Well April has come and gone and we are well into spring. This year’s snow melt and
rains definitely took their tole on some of the trails so make sure to ride carefully and be on the look out for our upcoming trail days. We are going to need some extra hands this year to help keep the erosion under control. We have two wicked events that we are hosting this month! On May 24th we are hosting the Kelowna premiere of “Strength In Numbers” Anthill films new feature! And then, on May 27th we will be hosting our first annual Crawford Kick-Off! You can read more about these two events further on in the newsletter.

A big shout out goes to Source Office Furnishings one of our newest sponsors. These
guys jumped on board to support MTBco for the season! If you are setting up a new
office or are furnishing your current one make sure to talk to these guys!

Support Your Local Bike Shops!

For those of you who don’t know, MTBco wouldn’t be able to survive without
sponsorship from the local bike shops of the Central Okanagan. They also make a
wicked effort to come out and host the twoonie rides! Because they support us we
would be stoked if our membership made an effort to support them! This year we
have every bike shop from West Kelowna to Lake Country on board for the season.
Whether you are looking for the newest gear, pricing out a custom build or are wanting to get your bike tuned to perfection… make sure to frequent your local bike shops first and foremost! And remember your membership card get’s you 10% off of parts and accessories at all the shops, it’s like a universal bro-deal!

Kelowna
Fresh Air Experience/Concept
ChainLine Cycle
Cyclepath
Kelowna Cycle
Rock ‘N Road

West Kelowna
Sovereign Cycle
Outbound Cycle

Lake Country
Lake Country Cycle

Thanks to the shops for keeping us alive, participating in events, hosting toonie rides, selling memberships and fielding questions about the club!!

Strength In Numbers – May 24th

We are super excited to announce that on Thursday May 24th, MTBco will be hosting the Kelowna premiere for Anthill Films newest feature – “Strength in Numbers” at Boomers Bar and Grill.  This is an all-ages venue.

From The Film Makers:

“Viewed at a distance, the world of mountain biking is a disjointed network of seemingly similar but disconnected communities. Freeride. Downhill. Big Mountain. All Mountain. Dirt Jump. Slopestyle. A sport of individuals, equally  defined by their many differences, as the common threads that bind. And while our story doesn’t follow a straight line, we all end up in the same place. Tire to ground, foot to pedal, hand to bar – communities drawn together by trails of dirt.

A new action sport documentary, Strength in Numbers is a rally call to connect all mountain bikers, regardless of location or language or discipline. The film captures a true way of life, from the world’s best pros to those who are just learning to love the sport. Shot over two years in some of mountain biking’s most iconic locations, Anthill’s signature style combines compelling stories with core action to create a shared experience that unites all riders.”

- Ant-Hill

Featured Riders: Graham Agassiz, Adam Billinghurst, Anthony Messere, Brandon Semenuk, Wade Simmons, Rene Wildhaber, Gee Atherton, Matt Hunter, Cam  McCaul, Andrew Shandro, Thomas Vanderham

This will be an all ages event and is open to both MTBco members and non-members alike, bring all your friends! Doors are opening at 6:00pm and we will be starting the movie around 7:30 so come early and grab a good seat!

There will be door prizes for MTBco members (We like to thank our members!) as well as a 50/50 draw open to all attendees. We will be set-up to register members at the event so this is a great time to grab your 2012 membership! There will be drink and food specials for the event thanks to our gracious hosts at Boomers!!

Tickets are currently available at all the local shops and there will be some at the door. They will be $10 in advance and $13 at the event!

Crawford Kick-Off – May 27th

MTBco’s second wicked event in May is going to be the First Annual Crawford Kick-Off!

We will be setting up camp at the Crawford parking lot on Sunday May 27th at around 10:00am and will be sticking around for a couple hours (we will probably pack up around 1:00pm).

The Crawford Kick-off will feature a Poker Ride, BBQ and some surprise prizes!

Poker run registration will begin at 10:00am. It will be a short untimed XC loop in
the lower bench area, but you gotta complete the loop to get all your cards for your
poker hand! Highest hand wins (there will be a super awesome excellent tie breaker
competition in the case of equal hands)! You have to be a MTBco member to register
for the race but otherwise it’s free!

The BBQ will be a $5 donation for a burger and refreshments (it doesn’t get cheaper
than that!)

Our supporting bike shops have been invited to bring their tents, and demo bikes and a couple have committed to be there already. This will be an amazingly good time, so don’t miss out. Bring your kids, significant other, mortal enemies or anyone else that likes to ride bikes! Even if you aren’t gonna ride come and hang out!

Trail Update

Well everyone, the wet weather had disastrous consequences for some of the trail
networks. Upper Vapour nearly washed away but it is rideable again thanks to quick
trail-work by a few very generous individuals (good job and thanks go out to these
people). The other trails in the Crawford area are also in wicked shape other than some of the wetter areas and those trails near creeks. Upper Hill-Billy is rumored to have a few trees down so keep your eyes peeled when riding it. Officially the Gillard FSR is closed. There has been an effort to fill in the washout in order to make it drive-able for shuttling but we highly recommend that you refrain from using it as it is quite dangerous.
We have heard word that the ministry will be looking into fixing the washout ASAP and may be installing a culvert to prevent future washouts in that section of road.

Tick Season!

Be on the look-out for ticks! There are lot’s out there and the rain has left us with tall underbrush giving them a perfect way to attach themselves to bikers and hikers! If you find one on your person make sure to remove it and kill it, ticks can carry lime disease.
If you get all the way home and find one has dug itself into your skin a fair ways go to the doctor and have it removed professionally! Leaving the head behind can lead to trouble.

Reader Submissions

Did you just get back from wicked bike trip? Ride a trail recently that you would love
to rave about? Have a love for biking and a passion for writing? Please feel free to
forward any stories, trail reports, mountain biking news or general interest articles
to info@mtbco.ca and you may find your article in our next newsletter!! We are also
interested in including photo’s so if you are a budding photographer and have some
awesome shots send them our way!

That’s It For May.
Hope To See You All At The Events!
I Know I Won’t Be Missing Them!

Jay – Secretary, MTBco

Spring Is Here!

The long weekend is over and as it would seem so is winter!! It’s also time for our April Newsletter. Hopefully everyone has been out enjoying the sunshine and riding the trails that have now started to open. The April newsletter includes our first trail report for the season, provided for you by our Trail Development Director – Jeff Rempel.

In our previous newsletter we did our best to thank everyone for their support last season, both sponsors and members alike. What we forgot to do was thank the outgoing board of directors for keeping the club alive through their dedicated efforts. They spent countless hours organizing events, maintaining club documents, hosting twoonie rides/trail days, updating the website, driving from shop to shop, communicating with other organizations, attending meetings, etc. – Without a dedicated team of directors MTBco would not exist. MTBco’s 2011 Board of directors consisted of:

• President – Johnny Smoke
• Treasurer – Matt MacDonald
• Operations – Brian McLelland
• Membership Director – Leanne Kemila
• Communications Coordinator – Sheila Gariepy
• Sponsorship & Marketing Director A – Monica McCosh
• Sponsorship & Marketing Director B – Justin Darbyshire
• Provincial Parks & Grants Director – Sean Kelly
• Trail Directors
•  Gillard – Jeff Rempel
•  Postill – Andrew McIntosh
•  Powers – Dave Perry
•  Smith Creek – Mike Smolak
•  Crawford – Scott Lahrs
• Bike Park Director – Eric Rothwell
• Member at Large – Geoff Jukema

Bike Park Opening

Now that the snow has left and the dirt is starting to thaw out I’m sure there are many riders out there getting eager to head over and session the bike park. We plan on scheduling a couple of work days at the park to get it ready for the season before our grand opening (which will be sometime around the beginning of may) so please keep an eye on our website and facebook page for those dates. Also, If you are interested in helping out maintain the park throughout the season please contact our Bike Park Director Eric through email at erothwell@mtbco.ca. We aren’t planning any major changes right now but there is lot’s of re-working and maintenance that needs to be done before the heat hits and dries out the jumps. We also need to do a fair amount of general clean-up and de-weeding. If you have been out there riding it already please be sure to ride safe and clean-up garbage / repair jump damage. It’s your park so do your part!

MTBco is Reaching Out

As part of our efforts to gain support for the club, better promote mountain biking and increase the sense of community amongst riders within the region we have started to develop stronger relationships with the valleys other two clubs. In March members of the MTBco board of directors attended the AGM’s of both the Penticton Area Cycling Coalition and the North Okanagan Cycling Society. These two organizations share much in common with MTBco. It is our belief that we will able to share knowledge, pool resources and support each-other in our respective efforts to protect trails, promote mountain biking and engage riders. Our attendance was well received by the other two clubs and there will be further exchanges in the future. You can keep up with their efforts and events through the news tickers on our website or by visiting their websites:

NOCS – http://okcycling.com/

PACA – http://www.bikepenticton.com/

We Want Your Input

As I talked about in our last newsletter we received a lot of input from our membership at our annual general meeting. However, we felt bad that only people who came to the meeting were able to provide direction for MTBco. For that reason your president – Brian McClelland has created an online survey that you can all use to provide feedback for the directors as to what you think we do good, where we falter and what we should focus on. If you follow the link provided below it will take you to a very brief online survey that will let you contribute to the organization in a meaningful way. By knowing what you think of us we can better do our jobs!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QR8TMHR

Jeff’s Trail Update

Knox is in prime condition. Gates are open, so shuttle with respect and watch for hikers and cars. Get it while the gettin’ is good! A day or two of sun and the trails will be looser than loose! Next up is postill. Addiction has snow at the top still, please stay off if it is mucky/snowy. Lower addiction is good as is nato’s jump line. Watch for motos! Crawford is gonna be next… the low trails are tacky but will see spring runoff soon. Watch for hikers and horses. Gillard will be a while yet, keep an eye out for an update soon on whats open and rideable. A crew of riders cleared windfall up there a while back but there will be a lot more after all the stormy weather thats been passing through. If anyone is keen on helping out with windfall clearing at Gillard, Contact me at jeffrempel@hotmail.com and we can arrange a day!

Cheers to all, spring is here! … finally.

Jeff Rempel – Trail Development Director

Powers Creek Update

Our last newsletter contained some concerning information for all. The potential decommissioning of powers creek was upon our doorstep. Since then there has been a large amount of communication between MTBco and individuals from The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations plus some side discussions with representatives of The District of West Kelowna. We took a very pro-active but calm approach to the situation and it looks like Powers Creek will be safe from decommissioning for the time being. The situation has had a side benefit of reopening the conversation between MTBco and the Ministry in regards to our applications to have local trail networks sectioned off as official trails. We will be working hard through 2012 to protect local trails and to progress towards the end goal of obtaining official trail status for a majority of the trail networks we all enjoy. A big thanks goes out to our treasurer/membership director Andrew Mcintosh.

Reader Submissions

Did you just get back from wicked bike trip? Ride a trail recently that you would love to rave about? Have a love for biking and a passion for writing? Please feel free to forward any stories, trail reports, mountain biking news or general interest articles to info@mtbco.ca and you may find your article in our next newsletter!!

That’s about all for April. Ride On!

Jay – Secretary, MTBco

2011 – It Was A Blast

First things first, A big shout out to all those who supported us in 2011!

To the local bike shops who provide us with much needed financial support, awesome prizes and run the after-party portion of our Toonie Rides; Sovereign Cycle, Outbound Cycle, Chainline Cycle, Cyclepath, Kelowna Cycle, Fresh Air Experience/Fresh Air Concept, and Union Cycle. Thanks for the support, wicked shwag, cold beer and tasty burgers! We owe you more than we could ever give back!

To our loyal membership who felt a need to put forward their hard earned cash and lend their free-time to support the clubs efforts.  Thank you for the blood sweat and tears you put into trail days. Thank you for riding the local trails hard and as often as you could. Thank you for attending our toonie races and making them so much damn fun. Most of all, thank you for motivating us to keep this ship afloat!

The last year was a rocky one for MTBco. We owe apologies to our sponsors and to our members for lack of communication, for dropping the ball on some initiatives and for generally not living up to even our own expectations. We’ve made some mistakes but overall we’ve learnt and are striving forward. MTBco accomplished a lot In 2011, The following is just a highlight:

• Held 9 Shop Toonie Rides with an average attendance of 25+ riders
• Supported trail days on all major local trail networks
• Aided MTBco member trail builders in the re-opening of some neglected local trails
• Renegotiated the Bike Park contract allowing MTBco members greater freedom to build and maintain the park.
• Represented the mountain bike community at city planning meetings regarding the new Knox mountain management plan.
• Increased our membership over past seasons, fostering a growth of the Kelowna mountain bike community.
• Continued to work towards the Section 57 approval of local trail networks.
• Began talks with Tourism Kelowna and the Mountain Bike Tourism Association to begin to promote Kelowna as a riding destination.
• Re-opened communication with FOSS in regards to maintaining the Crawford riding area.

2012 – To Infinity and Beyond

On Wednesday, February 22nd we held our annual AGM. We would like to thank everyone that attended! Ideas where tossed about, slideshows were presented, coffee and cookies were consumed and everyone left with a positive outlook for MTBco in 2012! Our general membership provided lot’s of input and the executive promises to take your suggestions to heart. Speaking of the executive, the board of directors for 2012 is as follows:

•  President – Brian McClelland
•  Vice President – Geoff Jukema
•  Secretary – Justin Darbyshire (Jay Darby)
•  Treasurer/Membership director – Andrew Mcintosh
•  Trail Development Director – Jeff Rempel
•  Bike Park Director – Eric Rosswell

Some of our goals for 2012 are:

• - Build upon the success of past toonie rides by increasing rider attendance
• Secure support from the RDCO, The District of West Kelowna and The City of Kelowna in our bid to achieve Section 57 approval for local trail networks.
• Adopt one of the premier trails within Myra-Bellvue provincial park and through a 3 year plan revitalize it as a showpiece of Okanagan riding.
• Work towards securing grant funds to install a sprinkler system at the bike park and to expand its features.
• Continue to be the voice of the mountain bike community through communication with local and regional governments.
• Increase our membership and continue to foster the growing mountain bike community of  the central Okanagan.
• With support of Tourism Kelowna begin to develop strategic partnerships with the tourism industry.
• Become a more open and vocal organization communicating better with our members, sponsors and other organizations.
• Develop partnerships with other regional trail advocacy groups and cycling organizations.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, there is always more to be done. At our AGM we had to answer for some of our shortcomings and we aim to fix those. That will be a large part of our efforts for 2012. We encourage anyone who wishes to volunteer or contribute to get in contact with us through email. We can be reached by emailing directors@mtbco.ca. This is a direct line to all of us at once!

Upcoming Events

The season will be starting off with our Bike Park Opening and a Season Opener Party. Then we will be diving in to our Toonie rides and Trail Days. There will most likely be 8 shop supported toonie rides this year and at least three scheduled Trail Days on Hillbilly. We will be hosting a couple Bike Park Maintenance days that will be scheduled by our bike park director Eric.

Our preliminary 2012 event schedule is as follows (Subject to Change):

18-Mar Bike Park Opening
30-May Toonie Ride 1
13-Jun Toonie Ride 2
27-Jun Toonie Ride 3
11-Jul  Toonie Ride 4
25-Jul  Toonie Ride 5
8-Aug  Toonie Ride 6
15-Aug Toonie Ride 7
29-Aug Toonie Ride 8

TBD  Season Opener Party
TBD  Hillbilly Trail Day X3
TBD  Install signage at Crawford (In Partnership With FOSS)
TBD  Bike Park Maintenance Days

Trail News

Knox Mountain Closures

In the fall of last year MTBco sat in on stakeholder meetings with the City of Kelowna related to the the development of a new management plan for Knox Mountain. A large part of this plan is to rehabilitate the natural landscape back to a more pristine environment. This will involve a number of impacts to mountain biking within the park. There are going to be multiple trail closures, trail re-routes and new trail construction. MTBco would like to request our membership to respect the cities plans for Knox mountain by obeying posted trail closures and by utilizing only those trails designated for cycling once the new trails and signage are in place. It is important that as a community we work with the city in regards to Knox mountain as it will benefit and progress our relationship with them into the future. They are going to be an important partner in helping us to protect the other trail systems within the valley that are larger and are in immediate risk.

Powers Creek

MTBco and local trail builders were recently contacted by regional forestry officials regarding the trail network and man made structures that exist within the Powers Creek area. Apparently, public complaints about the trails and structures were filed by local individuals. These complaints have led to government officials wanting to dismantle the constructed elements and remediate the trails to a natural state. This would lead to the permanent closure of a riding area that is popular and well known. The powers creek area was developed almost solely by one individual who has spent countless hours and invested large amounts of personal finances into the trail network and structures. MTBco currently has an application in with the provincial government to make the Gillard area an official trail system. Powers Creek/Smith Creek was the second network that we wished to apply to have sectioned off as an official trail network. Currently we are in contact with local and regional officials and are attempting to have the proposed destruction of the Powers Creek area halted so that we have time to alleviate any concerns of the officials and file an application in due course to have the area transferred to legal trail status. The last thing MTBco wants to see is the destruction of trail networks laboured on by our builders and loved by our riders. If you wish to lend us a hand emails of support are always fuel for the fire. Feel free to send emails info@mtbco.ca outlining your passion for the Powers Creek area. Encourage your friends to do the same. Please put “Powers Creek” in the subject line and try to be positive and to the point when writing.

Reader Submissions

Throughout the season we are going to be accepting submissions from our membership  to be featured within this section of our newsletter. Please feel free to forward any stories, trail reports, mountain biking news or general interest articles to info@mtbco.ca and you may find your article in our next newsletter!!

In Memorial: Paul Edgar

Recently MTBco received a donation from an individual in memorial of Paul Edgar. Paul was a local rider known to many who passed away in 2011. He had a passion for mountain-biking eclipsed by few and unlike most, the skill to match it. It was suggested by his next of kin that donations to MTBco in his name would be a way to memorialize him by helping our organization promote and protect trails that he used to shred.

Remember to always pin it like its your last and raise a glass after for the fallen riders!

Welcome back to a new season of dirty fun!  Here are a few updates on MTBco changes, events coming up for the month of April, and what you missed at our AGM in March.

Going Back to our Roots

MTBco is going back to our roots starting with the new 2011 season.  At our annual general meeting held in March, we told everyone that we are adopting 2 new club values moving ahead: Consistency & Transparency.

What does this mean for you?  You can expect our annual financial statements published on our site; monthly newsletters sent at the beginning of each month; and timely updates to our Facebook group about events, trail conditions, etc.  With a newly elected and enthusiastic executive, our wheels will be spinning hard to bring you favourite events like the Toonie Race series, Trail Maintenance Days, and new beginnings!

Check our site regularly for event info, races, trail days, our online Google-esque trail maps, and trail conditions.

NEW this year:

• Laminated MTBco membership cards
• Shop-neutral Trail Days with build clinics (MTBco Trail Days held separate from bike shop events)
• Chainsaw certification course – email jsmoke@mtbco.ca to sign up
• MTBco trail maintenance equipment available for members’ use! Contact Trail Director amcintosh@mtbco.ca for more info
• MTBco members now get 10% off lift passes at Silver Star & 10% off their top 2 rental packages
• MTBco members get 10% off at our sponsored bike shops
• Goat Style is coming to Silver Star this Aug 11-13 – volunteers needed.  Sign up on our forum.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, April 17^th – 12 noon
Union Cycle’s 3^rd Annual Pig Roast + Chainless DH @ Postill “Addiction”
This is your opportunity to take part in a Kelowna classic.  The 3rd Annual Postil Pig Roast & Chainless DH.  Challenge your true riding skills and time yourself down ‘Addiction’ using only your ‘pump’.  Then, reward yourself by filling your belly with some pit roasted pork.  We look forward to seeing you there.
***Must be an up to date MTBco Member to participate. This event is NOT a Trail Day this year.

Warm up laps 12PM-2PM
Chainless DH 3PM
Pig Roast 5PM
$10 Entry

Click http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201978796502927 to attend.

Saturday, April 30^th – 10 am

Bike Park maintenance

In preparation for the season’s official opening of the Bike Park on May 1^st, we will need volunteers to help get the bike park groomed & prepped the day before.  Please contact ERothwell@mtbco.ca to lend a hand.

Sunday, May 1^st – 12 noon

MTBco’s Bike Park Season Opener

For location, click “Bike Park” at www.mtbco.ca
Yes! The MTBco Bike Park is officially opening Sunday, May 1^st!  Come out and enjoy a BBQ, beverages, music, and hit the jumps with your friends.  Get a chance to meet MTBco and the Bike Park Director, learn the guidelines of bike park maintenance, and meet new dirtbag friends.

Chainsaw Certification Course

Thinking about building a trail this year?  Want to borrow MTBco trail maintenance equipment?  You will need to be certified.  This 2 day instructional course will be available on a first come, first served basis – only 15 spots available.  Course will cover safety basics, proper use, and maintenance of equipment..

Trail Ambassador Program

Is there someone in your club who always goes the ‘extra mile’? Someone who does more for advocacy and trail maintenance than everyone else combined? That is the sort of person we are looking for! Renegade Cycle Solutions is teaming up with IMBA Canada to reward your unsung hero, your trail maestro, your volunteer extraordinaire with an X-Fusion Velvet RL fork. In fact RCS will be dishing out TWO awards, one to the best of Eastern Canada and one for the West. Nominate your club member by July 31st, 2011 and tell us why your nominee should be an X-Fusion Trail Ambassador. Winners will be announced in September and featured in IMBA Canada’s Trail News newsletter!

Submissions

• Current IMBA Canada members are eligible to make a nomination for the award.
• Write 250-300 words on why your trail maestro deserves the title of X-Fusion Trail Ambassador!
• Login to the website, and submit your story here.
• Post photos to accompany your story in IMBA Canada’s facebook album “X-Fusion Trail Ambassador Nominations”, or email them to rachael.raven[at]imba.com.

Please send any questions about the program or application process to rachael.raven@imba.com . Contact: Rachael Raven IMBA Canada Communications Coordinator (613)301.8098 rachael.raven@imba.com www.imbacanada.com

Silver Star Early Bird Passes on SALE

 Don’t forget to buy your Silver Star early bird season’s passes!  Save $40 by buying yours before May 31^st!  Check out http://www.skisilverstar.com/home_showSection_ID_550.html for more details.

Toonie Rides

The Toonie series at Smith Creek has been very successful, to say the least.  Too bad that we’re winding the season down with the final event this coming Wednesday, September 29th.  With dusk coming earlier every day, this is the last chance we have for a mid-week Toonie.  Where else can you have a great evening complete with food and bevvies for only $2?  Come out and make this last event a good one.  Oh, and for you freehuckers, it’s a shorter course too.  We’ll be there at 5:30 to sign people on, the ride starts at 6.  Smith Creek trails in Westbank. Just follow Eliott Rd to Smith Ck Rd and look for the lycra.

Powers Creek Trailday

Dirty Dave has been very busy this year as well.  In addition to some major changes to Builders Only, he’s been working on a new line he calls “Master of Slag” that extends the Builders Only line by about 1km.  Come out on Sunday, October 3rd and help him finish this one off.  We’ll be meeting at the usual spot at the top of Powers Creek at 10 am.  Bring hand tools, buckets for moving dirt, and your bike to ride the finished goods.  We’re not making lunch, so bring some snacks, but there will be an afternoon BBQ courtesy of Outbound Cycle.

Other Events Nearby

Our partner clubs in the valley are also having some fall events worth checking into.

• NOCS is having their 6 hour Enduro, the Ellison Project on Saturday Sept 25th.
• Penticton is having their Fall Bike Festival with BMX and XC events this weekend.
• Oct 2nd and 3rd is the Full Boar Challenge in Kamloops
• Also on October 3rd is the Kaslo Suffer Fest, featuring a race up and down the legendary Monster.

Lots to keep you busy this fall.  Sorry for the double email, but I have these fat fingers that keep pushing ‘send’ before I’m ready.  One day I’ll get this figured out.

We’re still a long way from winter, and there’s plenty of riding to be done.  There’s still some more events on the horizon, and we’re always looking for more volunteers.

Bike Park Update

We’re nearly there.  After a great meeting with the City and the contractors, we have cleared the majority of the red tape regarding the Skills Park.  It’s now gong back tothe City for final signatures.  Watch for an official announcement about a Grand Opening in the next week or so.

K-Town Kamikaze

The Super-D is set for June 13th.  Will Mike succesfully defend his title?  Will Evan get tot he bottom without flatting?  Will the DH crew redeem themselves?  Show up and find out.  More details:  http://www.mtbco.ca/2010/05/20/k-town-kamikaze-june-13th

Toonie Rides

Yes, we have Toonie Rides starting up.  They’re not races, they’re rides.  Races are more expensive.  Every other Wednesday at Smith Creek, only $2.  You gotta be a member of an IMBA affiliated club like MTBco to participate, but that’s about all.

Oh, and a TREE told me that there might be some delicious prizes available.

Trail Days

So far we’ve had several really successful trail days put on by Union Cycle, Cyclepath, and Outbound Cycle.  The trails are looking awesome, expecially with the moist weather we’ve had.  Thanks to all of you for coming out and making that effort to buff up the neighborhood.  You’re making a difference.  Watch for the next trail day at Gillard in the next month.

Sasquatch Hunt

A smaller turnout led to a better chance at that frame this year.  40 riders braved some inclement weather to ride Powers and collect the best hand possible.   Good thing that chili was hot at the top, because it rained (I think it was trying to snow) a little.    Hey, we’re mountain bikers.  We can handle some weather, and really it hardly rained at all.  Another great day thanks to Dave and Glenn at Outbound.

After an incredibly busy and successful 2009, it’s now time to turn our attention towards 2010.  Without further ado, here’s what’s coming down the pipe with the MTBco.

Annual General Meeting

The A.G.M. is set for:

Tuesday, February 23rd
7:30PM to 9:30PM
Kinsmen Field House

That’s the usual place we have the annual meeting, and if you don’t know where it is, here’s a handy map for you.

We’re looking for some new blood to fill the ranks of the club executive this year.  Please consider joining us this year.  We are looking for people with accounting skills, grant writing experience, corporate fund raising, maybe an event co-ordinator, and some generally well organized and motivated people to help spread the load.

Membership

Just so you don’t forget, your annual membership expires on March 1st.  Luckily, we have an easy way for you to renew on our website.

Join Us

Of course, we’ll also be accepting membership dues at the AGM, so feel free to bring your chequebook along.

Mapping

One of our goals this year is to produce an updated and more accurate map of the trails. Taking inventory of the massive amount of trails in the area is a huge undertaking.  With the advent of inexpensive GPS technology, many more of you likely have data on the trails.  If you feel like sharing, feel free to email your tracks to:  jsmoke@mtbco.ca.

Thanks

Section 57 Application

What is a Section 57?  Well, it’s the part of the BC legal code that gives us rights to ride and maintain trails, and Justin has put a ton of work into getting our first application in to secure access to the Gillard area.  Not much to report, but we though this was a good time to let you all know that process has begun.  As soon as we know more about the status of the application, we’ll let you all know.

Bike Park

Not a lot to report here.  The park is still technically under construction.  Rob would like to remind you all that it’s currently a construction zone and that it’s off limits.  Besides, if you ride it when it’s wet it will just increase the work load in the spring.  As soon as we get word from the contractor about when work is resuming, we’ll forward the info to all of you so that we can finish the park off.