MIVA is proud to host the 6th consecutive TT Series, again sponsored by Rock City Cycles. This year due to member feedback, we have increased the number of TTs up to 16. There will be 6x15k, 6x20k, and 4x40k events, plenty of chances to knock some PBs out this year. In 2015 we had record numbers as we averaged 25 racers per event and 339 total race entries. I expect to smash these numbers in 2016. Location The race is in the same location since 2013, on Nanaimo River Road starting just west of the intersection of South Forks Road. Many cycle to the start line over the Gogos hill for a warm up. Here's the route map and google map of start location. It isn't flat, not much is in Nanaimo. But it will make you stronger, and there are plenty of fast sections.

Starters 30 Seconds Apart The biggest change will be that the interval gap will be 30 seconds between starting riders, as opposed to the 60 seconds we had used previous. The racers will still be seeded so the super fast are at the end, and we will try our best to group you with similarly skilled riders to 'give you a rabbit' up ahead to chase after as you make your heart come out of your chest. With the shorter gap between starters the race will also end sooner for most, as well as giving you more 'rabbits' up the road. No rolling starts.

Pre-registration and Start Lists We will be utilizing a webscorer sign up list to generate the start lists again. There will be a place in the sign up for you to put in your anticipated finish time (do not write SLOW or I'll add 2 minutes to your time). Look up last seasons times if you need to get a rough idea of where you'll be. If you NEED to go early in the lineup, like Mr.Steen who sets AG records then races back for the ferry, let me know in advance and I'm happy to help. The most stressful part is swapping people around on the fly 2 minutes before the start gun goes, so that won't happen anymore.

Speed and Fit Session Don Gillmore, holder of numerous TT records has offered to hold a 'Speed and Fit Session' prior to our first 15k TT. Don has tweaked many local time trialists fit the past few years and it paid dividends immediately. This will take place at 530pm at the start line on Nanaimo River Road. The 15k TT will start at exactly 630pm. More details to come.

Race Fees & Cycling BC $5 per race $50 for seasons pass  Must be a MIVA member to race Every racer MUST have a Cycling BC membership of some sort, bring your card with you. CyclingBC gives you 2 free club rides/races before you have to take out a membership, there is a waiver to fill out to use this feature if you're unsure of getting into racing. As Norm says with Cross On The Rock: bring your CyclingBC card no exceptions.

Volunteers We will need volunteers! The positions that are needed each race are a timekeeper, holder, turn around marshall, and spotter. Email to miva.president@gmail.com to get on the list. With family commitments and other pursuits, MIVA as a club will have to step up this year to run the events.

Newbies These TT's have grown in size over the past 6 years,while also growing into an awesome supportive group who push each other to get better. It's a race against the clock, so don't get hung up on what others are doing, especially if you're new. You don't need a dimpled aero helmet to do your best, come on out and give it a try.

Cancellations In case of extreme weather, MIVA will make the final call on cancelling the TT minimum 2 hours before race start time. Announcement via bikeracing.ca, twitter, and facebook will publish this info.

RACE RULES

• - Centre-line rule in effect. Riders must stay as far to the right as practicable. Riders caught crossing the centre-line will be disqualified. (When the RCMP came out to crack down on speeding here they noted a few of our riders not staying to the right as well)
• - There is to be no drafting. Standard TT rules apply, riders must stay 10m behind unless overtaking another rider (5 bike lengths)
• - Pass only on the left. Common courtesy is to notify the rider by calling out "On your left".
• - A pass occurs when the overtaking athlete's front wheel passes the leading edge of the athlete being overtaken. Failure to complete a pass within 20 seconds will result in a drafting violation.
• - Once overtaken, rider must fall back 7m before attempting to regain the lead.
• - Be gracious to your fellow competitors. If you are overtaken, do not feel compelled to re-pass unless you are confident you can hold the lead until the finish.
• - No blocking or impeding the forward progress of other athletes.
• - No parking west of the start line

Almost half way through March and not a lot of takers on the team trial. Not really surprising considering swim fins and goggles aren’t really Aero. But that’s why we’re running the challenge for the entire month. The forecast is looking better for next week and with the clocks springing forward for Daylight savings tonight there’s going to be lots of daylight to get out there.

The first team to take on the challenge was Paul, Kiyomi and Lorrie. They went out hoping for a break in the weather but got caught out in the rain. They still set a respectable time of 18:21 on the segment.

Who’s going to try it next?

Check HERE  for full challenge details

CRIT COMMITTEE! If you can help MIVA plan/setup/run the Crits this season please email us at miva.president@gmail.com

The Boxwood Route is a go.

First crit is Tuesday April 12th, until end of July. 16 in total. MIVA really needs a committed group to continue the success that many have built over the years. Peter will be assisting the first few races to train whoever can become the new timer/official

The Crit group just needs to meet once before the season to review responsibilities, tasks, and gear. Thank you to Peter McCaffery, Sean de Pol, and Iain Hay for offering help to date....but we need more!

The MIVA gear is finishing production this week, meaning it should be here in a couple weeks!

The days are getting longer and its almost time to ditch the leg warmers for good.  It's time to start thinking about adding miles and building speed.  It's also time to start thinking about riding in a group.  The Crits and time trials will be underway before you know it.  Not to mention all the great racing happening in Victoria and on the mainland.  To help get ready for it and offer a little extra incentive to get out and hit the roads we're trying something a little bit different.

For the month of March, we will have an open challenge on this segment https://www.strava.com/segments/11430823?filter=overall  Up for grabs are three $50 gift cards.

The idea behind this challenge is to get you out on your bikes pushing each other, working together and getting better. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut over the winter. Logging hundreds of hours on the trainer or riding alone in the dark. So hit up our Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/midislandveloassociation/ and find a couple other suckers friends to hit the road with.

The rules

1. Mixed teams of 3 riders (1male/2female or 2male/1female)

2. All three riders must be paid club members – Join here https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=55941&owner=0

3. All three riders must ride the segment together (Johnny can't ride it on his way to work with Susie and sally riding it in the evening the next day)

4. Rides must be uploaded onto strava and public so I can check and compile the times.

5. Must email me palleus@hotmail.com with the names of the three riders and date/time of your attempt and if possible a link to all three rides on strava to save me hunting them down

6. Team time will be based on the time of the slowest rider.  (It won't help if you drop your two friends and sprint away for the KOM leaving them to struggle in the wind)

7. Challenge will run for the month of March and riders can attempt it as many times as they like with as many other riders as they like.

Some things to think about with this challenge are: Pacing, it’s a little over ten kilometers. If you go out too hard, you’ll be dying at the end of it. Keep a steady pace and finish strong. Watch the gap between riders, the closer you are to the wheel in front of you the less energy you’re going to use to maintain the pace. How long is each rider going to pull? Taking a longer turn at the front will give the other riders more time to recover, but if you pull too long and too hard, you might not be able to hang on and get dropped off the back.

Good luck and ride safe.