should provide some material for the club to institute some effective workshops to teach pack riding skills and to build confidence.

Over the last year, a number of different strategies have been used to make the club's social rides successful, including advertising a set time day, and start location plus  set routes,  but so far, the only one that seems to have potential is for club members to advertise their own projected ride on the MIVA Facebook page and include date, time and location of start. The MIVA Board will attempt to come up with alternative plans in the coming season, including riding out to events where other members are racing. Any of our readers who have good ideas about these non=competitive rides,please post in the comments section. Here is a good example of a British club out on a social ride Interestingly enough, couldn't find any Canadian examples!).

For a number of years, the Cobblestone Classic criterium took place in Winnipeg and many top riders from Canada and the States took part. This year, MIVA is organising the first, annual, new Cobblestone Classic in downtown Nanaimo as a fully sanctioned Cycling BC event. There will be races for category 1/2, 3,4 and 5 and for women and juniors. The Nanaimo Downtown Business Improvement Association is being asked to lend its support to this exciting event.

This Sunday, a number of the MIVA club members are meeting at the main  library to ride around the chosen circuit and discuss possible modifications to provide better spectator viewing and to draw in more support from local businesses.

Thursday's session features the Sufferfest Angels. If you want some good climbing intervals, this is the one for you. Location is Pleasant Valley Elementary School, Dunbar Road, Nanaimo. &.30pm - 9.30pm.Huge screen and great, loud sound track with lots of visual cues.

MIVA is applying to the City of Nanaimo for a permit to use the Duke Point Highway for Sunday time trials on March 4th. and 18th. and on April 4th. This may be possible as the Duke Point ferry terminal is closed for repairs until further notice. The April 4th. event may be changed to a 45km road race if there is sufficient interest.

This should be a great opportunity for Island roadies and tri guys to measure their pre-season form on a well-surfaced, traffic-free course. It's not often that you get the opportunity to race on the Trans Canada Highway!

Watch for updates.