Poker race report

The "very serious" Billy idol pose captured by Kat Wright on my third checkpoint

The SIMBS poker run on Sunday was a great success. 40 people showed up for the race and everybody had a blast as far as I know. Awards were awarded for best time, DFL, best hand, worst hand, best team time, team hand, and best team name and whatever else category Mitch could come up with, so there was lots of nice swag given out to good people. The race was set up with four stations scattered around the park, and at each station you had to pick up a card, that would build your hand. The stations were located at Inventive/little Face intersection, at the Bench on Dave's line, the lookout at the end of Dave's line/start of Southridge, and at the bottom of Bottom feeder. Most people took their time between points and stopped to chat with the guys giving out the cards at every station. I did the run in about an hour or so and came in somewhere at the middle of the pack. I added some trails to my ride just for fun, and rode down Green Ribbon, and then did Crossover, Ruffles, Rolly ridge, Inventive and short cut on the way back, trying to avoid the fireroads. I had an absolute blast at the race which was organized by our own Mitch Thacker and he did a great job. He also destroyed the sprint race on Friday but more on that later.
Reinert from the Zone/Q cooked up some kick ass burgers after the ride, with his own barbecue and for free. That guy's awesome, he does not even ride mountain bikes but offers his BBQ and his time to SIMBS without hesitation. Very cool.

Trial Building & Road Rides

I had an awesome time building a new trail at Hartland with the SIMBS trail building crew this morning. About 20 people showed up; which means the trail is coming together quite quickly. We were working on building a few very solid berms, armouring some turns, and there are two wall rides planned for this new trail. I find it exciting to be a part of this project. Being able to mold the trail into something we think riders will enjoy. The next SIMBS TM (Trail Maintenance) will take place May 17th. Rider's Cycles will be sponsoring this TM so expect tons of awesome swag. We will be working on the course for the up coming Island Cup Series Super-D Race on May 24th. So, please come and help us make sure the race course is in pristine condition for the all the racers; but more importantly for the Rider's Team and our star rider Mitch. Mark the date on your calendar and don't forget to RSVP Chris so that you get the sandwich you want.

After getting a flat, getting lost on the way to the trail we were working on; after all the hard work, a great lunch, and winning some sweet swag (no one went home empty handed) I headed out for a ride. I road with fellow trail builder Scott and his pal Brian. The weather was beautiful but I didn't expect that Scott had the energy for a two and a half hour ride. Needless to say I was exhausted when we finally arrived at the parking lot. However, I really enjoyed the ride. I got to see another trail I had never ridden, along with a really good workout. I also finally worked up the courage to roll down the drop on Inventive. Not a big deal for most at Rider's Cycle, but that drop had been plaguing me for months. Next on my "Just Do It List" is to drop off that rock.

Yesterday was SIMBS's Membership Drive. Here are a few excerpts of a letter from the President of SIMBS, Scott Mitchell:

"The membership drive went well on Saturday. We signed up 24 members not quite the same numbers as last year but definitely worth the time."
"Greg C and Andrew L deserve a big thank you for helping out with the table."
"Craig Gillette won the trip to Sunrise Ridge..."

Congratulations to Craig for winning the draw prize. Thank you to all those that stopped by the table get a membership, to renew their memberships, or just to say hi. I would also like to thank Tyler J. and Suzanne D. for hanging out with us.

Just a reminder to all the roadies out there; the Rider's Cycle Monday Evening Road Rides are underway. Meet us at the shop about 6pm. They usually take off when Shayne has finished closing the store; generally about 6:15pm. Tomorrow will be my first official group ride so I'll see you all then.

Life is great on two wheels.

Dungeon Ramblings

Rider's Cycles now has a huge presence in the South Island Mountain Bike Society (SIMBS).

Shayne, Mitch, and I managed to get ourselves elected to the board of directors. Shayne is the Treasure while Mitch and I are directors at large. Our first meeting was this Tuesday. We got to know the other directors, discuss upcoming SIMBS events, and brain storm ideas of how to spend our member's money. SIMBS will be holding a screening on March 26 at the Victoria Events Center of the latest DVD in the New World Disorder series:

NWD 9 “Never Enough”

The event will be free for SIMBS members or $20 (the cost of a membership) for the general public.

SIMBS is also looking for spaces around town to build small beginner technical training areas. We would like to build parks where kids can have fun and learn the basic skills so that they can feel more confident riding at Hartland. We are looking for public land but preferably not CRD land. If anyone knows of a great spot please post it in the comments below.

Trail maintenance this month will be on Sunday the 15^th. Please contact Chris before 9:00 a.m. Friday the 13^th if you would like a free a sandwich lunch after putting in a few hours of hard labour.

Rider's Cycles just received the latest version of the Hartland Mountain Bike Trails map. It is now water proof and has been tested to survive going through a wash with your cloths. There are a few new trails and the map has been updated to remove sections of land that are not within the park.

"Speak, Build, Respect, Ride.", IMBA

SIMBS AGM

Reserve Monday night the 26th of Jan. off for showing up for SIMBS AGM. 7pm at the Victoria Event Center at 1415 Broad. Bike lockup at ChainChainChain and beers overflowing. Bring cash for renewing your membership, buying raffle tickets for swag and for beers.

Night ride tonight! Allthough I'm feeling a little rough around the edges I think I'm going to try and brave the night ride this evening. At least 3 guys from the shop will show up plus whoever else is up for it. Shayne is out of commission with a messed up foot from fighting and kicking a Mountain lion in the groin on his way to Picaflick to return some dvd's, and Chevy can't make it because she's hanging out with the cool kids, plotting world domination and going over plans for their cool Freeride park in North Saanich. For us other geeks who just ride bikes and don't mess with lions or the elite, we'll be at the hartland parking lot at 7 as per usual. Dead animals and beers go down nicely after a ride in the dark.

By the way, even though no pictures we're cought of Shayne's apparently epic fight with the Lion, I stumbled upon another Badass...well, uhm Ass, kicking some kitty's, yes you got it, ass: Check it:

BAD ASS!!!