(by Peter) COAL CITY CYCLES CRITERIUM 160419

A great day for the first REAL criterium of the series. 26 starters set off with no neutralised lap and stayed together for the first three laps of the thirty lap event.On lap four, Nick Kupiak (BSC) and Mark Wieler (MIVA/Rock City) grabbed a five second lead but by lap five Mark had been replaced by Sean Lunny (Rock City) and Justin Mark (BCBR) The trio maintained a small gap until they were swallowed up by the hard-working bunch.At the bell for the first of three intermediate primes, they were still at the front of the pack, with Mike Sevcov (Cycle Therapy), Mike Dawson(Pro City) and Shep Stewart (MIVA) right behind, followed by the pack.Meanwhile, several of the less fit and less experienced participants were starting to slip off the back of the bunch, all to be lapped before the endof the race.After the first prime, won by Mr. Kupiak, Gary MacGregor?r (CVCC) and Daryl Chase (Healthy Habits) attempted to escape the bunch but only Gary stayed out front for more than a lapand he too was absorbed by lap fourteen, To be replaced by Mike Hornland (Healthy Habits) next time around.By the halfway point, all remaining pack riders were together again andat the second prime MacGregor just managed to pip Mike Dawson on the line, with Dr. John Lam (MIVA) rounding out the top three.Immediately after the sprint, Nick, Justin, Gary and Mike launched aserious attack but the bunch reined them in within a kilometre and that'sthe way it stayed until the bell for the third prime at four laps to go.As the bunch rounded the bend onto Boxwood, Kupiak, MacGregor and  Lunny and  took off again but by the line, it was Kupiak, with Justin Mark  and Mike Dawson filling the consolation places.In the final three laps, Nick Kupiak consolidated his small lead, winning the race with a few seconds to spare. Sean Lunny took second and MikeDawson third, with fourth spot going to John Lam.followed by the remains of the pack.Thanks to marshals, to Iain for course set up and take down and to Coal City's Robin Dutton, who provided a new set of frame numbers.BTW, I had camera malfunction so need places from 5th. To 10th.Please email me with your probable placing plus who was immediately ahead and behind you.

To become a club member sign up for MIVA here. In order to ride in any MIVA event you must also get insurance through Cycling BC here (a general membership or more if you want).

As of today (4.18.2016): MIVA Members 139 (new record) Adult: 116 (76 male, 40 female) Youth: 23 (12 youth male, 11 youth female)

We had another record turnout tonight which including many great new members. We were able to split into 3 different ability groups and I anticipate that we will have 4 groups next week. If you are hesitating you need not anymore as there is a group for all types of "begintermediates". A huge shout out to Robin Dutton of Coal City Cycles who taught an excellent "flat repair" session before our ride tonight. It was well received and appreciated by many. Plus he stayed and lead a group. Thanks Robin!

Reminder to sign up for MIVA (club) and for Cycling BC (insurance) or you can try out a ride once or twice by just signing our waiver. Go to the membership part of our site.

Good news MIVA, the online store is open again! Instructions on how to order are below:  

1 – Click here for MIVA’s online shop MIVA STORE

2 – As you choose the gear you want, drop down menus appear to show the different styles available along with the prices. Here is where you can add reflective piping, and what type of zipper you prefer.

3 – When you go to checkout, you will be prompted to login if you haven’t already or SIGN UP (if you have not set up an account)

4 – For questions please use the ‘Contact Us’ button on the ordering page, or email miva.jason@gmail.com Champsys also has a CHAT icon on the ordering page, utilize this for quick help.

5 – The store is set to close Friday April 29th (so don't procrastinate)

The threat of rain kept the majority of the riders waiting until the morning of the ride, and luckily the showers held off for the most part. Overall 45 cyclists took part in this mornings ride, with 26 people taking on the 100k and 19 people in the 50k route (thank you Patrick for creating them). It was great to see such a diverse group of cyclists take part in the event, with the highlight seeing 40+ lycra clad cyclists in one room sharing a beer and a few laughs.

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped to pull it together behind the scenes, and to Superstore for donating platters for post ride. The biggest thank you has to go to White Sails Brewing for stepping up like no other today. Co-owner (and MIVA member) Monty McKay, Brad, Teighlor, along with the staff worked hard to put together prizes and accommodate MIVA. Allowing MIVA to set up shop for 6 hours out front and inside, as well as letting 40 some bikes be parked right inside the brewery was amazing. They gave away 6 draw prizes, and on top of that a bomber of White Sails beer for every single rider at the social. If you haven't been there yet definitely check them out it's a great spot with tasty beers. This won't be the last MIVA event held here!