Reminder for climbers. MIVA is partnering with the BC Masters Cycling Association to host the annual dual hill climbs Saturday. The first time trial is a short, steep climb in Mill Bay at noon; the second, a 9 km climb inSouth Shawnigan at 2 p.m. Medals are awarded for each 5-year category for riders 30 and older. The Masters welcomes women and men of all experience levels to its road races, time trials and hill climbs, several held on Vancouver Island. You don't have to join the Masters to take part. An entry fee of $20 covers both climbs. $5 is added for non-members. For more, see bcmasterscycling.com and/or contact MIVA member Dave Steen at 250 246-3530.
Race #3 in the Rock City Cycles TT Series was another great night of TT'ing on Nanaimo River Road. 28 racers showed up, with 4 in the youth category, of which 2 of them tried there hand at the 40k distance even. For the skimmers, here is the results link: http://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=67971 Series standings are here. Note that some duplicate names exist, when time permits they'll be merged.
Emile de Rosnay of Victoria made the trek up north to take part in the 40k, winning the event with a smoking time of 55:01 (43.6km/hr), good for second best 40k on this TT ever. Second place went to Don Gillmore in 58:50, and third to Paul Auton also squeezing in under one hour in 59:58.
Janna Gillick took the female top placing in 1:04:23, followed by Kristy Mighton in 1:11:42. Kiyomi Schulz was just 5 seconds behind to round out the podium.
Abigail Hare led the youth female category again in 45:06, while the youth male category had 3 battle it out. Youth points only count to how they place in the 20k TT, however some youth choose to race the 40k to test themselves against the full distance. In these cases MIVA scores their first lap (20k) towards the category placings. Aiden Houle took the honours in 35:10, followed by Ian Gillmore in 387:33, and Aiden Hare in 44:11. Of note is seeing newcomer Aiden Houle place 10th OVERALL for the 40k in a 1:10:36 averaging 34.6km/hr over the 40km course.
This weeks TT is a 15k. Special note that it starts at 7pm from now on. The pre registration link is open here, take a moment right now to pre reg and save some stress for the volunteers. Soon all TTs will be pre reg so keep making it a habit.
Sunday May 8
This year we’re building on the success of our Arrowsmith Bikes Hill Climb series and our incredibly successful Spring 50/100km challenge to offer something new and exciting.
Sunday May 8 come out and test your legs by riding all five of our Hill climbs in one go. Five hills only 60kilometers of riding and 1200m of elevation gain.
Starting from Departure Bay to Uplands, then cut across town to ride to the top of the Doumberg, relax on the fastest descent in town before heading over to Jameson and Northwood road, almost immediately climb again up to Witchcraft lake then its off to the final and biggest of the Five -Nanaimo Lakes road.
To finish off everyone will return to Whitesails Brewing co. to check in, grab a recovery beverage and trade war stories of epic leg cramps.
Last year we had record turn outs for our hill climbs and many records were broken. This is a chance to warm up for this years Hill climb series coming in August. Come set a baseline for yourself or see how you do against your friends. Take it seriously and try for the Strava KOMs or just enjoy a scenic ride around Nanaimo.
This is not a supported ride, so if you flat you'll need to have tools or friends with tools to help you out. Also since it's a big ask to have volunteers standing in the sun or rain for several hours while you huff and puff to the top our check points will be by selfie with unique posters at the top of each climb.
1030am – Sign up and Registration at Departure Bay Beach
1100am – Riders off
1pm – 3pm Check in and snacks at Whitesails
The segments
Departure Bay Climb
Doumont Climb
Jameson Climb
Witchcraft Climb
Nanaimo Lakes Road Climb
Super Duper Climb
Please click this link and sign up for the 40k TT this Thursday. Having a 40k earlier in the season is beneficial as you can use it as a landmark to results later in the summer and see your vast improvements. The Rock City Cycles TT Series consists of 16 Time Trials in all, 6x15k, 6x20k, and 4x40k. MIVA is phasing out the on site registration as it adds a ton of time, which the volunteer timekeepers don't have much of these days. The start list can be created early and less confusion/delay at the start.
YOUTH Distance is 20k as far as point awarding goes. If a youth wishes to race the 40k, MIVA will count their first 20k lap towards the standings/points. The 40k time will be given to the youth as well for their own record keeping purposes.
Our numbers have been increasing quickly so we are ready this week to offer 4 different groups if necessary which means there will be a good variety of skill and speed levels. We will maintain our "no drop" mandate meaning that no one drops off the back without the group doing what it needs to in order to regroup.We will strive to teach you new techniques each week and comfortably practice the ones already learned. Everyone is welcome so we hope to see you out this Monday - 6pm sharp - NIC parking lot. Remember to sign up for MIVA and Cycling BC or at least be ready to sign a waiver if it is your first time out. Ride on.