We have an amazing club here in Nanaimo. We put on close to one hundred events each year requiring untold hours of volunteer time and labour.  For that, I thank each and every one of you.

But it hasn`t always been smooth sailing.  Too many times its been feast or famine.  We either have no one to man the corners and are about to cancel the race or everyone shows up in their runners and we have no one to race.

This year we`re going to try something different.

First, for series points to count every rider must volunteer for at least one event.

Criteriums require a minimum of: 3 marshalls to man the corners. 6 marshalls or 2 per corner is preferred 1 volunteer to help with the lap board and spotting racers as they cross the line Time trials require 1 volunteer to hold riders at start and spot riders at finish line 1 volunteer to marshall the turn around

You`ll notice it takes a lot more help to run a criterium than a time trial, so if all you race are the time trials and you don`t want to miss one there is lots of opportunity to help out on Tuesdays.

Secondly, we`re asking that anyone who is able to volunteer for an event go to our webscorer page and register for the event you can help at.  This way everyone can see whether or not we have enough volunteers and can plan accordingly.  Most of you have already been looking ahead and planning your holidays and summer riding.  So if you already know that you`re going to be taking it easy before Race the Ridge why not sign up and let us know you`ll help out.

Third, every time you volunteer to help out at a club event you will be entered for a draw prize at our AGM.  We have been working with our local bike shops and will have a brand new wheelset and a Helmet/Shoe package up for a grabs in addition to any other swag we have managed to procure over the season for you.

Check Events Calendar for times and distances

Do you want to learn to ride safely in a group? Do you want to learn some techniques to ride smoother and easier?

Do you want to meet some like minded friendly people?

These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to come try out MIVA’s Monday night group ride (“Begin to group ride” "Development Ride").

This weekly group ride became really popular last year which meant that we were able to offer 3 different groups = 3 different speeds. This means there is a group just right for most people.  It is important that you are competent on a bike but you do not need to be fast. We will maintain an average speed of 20-24 km/hr and we will not drop anyone - yes it is a “no drop” ride.

We will meet at the NIC (Nanaimo Ice Center) parking lot and roll out at 6pm sharp. You must be a member of MIVA and hold a CyclingBC license/membership, so please go to our site and sign up online before hand. OR you can try two MIVA events as long as you sign a 2017 club waiver first, then decide if you want to join (nobody ever changes their mind:)). Cycling BC (any license/membership), MIVA sign up.

Our usual route is out and back on Jingle Pot road with a couple offshoots thrown in for fun (read hills). We will start out with a shorter ride of about 20km but will build that up as it suits the group. Pacing lining will be instructed and practiced where it works best on this route. As well this year we plan to do some instruction on simple bike maintenance and safety checks before some of the rides.

These rides are lead by at least one experienced MIVA rider who is there to guide you and help you feel comfortable in the group as well as push you a bit when you may need it.

Start Date: Monday April 11

Time: 6pm

Meeting spot: NIC parking lot.

Come ride with us!

If you need to, download print and sign a 2017_Club_Waiver.

*Sample of a route last year, more or less http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6558687.

Proudly sponsored again by KIYO SPA, thank you!

MIVA 2017 kicks off with our Spring Challenge 50/100k on April 8. Like last year, we will start and end at White Sails brewery (a sponsor). There will be a social afterwards with food and swag. This is a great opportunity to come out and test your legs or ride into shape. Also a large part of this event is the opportunity to catch up with each other after the ride. We look forward to having lots out for this event and to kick off the season with a fun ride and social outing. Sign in that morning will start at 7:30 for those who want to ride 100k and be back in time for food. A group will leave WS at 8:00 and do 100k. For 50k, calculate your time and sign in when you like - a group will leave at 9:30. A $10 entry will help cover food and swag.

Sign up through webscorer.

50k route on Strava

100k route on Strava

Hello MIVA kit orderersIt was great seeing many of you as you picked up your kit at White Sails today. One crazy member ordered 5 pieces! For those of you who did not make the pick up today, you can now pick up your kit at Phil's office, 4-100 Wallace Street during office hours. See you up the road! Mike