An interesting article by Vancouver Sun columnist Cam Cole homes in on the phenomenon of inactive kids and offer a solution  To read it,  go here.

Cycling, especially mountain biking, is very popular in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan and there are a number of organised races, including a full half day MTB event organised by the Dragon CC. As with other sports in this mountainous country, there is no drug testing.  For example, archers take prescription sedatives to slow their heart rate and thus result in steadier aiming at the target. Many archers also resort to ample quantities of alcohol, partly for social reasons and partly to relax them. Competitors will sometimes be removed from contests if they are really drunk and constitute a hazard to themselves or other archers.

Perhaps the remaining druggies in the pro peleton could emigrate to Bhutan and continue to take PED's with impunity until the Bhutan Cycling Association (if there is one) brings in doping control.

There is still some MIVA clothing left for purchase. For those who are wondering, next year, the colours and design will remain the same but there may be some additional sponsors. Here is a list of items, prices, and what's still left. By the way, the skin suits are ideal for cyclo-cross and the winter jackets compare very favourably with others that are more than twice the price!  Go here for order form.

ITEM	#  LEFT	COST
SKIN SUIT SS             XL	2	75
L	4
SKIN SUIT LS              XL	1	80
L	1
WINTER JACKET          XL	1	85
L	2
M	1
3/4 BIBS                    XL	1	70
L	1
JERSEYS SS              XXL	1	45
L	2
SUMMER VEST            XL	1	50
L	1
M	1
BIBS                        XXL	1	55
XL	1
L	3
M	1
SHORTS                       S	1	40
SOCKS, RED                  L	13	10
M	22
SOCKS, BLACK              L	8
M	18
LEG WARMERS SUM	1	12
WIN	1	15
ARM WARMERS SUM	1	12
SHOE COVERS	4	15
HEAD BANDS	8	10

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.