MTBco

El Nino just keeps on giving to the bike community.  The warmest winter on record means that all the low elevation trails are open, and of course in Kelowna that means Knox Mtn. In case you weren’t aware, the majority of trails in Knox Mtn. Park are open to bikes.  Here’s a handy map for you to check out what’s open right now.

map download link

That’s a pretty nice selection for this time of year, don’t you think?    Since the warm weather also brings out lots of other users, try to remember that there’s going to be other folks out there using the trails.  Take ‘er easy, especially on weekends.  It’s a long bike season ahead, and it never hurts to remind everyone of the old “Rules of the Trail”.  Besides, all your favourite trails in Gillard, Powers, Postill, and Crawford are going to be open in no time so there’s no reason to over do it this early.

1. Ride On Open Trails Only

Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Be aware that bicycles may not permitted in certain protected areas.

2. Leave No Trace

Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle

Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

4. Yield to Others

Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to all other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. Strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

5. Never Scare Animals

Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.

6. Plan Ahead

Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding — and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Filed under:Biking News, Club News

By Smoke

The first bike park in Kelowna is not quite finished yet, and now we have word that there may be a second already in the planning stages.

According to the City of Kelowna’s website, the second phase of the Powerline Linear Park may include such porposed amenities as:

“…Mountain Bike Skills Area for beginners”

Open House

An open house is scheduled for Thursday, February 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium at Chute Lake Elementary School, 5240 Lark Street, to view the plans for the construction of the park. Residents are invited to drop by the open house and provide their comments and ask questions.

Read more about it over at the City of Kelowna site.

Filed under:Biking News, Club News

By Smoke

Squeaky Wheels Get the Grease

No HST on cycling in BC!

If you disagree with paying 7% more for bikes and bike parts this year, maybe head on over to the Squeaky Wheels site and sign the petition there.  While there are some good things about going to one sales tax, it’s abit underhanded that they are taking this opportunity to assess the tax against sectors of our economy that have been exempt for a long time.  The hypocrisy is compounded by the fact that while you can get some of your gas HST free, bikes will see an increase in tax.   It’s pretty tough to call yourself “Green” in those circumstances.

Even if you don’t sign the petition, have a look through some of the comments and check out their Facebook Group.  There’s some very interesting reading over there.

Filed under:Bike Business, Biking News

By Smoke

FOSS has secured funding and hired a forestry company to create a minimal risk cooridor along Lost Lake Trail and Pink Highway in Myra Bellevue Provincial Park. The crews will be working on Pink Hwy as of Monday, December 7th. Their mandate is the same as they had for Lost Lake clearing work now completed. They will be cutting down the larger burned trees that could potentially fall on the trail. They’ll be working on Pink Hwy from Teddy Bear Junction to just north of Flamingo.

Ryan Ingham of ARC Forestry checked out the project and he notified FOSS that he will “fall, clear trail, and cut back the edges to parks standard. Unfortunately, you should expect to lose a large portion (>50%) of the larger fir stems that could target the trail. Its simply past their safe lifespan, stem-rot has reached to point where even the soundest of them will be failing in the next few years. Adjacent to the area are good amounts of suitable habitat trees, so the only issue is the visual impacts”.FOSS reps have noticed a lot of living fir trees uprooted in the park, so Ryan’s assessment isn’t a surprise. Ryan expects to be finished in a couple of days.

When complete, FOSS’ Lost Lake and Pink Hwy projects should make these double tracks less prone to blowdowns, providing a better option for park users during wind events, and also making it easier for FOSS, MTBco, BC Parks to access other trails in the park for projects and events.

With these ’safe zones’ and the continued hard work of local trail clearing/maintenance crews and individuals the park continues to be improved for all user groups. Your club membership and/or financial support goes directly to these types of efforts….

Mike Kittmer

MTBco Director

Filed under:Biking News

By MikeDK

The Kelowna Area Cycling Coalition will be hosting a presentation at the downtown branch of the Okanagan Regional Library (1380 Ellis St.)

Thursday, December 17th starting at 7:00pm (finishing around 8:30pm)

Curtis Stone will be presenting his trip from here to the Mexican border along the coast. Pictures, trials, tribulations and celebration documenting his ride along some of the most notable coastline on this continent.

Kelowna Cycles will be presenting tips and tricks to riding in the winter of Kelowna.

We’ll also be showing some short videos from around the country about what people from Edmonton, Toronto and other cities do to keep riding year-round.

We’ll have a drawing for some door prizes.

Filed under:Biking News

By Smoke

Dear West Kelowna Parks & Recreation Stakeholders:

We are excited to let you know that the Parks & Recreation Master Plan 2010 Public Survey is now available online at: www.explorewk.ca

As key stakeholders in the West Kelowna community, we are asking your assistance in spreading the word about this survey. We need as many responses as possible to ensure the plan is an accurate reflection of your community.

The survey takes about 15 minutes and asks in-depth questions about the use of parks & recreation in West Kelowna, and your hopes and ideas for the future.

Please share this notice with your membership, your friends, your family and anyone you think would like to have a say in the future of parks & recreation in West Kelowna!

Do you know someone who would prefer to fill out a hardcopy? We have attached a PDF version that can be printed, or you can pick up a copy at the District Offices Parks, Recreation & Culture Department.

West Kelowna parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey (537 KB .pdf)

We would also like to let you know about our upcoming Public Open House!

Date: Tuesday, November 3^rd, 2009
Time: Drop in from 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Lion’s Hall, 2466 Main Street

This will be your opportunity to meet with staff, consultants and other community members to discuss your vision, ideas and concerns and learn more about the Parks & Recreation Master Plan. Also presenting at this event will be the Transportation Master Plan 2010, the Master Stormwater Management Plan and the Affordable Housing Strategy. Please see the attached poster for additional information.

This is your opportunity to help plan the future of your community. We hope to see you there!

Filed under:Biking News

By Smoke

VANCOUVER – The wildfire risk across the province has reached a critical level due to continued hot and dry weather, and British Columbians are being asked to voluntarily restrict back country activities, said Premier Gordon Campbell.

“The wildfire risk is at the highest level in recent memory, with 85 per cent of the province facing a high or extreme fire hazard level,” said Premier Campbell. “With high temperatures and lightning expected as we head into the B.C. Day long weekend, every British Columbian needs to take an active role in ensuring the safety of their community by being vigilant and cautious.”

The current heat wave has left the entire province vulnerable to new fire starts, prompting the Province to take extraordinary precautions to prevent fires caused by people. All six fire centres are on high alert in anticipation of increased wildfire activity. Fire hazard levels are higher and cover more regions of the province than in 2003, when extreme conditions were mainly centred in the Southern Interior.

Since April 1, the Province has responded to 1,817 wildfires that have burned approximately 51,042 hectares of forests and grasslands. About half of those fires were human-caused. By comparison, at this point in the 2003 fire season, there were 959 fires and 31,000 hectares burned. On July 30 alone, 171 fires started, primarily from lightning.

There is currently a ban on campfires and open burning across B.C., with further restrictions possible if the high risk persists. Failure to comply with burning restrictions can result in a $345 fine. It is vital that the public respects campfire restrictions, as crews are working to contain a large number of naturally-occurring wildfires.

The Province is asking people to reconsider their recreational activities and avoid travelling in remote backcountry areas where access is difficult. This is especially important as it helps reduce the risk of accidental fire starts, and alleviates the risk to people should remote areas be affected by fire. Should conditions continue to worsen, formal backcountry travel restrictions will be considered. Ministry of Forests and Range staff are preparing to establish information stops at major backcountry access routes for the beginning of August.

As in 2003, staff there will hand out information pamphlets to users of the backcountry to warn them of the fire hazard and of precautions they can take to prevent fires, as well as inform them of the chance the area could be evacuated. Staff are also preparing information to backcountry lodge and activity operators to inform them of the voluntary restriction.

“The safety of people and communities across the province is paramount. Despite burning bans and warnings, crews are still responding to fires caused by people,” said Premier Campbell. “If the fire hazard remains high we will look at further restrictions on activities in the back country, based on advice from fire protection experts.” Going forward, the Wildfire Management Branch will be providing weekly fire condition updates in Victoria.

The public reports nearly half of all wildfires in B.C. Please continue to report smoke and flames by calling toll-free 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on most cellular networks. For the latest information, visit http://bcwildfire.ca.

Contact:

Dale Steeves Director of Communications Office of the Premier 250-387-6605

Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

BC Parks restrictions may already be in effect.  For more info go to http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/

Filed under:Biking News

By Smoke

The International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Trail Care Crew visits up to 70 areas in North America to help affiliated clubs learn more about proper trail maintenance, construction and care, work more effectively with land managers and maintain healthy, strong community based clubs.

This weekend long event will consist of the following:

IMBA TRAIL SCHOOL

A one day session where participants will learn IMBA’s trail building philosophies and techniques. The school consists of three hours in the classroom followed by 1/2 day in the field doing hands-on trail work and field instruction on Saturday, June 20^th starting at 8am (see poster and map below for further details). This session is the only fee based portion of the weekend and will include a lunch and wrap up BBQ for participants. Interested parties are asked to contact imbaevent@mtbco.ca to receive more information about registering.  Space is limited to 45 participants only.

IMBA GOVERNMENT STAFF TRAIL SCHOOL

Parks staff from the City of Kelowna, Central Okanagan Regional District and District of West Kelowna will be invited to participate in a trail school just for parks employees on Thursday, June 18th. This is at the request of the local governments and shows their commitment to the recently adopted Regional Mountain Bike Strategy.

CLUB CARE WORKSHOP/REGIONAL ROUND TABLE (Clubs only)

During the Club Care Workshop being held Friday June 19^th at 7pm, the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will share techniques that advocacy organizations across North America have used to reach goals, overcome challenges, and grow the mountain bike community. This is also an opportunity for representatives of various Thompson/Okanagan club’s to meet other groups, share successes/stories and discuss long term visions for mountain biking in our regions. This event segment is open to representatives of all mountain bike clubs from up and down the valley as well as all other user group clubs.

TRAIL ASSESSMENT (IMBA, MTBco, City of Kelowna only)

MTBco, IMBA and the City of Kelowna will discuss trail conflict issues in Knox Mountain Park and will evaluate trail opportunities.  MTBco hopes to access the main DH/FR trail used on Knox to gain insight into improvement options than can be included in the upcoming Knox Mountain Management Plan Update.

SOCIAL (open to all)

A social will be held at Cyclepath bike shop on Saturday, June 20^th at 7pm. It is an opportunity for participants to network, share stories, talk about trial building, etc. The IMBA reps will be on hand along with representatives from various Okanagan clubs including MTBco. Come on out, hang out, talk shop and have some fun. All are welcome!

RIDE (open to all)

An IMBA visit without a ride is like peanut butter without jelly! Everyone is invited to join a group ride held on Sunday, June 21st at 10am at Knox Mountain.  Groups will be formed based on skill level or riding discipline. Groups will be led my MTBco members/friends. For all you DHers, there will most likely be a group heading off to ride Gillard or Postil as well. Come out, rip with some new friends and enjoy the local mountain bike scene.

THE MAIN VENUE

Knox Mountain Park has been chosen as the key location for this event due to its ease of access, amenities and significance to the community. MTBco’s goal is to show local government, community members and all other trail user groups that the local mountain bike community is a responsible trail user that is committed to ensuring mountain bikers are welcome within the park. The club is committed to park improvement and user education.

For more information about this great MTBco event please email imbaevent@mtbco.ca or mike@mtbco.ca. Please note space is limited for the trail school day but everyone is welcome to join us at the social and group ride.

…working hard for your right to ride.

MTBco would like to thank our great event sponsors for their support, cheers to Cyclepath Bike Shop, The Old Bike Shop Café, Studio A and Okanagan Sign Design for helping to ensure this will be a top notch weekend!

Filed under:Biking News, Club Events, Club News, MTBco In The News

By MikeDK

Its that time of year again when we bikers have an opportunity to show everyone how great our lifestyle is and how cycling is a great way to travel…

The Bike to Work Week ‘Car vs Bike Challenge’ takes place this coming Monday, May 11^th starting at the Mission Creek Regional Park on Springfeild Rd and ending at our 1^st Bike to Work Celebration Station at Mission Sports Fields.

We need your help…we need cyclists to come out and ride in the challenge so we can show the drivers that cycling is a fast, effective way to travel that is much more fun that dealing with traffic! Please come out if you can and/or spread the word to other cyclists about this fun event.

Below is an outline of the challenge and attached is a route map showing the two optional cycling routes to the finish line (one on street and one on the Greenway). We need road cyclist, mountain bikers, recreational cyclists…who ever. This year’s race will be fun for all whether participants are 1^st time commuters or experienced ‘silent threat’ racers..!

Note, no need to RSVP as noted below if its not convenient for you (feel free to do so if you can  though).

If the ride isn’t enticing enough, remember that there is a free pancake breakfast and social at the finish line to kick off Bike to Work Week!!!

(Bikers like food so I’m hoping this is enough to convince you now).

 Route map available at: http://www.city.kelowna.bc.ca/CityPage/Docs/PDFs//iGo/BTW09/Bike_Route_%20Map.pdf

Filed under:Biking News

By MikeDK

Mountain Bikers…do you enjoy being able to ride on Knox Mountain? Do you want to make sure the trails remain open to mountain bikers and are improved for riding?

Come out and show your support…

Below is an invitation to attend the first of two open houses regarding Knox Mountain Park.  The second open house will be held in late September 2009.

Please inform others of this openhouse who you think may be interested in attending.  Following the Open House,  the information panels and the questionnaire will be posted on the City website, www.kelowna.ca under City projects.  The questionnaire will be removed from the website on May 21, 2009.

Hope to see you there,

For further information contact:

Barb Davidson, CSLA

Parks Planner

(T) 250-469-8837

(F) 250-869-3349

Filed under:Biking News

By MikeDK