Another record turn out at the Transfer Beach Halloween Cyclo-cross, or so it seemed. Actual figures will be on the COTR web site. Great to see so many MIVA members (22) representing the club - and some super results. Brodie Hay moved up a few places to ninth in the beginner category. In the intermediate women, Deb Epps was going really well when she flatted, which put paid to her chances. Cheryl Morch surprised many with her great third place and shows a rapid improvement in negotiating the slippery bits. In the intermediate men, kyle Waring was the top MIVA finisher with the venerable Sister Menno (Jongsma) also showing good form despite his dirty habit(s). MIVA riders showed very well in the master men race, with Bill McMillan in fourth place overall and first in the fifty plus category, Rob Russell was close behind after leading in the early laps. In the women's expert event, Janna Gillick placed a very creditable third, almost taking second place with a final burst to the line. In the final event of the day, Ian Smith, riding in his first expert men's race, managed a top ten finish (ninth)against some of the best riders in the province. other MIVA results can be found on the COTR web site.

Go here for a few photos of the MIVA riders in action.

This Sunday, the Cross on the Rock crew are setting up a great course at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith. If MIVA attendance at the previous COTR events is any indication, the club will have over twenty representatives riding, with a good chance of winning in at least three of the categories.  All club members who are not competing should try to get out to Transfer Beach and cheer on their club mates who are competing there.  Bring a camera too and get some great shots.

MIVA has grown rapidly since its inception in 2011 and is becoming a real force on the Vancouver Island cycling scene.

A quick reminder that the MIVA tent will continue to be available to all MIVA members at the remaining Cross on the Rock events. It is the white one with the MIVA logo hanging out front and it's generally set-up shortly before the start of the Beginner events. It's a good place to warm-up, change, keep dry, store gear, discuss optimal tire pressure and socialize with other club members. Now that the ground is a little damp and muddy, I would suggest bringing a chair upon which to sit and also to store your gear. Hopefully one of our sponsors will step forward to help us purchase a logo'ed tent for our 2013 season, like what the rest of the clubs and teams have. With more than 200 racers plus spectators at each event, the tent would provide excellent exposure for your business!

-Janna

At the BC provincial Cyclo-cross Championships on Sunday, MIVA participants did a great job. In the 50+ men, Bill McMillan almost pulled off the win, just being pipped at the post. Derek Steel did a great ride, beating many of the younger participants. In the men's 40-49 category, Justin Mark did a good performance, finishing less than half a lap behind the winner. The Men's 40-49 saw Ian Smith having a really poor start from the third row, but moving up into 5th. place by the end.  Shawn Boyd was just lapped and demonstrated improved bike handling. Finally, in the women's 30-39 category, Cheryl Morch also showed improved bike handling, finishing less than a lap behind Janna Gillick who is the new provincial champion! BTW, Janna's lap times would have put her in third place in the elite women's category.

Thanks to all who represented the club so well. MIVA is making a real mark  on the cyclo-cross scene.

RESULTS

Master 50+ Men	2	Bill McMillan	at 02"	Nearly won, Bill!
	8	Derek Steel	at 6' 57"	great ride Derek
Women 30+	1	Janna Gillick	46' 02"	Provincial Champion!
	12	Cheryl Morch	at 6' 26"	Getting better every ride.
Master Men 30-39	17	Justin Mark	at 3' 04"	Good ride.
Master Men 40-49	5	Ian Smith	at 1' 18"	With a better start, would have podiumed
	36	Shawn Boyd	at 8' 05"	Getting better.

Paul Auton	Cycle Therapy		12' 17”
Dave Huntley	Cycle Therapy		13' 11”
Doug Merrick	CVCC		13'31”
Laurie Baildham	MIVA		15' 40”	1st. Woman
Ron Hewitson	MIVA		16' 12”
Menno Jongsma	MIVA		16' 33”
Brodie Hay	MIVA		19' 23”	1st. youth
Patrick Burnham	MIVA		19' 29”