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Mid Island Velo Association, based in Nanaimo, B.C., releases schedule of rides, races and events for 2016

Based on how previous years have expanded the B.C. cycling club, hopes are high that this year's offerings will result in even greater numbers, and a greater impact on west coast cycling.

Image: Mid Island Velo Association
Image: Mid Island Velo Association

Now in its sixth year, the Mid Island Velo Association, based in Nanaimo, B.C., has announced its schedule for 2016. Based on how previous years have expanded the B.C. cycling club, hopes are high that this year’s offerings will result in even greater numbers, and a greater impact on west coast cycling.

Corey Friesen, the club’s president, is enthusiastic about the prospects of the coming twelve months.

“Our club is rather diverse, so we are proud to offer a wide variety of events catering to beginners, elites and everyone in between,” Friesen said, his club’s offerings in previous years seeing membership swell to well over a hundred riders—representing age ranges from 10 to 75. “2016,” he effused, “is going to be a great year!”

Beginning on April 11th, Monday night beginner rides will be offered, presented by Kiyo Salon and Day Spa. With instruction from an experienced cyclist, these rides are geared towards those who are familiar with the essentials of road biking, but for whom riding in a group, principally, is a new thing. If participating cyclists have eventual goals of competing in a triathlon or tackling a gran fondo, the ride is especially beneficial.

Wasting no time, the next of the club’s 2016 highlights begins on April 12 with the Coal City Cycles Criterium Series. Every Tuesday until the end of July, races will be held at the Boxwood Circuit in Nanaimo, B.C., with a clinic being offered on April 12 before the race to encourage new participants. Given the unique, fast-paced challenges of criterium racing, the clinics are intended to provide tips on how to perform well in competition for new riders. There’s also a women’s-only option.

For more experienced cyclists, meanwhile, Wednesday nights in 2016, starting at 6:30 pm, will offer the opportunity to refine their fitness in a group setting. In two groups—intermediate riders, averaging 24-28 kilometres per hour in pace, and advanced riders above that margin—participants will take to the grueling, unforgiving climbs of the Nanaimo area, a perfect setting for the sort of pushing of oneself needed to excel in the saddle. Rides will kick off at Rock City Cycles.

On April 14, the Rock City Cycles time trial series—the Mid-Island Velo Association’s longest, most enduring series, going back to 2008—kicks off. With a start located on Nanaimo River Road, 500 metres west of the intersection with South Forks Road, the time trial series will feature 16 races varying in distance from 15 to 40 km. The series will continue until July 28, all races starting at 6:30 pm.

Later in the season, the Arrowsmith Bikes hill climbing series will subject riders to some of the hardest climbs in the Nanaimo area in a time trial format, an event that drew record numbers in 2015. And while specifics are pending, weekly cyclocross clinics in the lead-up to Cross on the Rock will also be happening. As well, the club is considering the possibility of a Driver Lake Cross Race, perhaps for mid summer.

Other events include the Spring Challenge Ride on April 16 and a new challenge, the 5 Hill Climbs in 1 Day ride on May 7. And after the Ride for Life on May 28, supporting the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation, the Mt. Washington Climb will test riders on June 5.

Further information on events and membership is available at bikeracing.ca. New members, the club says, are always welcome.