Just a reminder that we are still looking for volunteers for tomorrow nights Criterium.
So if you’re not hitting the hill climb workout on Harewood Mines Road at 6:30 swing on by Industrial Paint and Plastics for some action packed racing.
Please sign up here to let us know who’s coming out to help.
As well if you’re interested in coming out to our 20km Timetrial on Thursday please sign up here with your estimated time to help us build the start list.
For some of us the weekend started off with a damp 40km time trial on Thursday evening. Typically our 40km distances see a lower than average turn out. Combined with the wet weather I was quite surprised to have 12 riders out to challenge themselves. While the weather held off and only rained at the finish line for a short bit while the riders were all out on course the road itself was quite wet with everyone finishing soaked through. While most of us found it challenging to maintain our pace on the second lap two riders managed to increase their speed with Lee and Nadia both knocking more than twenty seconds off their second splits.
Saturday morning saw our first of many MIVA Diva rides with 20 riders getting out and stretching their legs.
Sunday morning saw the annual Westwood Lake Triathlon. If anyone knows where results can be found be please post them in the MIVA group.
Sunday also saw racers taking to the beautiful roads around Cherry Point. New to Nanaimo Craig Gibson took first place followed by Liam Sullivan in the B Race. In the youth Category Jack Mace took third place against some tough youngsters from around the island.
In upcoming events Tuesday night we have our regularly scheduled Aquarius Marine Crit. As usual we will be looking for marshalls to help out on the corners.
Tuesday will also be the first Hill climb training ride of the MIVA Divas meeting down on Maxey road at 6:30pm
Thursday May will be a 20km time trial on Nanaimo River Road. Please pre-register with your estimated times to help build the start list.
Other upcoming events to keep in mind
Wednesday May 22 Track racing at the Victoria Velodrome as part of the Victoria Cycling Leagues race schedule
June 2 - Cowichan Valley Sue Wells Ride for ALS —This ride is organized by Cycle Therapy Bikes and is graciously and generously sponsored by the Red Arrow Brewing Company. In fact the ride will finish up at the Red Arrow Brewing Company where every participant will be provided with a ticket for the fantastic BBQ (Hamburger or Chicken Burger or Vege Burger plus two salads!) prepared by Just Jakes. Every participant gets their choice of a glass of Red Arrow beer or a glass of cider or a glass of wine!
Thanks to the city we now have new signage around the Crit course.
It’s tough having to make the call with the way the weather on the island is constantly changing. At 5pm Tuesday afternoon the course was dry, the clouds were breaking up and blue skies were shining through. At five thirty not so much, but the call had been made to go ahead with the race and with racers travelling up and down the Island we went out and set up the cones.
At six thirty just before race start the rain was gone. The road was wet and starting to dry out and we had seven riders willing to kick up some spray and race. The smaller pack did not make for a slower pace as Janna attacked immediately following the second neutral lap. From there on out it was a steady pace with an average lap times just under one minute forty seconds. Despite several attacks the pack remained close together with a strong headwind on the back straight making it difficult for anyone to get away.
In the end it came down to a sprint finish with Iain Hay taking his third win of the series just edging out newcomer Craig Gibbons followed by Kevin Park and James Sage.
Race Results can be found here
As always a huge thanks to our volunteers for coming out to stand on the corners allowing us to put these races on. Especially Jack and Mary-Jo for their enthusiastic cheering of my first Crit this year.
The next race up is our 40km Time Trial on Nanaimo River Road this Thursday at 7pm.
Also up is the Cherry Point Road Race on Sunday May 19th. Traditionally a BC Masters Association race which has been opened up to include the Victoria Cycling League and Island Youth Road Series this year. Registration will be open from 11:30 to 12:30 at the winery, racing will begin at 1pm. Course Map
Twelve women participated in Saturday’s Bike Skills Clinic, instructed by Glenowyn Carlson (Victoria) and assisted by MIVA member Charlene Stewart. During the morning session, riders increased their confidence and bike handling as they worked through various skills such as tight cornering, emergency braking and riding shoulder to shoulder. After a healthy (and delicious) lunch, juice and goodies from Good Life Juice, riders headed out for Part II – pace lines and climbing. This amazing group of women tackled every challenge given them - well done!
It was a hot evening yesterday at the 15k Errington Time Trial. We all enjoyed the change of scenery and the flatter course made for some fast times.
James Sage continues to dominate the men with a time of 21:06, and Janna Gillick was the fastest woman at 23:05. Janna also took home the Arrowsmith Cycles gift card for being closest to her predicted time.
The best modification of the evening was Luke Hubner’s surprisingly professional looking cardboard disk wheel!
Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers for guarding the side roads and ensuring the riders’ safety.
Next week we’re back on Nanaimo River Road for a tough 40 km TT.
