The popular Thursday time trial series on Nanaimo River Road starts next Thursday, April 18th. The first event is a fifteen kilometre out and back event starting at 6.30pm. Registration is just west of the South Forks Road junction at 6.00pm. Please note that all participants must be MIVA members. Membership forms and waivers will be available at registration. The series schedule will be up shortly.
We have been asked to reprint the club ride guidelines published in 2011, so here they are.
MIVA CLUB RUN RULES
(with acknowledgment to Kingston CC)
1. Have fun: Above all, the club runs are fun. Even when it’s snowing. There may be some rules here but the club run isn’t a military drill, it’s about enjoying getting out on the bike. 2. Say hello: If you’re new, please identify yourself to those leading the club run. Please listen to them, as they will explain how the run works and where it’s going. 3. Join: We especially welcome new members on the club run and if you like the club run, please become a member. We’re happy for you to try the ride a few times but after three or four rides you join if you want to ride with us. 4. Don’t race: You’ll get fit riding the club runs regularly. There are no trophies on offer and many who come out for a club run do so precisely because they don’t fancy racing. If you want a hard ride, go with a training group. 5. Keep together: It’s inevitable some will sprint up the hills and others will take their time. So if you ride up fast, you must wait at the top for the others and make sure the group reforms after any descent too. 6. Group size: Groups setting off together shouldn’t be more than 10-12 riders strong. There’s nothing illegal about large groups but collectively the group is like a long vehicle and the bigger the group, the harder it is to ride safely together. 7. Safety: Be responsible and ride safely. It’s not complicated. You’re responsible for your own safety but think of others. If you see an obstacle ahead like a pothole, then warn the others with a shout or hand signal. Likewise, if you’re on the back of the group and notice traffic building up, shout for the ride to fall into single file. 8. Change the lead: Every few minutes, the lead should change. So if you’ve been sitting on the front for a while, when it’s safe to do so, tell the others and swap the lead. But if you’re tiring and suddenly it’s your turn to be on the front, tell the others as it’s fine to take it easy. 9. Wear club kit: Members should wear the club kit if they can. MIVA clothing is pro-team quality and stylish, it’s a nice gesture to support our sponsors. 10. Mechanicals: If someone punctures or has a mechanical, everyone is expected to stop. So in return for delaying everyone, make sure you start the ride with spares like an inner tube, pump, tire levers, patch kit, and that your bike is roadworthy.
These rules aren’t set in stone, it’s all about being sensible and aware whilst riding on the road. Our club runs should attract lots of riders and so these rules set out what’s required. Remember, you are responsible for your safety and take part in activities at your own risk.
Club Run FAQs
Do I have to be a member to come along for the Club Rides? The first time you show up you can ride without a membership but if you continue to come out you need a club membership (form and waiver in "membership section||). We welcome all potential new members, so please feel free to come along as it’s a good way to find out more about the Mid Island Velo Association. If you like it, sign up.
Do I have to tell anyone or ask permission to join you? No, just turn up before the start of the ride and aim to introduce yourself to a member in club kit, they’ll explain more.
Do you meet in all weathers? Yes, whatever the weather, members have been known to go out. But check the news on this site just in case there’s a change of plan.
I’m not local and want to drive to the ride, where can I park? There is parking near every start venue .
What sort of distance and pace can I expect on the club rides The distance varies according to the weather and what people feel like doing but it depends on start time and venue. Pace depends on who shows up and the ride may be split into slower and faster groups, with a rides captain in charge of each. When you come along, introduce yourself to some club members and explain that this is your first ride with the club so we can make sure you don’t get dropped or too tired. The ride captain will make sure that you will not get dropped. Remember that riding with others is a lot easier than riding by yourself.
Am I fit enough? It’s always a personal question but, as a rough guide, if you can do a steady one and a half hour ride, then you should be ok too.
What do I need to bring Bring some spares like an inner tube and pump and you should be capable of repairing a puncture. Also, bring some cash so if the ride stops at a cafe, you can get something to eat and drink.
I want to get fit for racing and cyclosportives like the Granfondo’s and Conquer Cancer rides Then come along and start with our club runs. Over time, build up the distance and start joining the training group of the club run and you’ll be well on your way.
Do I have to have a racing bike and all the kit? Enthusiasm for cycling is the most important thing. Some members do have flashy bikes but the truth is they don’t help you ride that much faster, a roadworthy machine is the main thing. A road bike is preferable although a mountain bike or hybrid with slick tires should be ok too – but you need to be very confident about your fitness. You must ride with a helmet and bring at least a spare inner tube and pump in case of a puncture. Also, a rain jacket will keep you dry in wet weather.
What about fenders? They will keep you dry and can be fitted to most bikes. It makes for a less mucky and dryer ride. It also shows consideration for those riding behind you.
What about insurance? You should accept responsibility for your own conduct and safety (including the safety of your bicycle and other equipment) during club activities. However, all MIVA members are covered by our insurance when participating in MIVA activities. If you are not a MIVA member,We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate third party insurance for your own sake. Membership of Cycling BC can offer you this form of cover and you’re supporting cycling in this country too.
Is there a minimum age?If you’re under 16, you must drop us an email before you come so we can discuss how things work.
Great news!
Our club clothing design is complete and the online ordering site is up and running. As mentioned previously, we have decided to use a different supplier, VOMax. The quality seems excellent and they manufacture their custom kit in the US. I think that the club will appreciate some of the VOMax features, like the leg grippers and the less bumpy chamois. The colour scheme and design will remain similar to last year so that members with 2012 kit won't feel out of place. The only change, apart from the supplier, are the new sponsor logos and a maple leaf behind the MIVA logo on the front of the jersey. Proofs can be seen here: MIVA 2013 proofs
In order to ease the burden on our directors, we have elected to go with online ordering so, if you want 2013 kit, you need to order it in the next two weeks. This is how it works. Some time between now and Sun 21-Apr, you will go online and place your order, paying via credit card. On 22-Apr, VOMax will collect all the orders and start manufacturing our kit. Once all the kit is ready (~4wks), they will send it to MIVA in one package. MIVA will then arrange to get the kit that you ordered to you. (Primarily at the TTs or Crit, but we can make other arrangements too)
Password: MIVA2013
Attached are the VOMax sizing charts. (MIVA VOMax Sizing Guide) Generally speaking, the jerseys are true-to-size, but some members may find them short. No vanity sizing with the shorts. I'm not going to lie; the shorts are small. I (Janna) have a drawer full of size medium shorts, but I am definitely a large in these. (The medium looks like ten pounds of potatoes stuffed into a five pound bag) The skin suits also appear to be true-to-size, but I've only tried the thermal skin suit, which is a slightly different material than the other items. I know that online ordering can be a challenge for some so I have a set of samples from VOMax, Men's small through XL and Women's small through large. Sometime between 14-Apr and 20-Apr, I will try to have a "sizing open house" where those interested in trying the kit can stop by our house. I will also bring it to the 18-Apr time trial.
Feel free to respond with any questions in the comments section here or contact me via email. If you'd prefer to vent without me knowing, please do so on the MIVA Facebook page.
-Janna
For 2013, Marin has agreed to provide bicycles at a wholesale price to MIVA members who are competing in club or provincial cycling an/or triathlon events and have a documented training schedule. Go to the Marin Cycles web site here for information on Marin's current road, cyclo-cross and MTB line-up. Here is the latest retail price list.
Any club members who feel they qualify should submit their names and, upon approval by the MIVA BOD, they will be given the discounted price for any selected bike(s)
The club has a table and tent at the Hub City Coop Bike Swap next Saturday. They do need volunteers for this event and they also see it as a great opportunity for members to take their old and unwanted parts etc. down and see if they have that certain thingy they have been looking for. If any members are available at any time during the day or if any unwanted parts, etc. are looking for a new home, please email info@bikeracing.ca
BTW having a MIVA presence at these events is a great recruiting toll.