From everyone at VIMB! Here's wishing you all a very...
So yeah, What do you want for Christmas?
Christmas is only a few sleeps away, and as always children's thoughts turn to what else? SCHWAG....lol. SO, having said that what is it that YOU are thinking about getting for your kids, you partner, yourself or even for someone you don't know?
Are you donating to a charity this year? Helping others out? Are you traveling to far off places to visit friends or family? What is it exactly that Christmas and this season is to you and yours? I know for me it is a time to slow down for a few weeks, to stay home for a change (6 weeks on the road since July) and spend some time with my Son and Shan. I am sooooo looking forward to the 10 days off that I have ahead of me in little over a week!
Check out the forum and in particular this post and let us all in on what this time of year is to you. Here's hoping I will actually get out to see some of you on the trails before the Annual VIMB New Years Day Ride!!
Cheers'
Greg
VIMB.com
North Saanich Jump Park = Part "Deux"
Info sent to me by Greg Parish from Straightline Components. Text from Straightline Blog:
"If we build it will you come and ride it? Then help us rake it, maintain it and paint a fence?"
"Check this out, 2 Excavation/Contract firms, 2 Structural Engineering firms, 1 established Hotel owner/networking genius, 1 "07 BMX Worlds/ Olympic" professional track builder, Accountants, Lawyers, Modern Machining firm -hint-hint and the raddest open minded municipality we have ever seen, North Saanich BC!"
"It started with a request for help in the paper that was to be a fun cute little project opening a local park. Now it has stepped into top gear with plans to fully enclose sections for all year access! With so much support from the local community and politicians we now need to hear from you guys."
"North Saanich agreed to help us build a park keeping in mind that it needs to be modern and progressive but not scare the hell out of any beginners wanting to just have fun. We will have plenty of pump tracks riddling the course cutting in and out of the trees."
"We are already green lighted for the park but we still need to expose our 5 year plan and approach in a open forum on the 26th of Nov here in North Saanich. Obviously most of you reading this are in foreign countries or states but if not you better show up and throw some energy our way!"
If you can.... show up at the North Saanich Municipal Hall Monday November the 26th at 6:45 PM SHARP!
Greg (VIMB Greg not Straightline Greg)
New World Disorder VIII Premier: Cumberland BC
The United Riders of Cumberland are hosting the premier of New World Disorder VIII and a pro slide show of the Island Cup DH. New Wolrd Disorder features footage of the world's best freeride mountain bikers at the 2nd Annual Bearclaw Invitational on Mt. Washington along with other Vancouver Island destinations. Local photographer John Bazett has put together a captivating slide show of the Island Cup DH featuring proven local talent. This event takes place at the Riding Fool Hostel in Cumberland on November 17th.
Two showings:
All ages, doors open at 6:30
19+ doors open at 8:30
Cobble Hill Mountain Trail Building: October 13, 2007 @ 9:00 AM
Sent in to VIMB from Cory Cherriere, Parks Trail Planning Technician
Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD).
Hello All,
This is to inform you of the upcoming trail building event at Cobble Hill Mountain on October 13, 2007. we will be meeting at the Quarry Nature Park Parking lot at 9:00 AM as usual. We would love to see you all out there so if you can make it please drop me a quick call or email and let me know.
Also, the CVRD will be hosting a public open house on Tuesday October 23rd at the Cobble Youth Hall at 7:00 PM. The address for the youth hall is 3550 Watson Avenue, Cobble Hill BC. Everyone is encouraged to come out and have their say in the future direction of Cobble Hill Mountain. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Thanks,
Cory Cherriere
Parks Trail Planning Technician
Cowichan Valley Regional District
175 Ingram Street
Duncan, BC V9L1N8
Phone: 250-746-2626
Fax: 250-746-2621
ccherriere@cvrd.bc.ca
VPS Fest: September 15th 16th 2007, Mt Washington Alpine Resort
Just a quick reminder to those of you who have not been in the loop, Norco's yearly Customer Appreciation Day is coming to Mt Washington this coming weekend. Just like every other year, there will be the Norco Factory Team out representing and showing us how it's done. They will have the big team trucks, mechanics, new bikes for 08 on display and as always "Schwag" to give away.
Every year the Norco crew put on a great event, everyone has a great time, including the team and crews. It is a great weekend of riding, partying and ripping for everyone involved. I am stoked that a company like Norco steps up every year, at least 3 times this year, to put together a weekend of fun for it's loyal customers and friends alike. They supply free lift passes for all new and existing Norco owners (register on the VPS Fest website) for Saturday, and 1/2 price for Sunday too this year!
Some of the VIMB Wrecking Crew are going to be pulling an All-Weekender this year, hitting the ever popular Riding Fool Hostel for a base of operations. We will be riding Cumberland, Mt Washington and possibly Forbidden Plateau all in the space of 3 days.....good times!
I for one would like to personally thank Norco Performance Bikes for putting this together every year. I am a proud Norco owner going back to the early 80's when i bought my first Norco BMX (Mine was Black) from Russ Hayes with my Paper Route money. I am now on Norco number 4 or 5!
Gman
What's new from Transition Bikes?
Well, from the sounds of things, a lot is new. The have a new Ladies Specific Siren Prototype that they are testing ....looks TIGHT too. They have a pile of new components, like a simple looking lightweight Chain Guide, new clothes (you got to wear clothes right), and new Bottle Rockets and Blindside's.
All in all it looks like the boys at Transition are really stepping it up from a small, lesser known builder of kool bikes to a full on full bore manufacturer of high end bikes and accessories! Good times and good stuff still to come I imagine!!
For what it is worth, I still love my 2006 Preston FR, but man don't those 2007/2008's look nice!
Summer Riding is Here, are you ready?
The time is upon us once again, the time I am talking about is Summertime! The weather was super hot, now it is super wet. I am not a big fan of a week of rain in the middle of summer, but hey, if it keeps the trails open and the fires down, I am all happy about that too. I have only had the pleasure of one lift accessed riding day so far this summer, but have had a number of great evening and day trail rides, and I cant wait for those rides yet to come.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am STOKED on the summer fun to be had on all of our favorite trails. Mt Washington, Forbidden Plateau, Cumby and the Tzoo, Whistler, and all the interior lift-accessible trails (maybe even Prevost if the rain keeps up).... the list is endless.
Have fun out there, kick ass and in the words of the Bigredpig, "wear your armor kids!"
G
Cobble Hill Trail Day, June 23
E-mail Cory Cherriere for details, or call.
Volunteers Needed! UCI BMX World Championships
posted on behalf of the VICTORIA 2007 BMX WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SOCIETY
Become a BMX Volunteer
Interested in becoming a volunteer at the 2007 UCI BMX World Championships? You don't want to miss out on your chance to be part of one of the most exciting events in Victoria!
BMX Supercross will be the newest sport at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and we will be expecting full attendance at the 2007 World Championships as the world prepares:
• Over 2500 athletes from over 40 nations are expected to participate; and
• Over 9500 BMX Championships 'families' are expected to descend upon Victoria for as long as a week. This group will be made up of 600 coaches, support staff and officials, and over 6000 athlete family members.
A sporting event of this size will need a large group of friendly, dedicated volunteers for it to be a success.
Our challenge is to host the 2007 BMX UCI World Championships with world-class organization: efficient, friendly and welcoming. We want this event to leave a lasting impression on visitors, athletes, officials and Victoria community.
Do you think you can help us make this event a success?
You can register as a volunteer through our website: bmxworlds2007.com.
Or email us at this address with your contact information. You can also phone the Victoria 2007 BMX World Championship Society directly at 250-472-7644
We look forward to hearing from you!
MARISCHAL DE ARMOND
General Manager
SHAUNA BENSON
Volunteers Manager
Click this link for the original document....
Sooke Bike Jam
You heard right, the Sooke Bike Jam and Swap meet are good to go this weekend on June the 10th 2007! For details, check out the sweet poster below!
Transition Bikes Customer Appreciation Group Ride
TRANSITION ANNUAL CUSTOMER APPRECIATION GROUP RIDE:
When: June 30th (Saturday) 2007
Where: Mt. Galbraith, Bellingham WA
Time: 11am
Why: Because we love you.
Who: Transition Owners (If you have a loved one that doesn't ride a Transition but wants to come we have two great local shops where they can buy one of our bikes before the ride and join us. If that can't happen then don't worry about it, we don't discriminate.)
RSVP: Please RSVP to Kevin via E-Mail if you plan to come.
Kevin Menard
Transition Bikes - owner
(206) 353-0007
www.transitionbikes.com
SIMBS Long Weekend Trail Maintenance Day!!
Sunday May the 20th @ 9:00 AM the SIMBS wrecking crew will be at the dump building and maintaining. Food by Willies, Schwag from Norco! Yup, you heard right, this trail day has been sponsored by Norco Performance Bikes, so there is a big box of goodies that Steve and the crew dropped off when they were here for the Norco Demo Days.
Be sure to send an e-mail to trails@simbs.com if you plan to attend!
Reminder: CVRD Parks hosting trail day at Cobble Hill Mountain Sat May 12th
See post below or the Forum for details...
Norco Demo Days 2007: Hartland MTN Bike Park, May 6th
Full sized poster link here... Thanks to Steve at Norco for the heads up!
Big bike theft at Oak Bay Bikes Nanaimo!
Calling all Cars Calling All Cars!
Big time theft from the Nanimo location of OBB. Details below sent to me by Sean Lunny. Please keep your eyes open in town, on the island and on the Internets'.
Last night (April 19th 2007) Oak Bay Bikes in Nanaimo was broken into, one day before our first anniversary! The thieves knew what they were doing because they had to get through security film, metal bars, alarm and cable locks to get to the bikes.
The thieves got seven bikes:
-a Specialized Sx Trail
-1 med, Specialized Big Hit
-1 med, Stumpjumper comp med
-Stumpjumper Elite med
-Sx Trail Test bike
-Stumpjumper Women's Test bike
-and a Devinci Ollie 2
The thieves missed out on a Demo 7 but that's not much consolation. The test bikes are distinct colours, Red for the SX Trail and Baby Blue for the Women's Stumpjumper.
If you happen to see these bikes please contact Oak Bay Bikes 250-760-0211 and we can pass along serial numbers. Thank you for any help.
Want to help build trails on Cobble Hill Mountain? May 12 2007
If you are interested in helping out with the building and maintenance of the trail system up on Cobble Hill Mountain, give Corry Cherriere a call or better yet an e-mail. Corry works for the Cowichan Valley Regional District and is a "Parks Trail Planning Technician". They are all about the trails up there, and from what I hear the last trail day was a blast. Be sure to say in your e-mail that you want to join in on the May 12th trail day, and he will set you up with the directions and can plan for the number of builders.
Cory can be reached at the numbers below:Cory Cherriere
Parks Trail Planning Technician
Cowichan Valley Regional District
175 Ingram Street
Duncan, BC V9L1N8
Phone: 250-746-2626
Fax: 250-746-2621
Nanimo DH results
Hey All,
Here is a link to the MS Excel format race results from last weekends Island Cup Race in Nanimo. Congrats to the winners, and to all the VIMB'er and Sooke Shredders who competed. No guts no glory eh!
Tour de Cowichan 200 k
Real-Cyclists Rando!! Are you a REAL cyclist? Here is an opportunity to prove that you DO have what it takes! Slow rider, champion racer or tri-guy/gal – you will discover if you are a REAL cyclist.
Make a commitment NOW to ride the Tour de Cowichan 200 k
-Start & Finish: Dancing Bean Café, 9752 Willow Street, Chemainus, B.C.
-Sign-up: 6:00 am – 7 am
-Start Time & Date: 7:00 am, Saturday, April 7, 2007
-Route: Chemainus-Maple Bay-Cowichan Bay-Mill Bay-Shawnigan Lake-Duncan-Cowichan Lake-Chemainus
-Challenge: Participation medal for completing the route in less than 13 ½ hours. For racers, the course record is 6 hours 25 minutes. NO traffic control. Obey all traffic laws, stop signs, etc
NOTE: Although this is NOT a race, the clock runs until one finishes; and finishing times are posted on the BC Rando website
-Drafting: Drafting with other participants is permitted
-Equipment: Reliable human-powered vehicle – usually a road bike
-Front and rear light to comply with BC Traffic laws
-Approved cycling helmet
-Fees: Payable at the sign-up: $15 brevet fee $20 annual membership fee BC Randonneurs Cycling Club
Note: It is nice to know in advance if a rider is planning to participate (so we can have sufficient paperwork available), however, we welcome folks who just show up during the sign-up time on April 7th.
For more information, contact:
Ken Bonner e-mail
Susan Allen e-mail
Doug Latornell e-mail
The Tour de Cowichan is part of the Eau de Hell Week brevet series. For more info follow this link
For more information about rando-cycling, follow the link to the BC Randonneur Cycling Club’s home page
For information about other Vancouver Island brevets throughout the cycling season, see this link.
WARNING: Rando-cycling can be addictive!!!! J
Join the Sooke Bike Club SCB
Interested in racing the Island Cup series this season? Join the Sooke Bike Club (SBC) and you are 1/2 way there. To do so you will need to do 3 things: Sign a waiver, fill out the application form, and pay your fee.
You can find the waiver here, the membership application/registration form here. The fee, waiver and registration form all need to go to Sooke Cycle. Hopefully this week Lorien will have a PayPal link set up, so you will be able to do the payment online. Or if you still want to use your Credit Card, you can do so through the store.
For now and until we get all the details worked out, I will ask you to refer all questions on joining the club to Lorien Arnold of Sooke Cycle (below) or to Vicky Robinson via e-mail here. Remember to make sure all your forms get to Lorien.... more details to follow.
Sooke Cycle Ltd
6707 West Coast Rd
Sooke BC
V0S 1N0
(250) 642-3123
SIMBS Trail Maintenance Sunday March 18th: Sponsored by MEC!
2007 Islands Cup Schedule
Hey All,
Just got this in the mailbox a few minutes ago from AJ (thanks BTW). This was sent to her by the good folks at Arrowsmith Bikes, and I thought I should get it online ASAP. Why the urgency to post this? Well if you are at all like me, you need ALL the time you can get to train!
The schedule is available here as a PDF, and or see below:
Also....
This Saturday February the 17th, Arrowsmith Bikes and our community partners have gotten together and organized a cleanup day for the Doumont Rd. mtb area. Arrowsmith Bikes, National Car and Truck Rental, Malaspina University College, The City of Nanaimo, Runner’s Of Compassion, The Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club and DBL have all pitched in to make this cleanup day happen. We will be meeting in front of the Wastelands motocross track February 17 at 11:00am by the DBL garage container, then split into groups and cleanup separate areas.
Everyone is welcome, to come and help out. Things you might want to bring are a lunch, work gloves, rakes and shovels. If you have a truck or a trailer that you think may be of use, please feel free to bring it.
If you have any questions call Arrowsmith Bikes at 250-758-6675.
Thanks to AJ and to Arrosmith Bikes for the info!
Greg
Press Release: So you think you can weld ? It's now time to prove it!
I thought this was too interesting NOT to post...
Next weekend (Feb 9-10-11 2007) at the 3Ride comp in Ray's MTB indoor park, Cleveland OH, the Dobermann Bikes crew will be down with their riders and welding gear.
You are all welcome to try out our bikes, take a shot at welding and most importantly; say hi and have a chat whit us!
All weekend, Mathieu and Gabriel will be doing some welding demos where you'll be able to give it a try and learn some tricks from some of the best welders in the industry.
If melting metal is not up your alley but would be interested to see how the Dobermann frames are welded, every day between the main events of the 3Ride comp, Mathieu will be welding a complete Dobermann frame inside the Ray's MTB indoor park complex.
In our quest to educated riders on how bike frames don't just drop from the sky in a container, welding frames on the road is the ideal way for us to show our skills and share our passion for the beautiful art of frame building.
More info on the 3Ride comp and Ray's MTB indoor park are available here : http://www.raysmtb.com
Alain, Mathieu & Gabriel
Dobermann Fab.
Gatineau,Qc, Canada
www.dobermannbikes.com
SIMBS 2007 AGM
It is that time again folks, to get out and attend the SIMBS Annual General Meeting. Once again it will be held January 30th @ 7:00 PM at the Victoria Event Centre, 1415 Broad Street just above Chain3.
Be there and show your support!
The 3rd Annual (4th?) New Years Day Ride
Hello again,
It is almost time for the Annual New Years day ride. I say the VIMB ride, cause this is VIMB, but really it is a local tradition to get out on New Years Day, no matter how hung over, and do a BIG group ride.
I for one intend to be there, and it sounds like it is going to be a Harbor View (Mt Quimper) rip this NYD? Look here and in the forum for details, and see you there (Yes you too Scott).
Greg
Happy Holidays to all VIMB members, friends and supporters!
Well, it is here again, the Christmas season has once again crept up on us and is but a few sleeps away. I for one (as usual) am totally unprepared, but we aren't really doing the gift thing anymore, so it takes a lot of pressure off. For those of you who still do, get out there and consume! lol
All that aside, I want to wish you all the very best of times this holiday season, and if I don't see you before.... Merry Christmas from us to you!
VIMB.com Forum Back Online!!
After much ado about nothing, the VIMB.com forum is back online! Thanks in no small part to a great MySQL tool called "Big Dump". All data and functionality has been restored... and I am happy to say, so far there are not "internal server errors" as before.
If you have any issues please let me know ASAP and I will see what I can do.
Thanks all for your support, your kind words, and most importantly (once again) for your patience!!
Gman'
VIMB.com has moved
Hello all,
Just a quick heads up... I have moved the site to the new server, reinstalled the phpBB and we are back good to go! You will probably notice that the site is faster now too, an added bonus.
Let me know if you come across any issues, broken links etc (other then the gallery and the classifieds which I am NOT reinstalling).
Thanks for your patience!
Greg
Press Release: Straightline Components
Hot off the press, and sent straight to yours truly... some info on an up an coming local firm!!
Press Release: FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE
Company Name : Straitline Components
Contact : Greg Parish
Tel: (250) 655-6603
Email: e-mail
Web:http://www.straightlinecomponents.com
PRECISION MACHINING FIRM GONE WILD
High-End components within reach!
Victoria, BC based designer and manufacturer of high-end components, has selected Yodo Distribution of Montreal, QC as its Canadian distributor. Yodo has had vast success distributing products for such
companies as: Atomlab, E.thirteen, Oury, and Azonic. Their distribution abilities will allow Straitline to reach a diverse market Across Canada allowing people to enjoy and relish their precision parts.
Straitline Components current line up contains many parts for mountainbikes including disc brake levers, stems,
inner rings, pedals and tools. While one may think that there already is an influx of companies doing these same parts,
Straitline brings to the biking industry precision rarely seen in the biking industry.
Straitline brings professional designs not only from their motocross lineage but also from being enlisted to do
precision work for structural aircraft components, deep (8000m) ocean pressure vessels, subminiature electronic
connectors and an impressive client list.
Having entered into the market as Straitline, a division of , utilizing the companies high
tech CNC equipment and software is what makes this company a little power house in the high-end component field.
For more info see the PDF version or the MS Word format found here.
Mountainbikingisnotacrime "Ride for Trails"
Hey All,
Check out this rad website, what a concept! Get out there, bring your bike, and dont forget to WEAR GREEN!! Support the locals and support your access to trails!
SIMBS Trail Maintenance Day November 19th
Hey all, this Sunday November the 19th is a big trail maintenance day for SIMBS. This is the Mountain Equipment Co-Op sponsored day. MEC has stepped up the plate in a big way, and has donated goodies and time to support SIMBS and all of our access to trails in and around Victoria! If you plan to attend, send an e-mail to SIMBS, and let them know ASAP so they can make arrangements for lunches for everyone who shows up.
Be sure to let them know in advance, and bring the foul weather gear as it was super wet up there, and will only be worse this weekend.
VIMB.com: Who are we, what do we do?
Hello All,
Welcome to the Vancouver Island Mountain Biking and Trials Club, better know as the VIMB. This site is a Victoria BC based riders site devoted to mainly mountain Biking, but also to riding in general. We used to have a much bigger Trials component, but in the past few years they have all either gone away, stopped riding, or moved on to other local sites to get their e-biking fix.
Who are we? We are a group of dedicated locals who love to ride, anywhere, anytime. We are a pretty tight group, who do many a road trip, and recently have begun to even race in the Island Cup series (who knew we had it in us)?
What do we do? Good question... We for the most part are what you would call "Freeriders". I hate to use terms or catch-all phrases to try to capture what it is that we do, but that one in particular seems to do the trick! We like the big trails, the small trails, single track, DH, XC, you name it. We build, maintain, promote and advocate locally and abroad. If it involves bikes, dirt and bros (of all genders) we are your group!
So, if you are into the scene, looking for some people to ride with, or just enjoy a good laugh, check out the Forum, and be sure to check out the "New Website" which is still a in development, but has a sweet gallery and soon will have video downloads and the like to help you get your e-bikeing fix!
Welcome!
Gman
VIMB webmaster
Big Happening's at the Ranch (Iguana Ranch that is)
I have just received some info on a few things of interest at
the Ranch this coming month, that unless you are dead or have given up cycling
will be worth the drive!
One: A well known TV show will be doing some filming up at the ranch,
this is the SECOND Van Isle local that they are filming this month. Great
exposure for all the builders and riders locally. Lets just hope that they
make it up island and see all the kool stuff in Courtneay Comox area sometime
soon! more...
Two: A film I am sure we will all want to see is having a screening
at the Ranch. NWD 6 "Unchained" will be playing at the Ranch, for more details and times see check out the
"News" page. more...
VIMB.com Classifieds online
Good news, there is another local cycling-related classifieds online at VIMB.com!
It is the free php based system brought to you free from phpClassifieds. Check
it out, there are a lot of new features in this new version, great support
for photos, a nice slide show feature, and best of all....they are free to
use. Simply sign up by creating a username and password, and away you go.
Happy Advertising!
New VIMB Gallery online!
You have all been riding your collective asses off all summer right? You
probably took a load of pics too, and maybe some sweet video too. Well do
us all a favor and share with your fellow e-biker and riders. I worked and
slaved to get the newest version of the Gallery software loaded, well OK it only took me about an hour. It is up, running
and good to go. I have about 80% of the old photo content reloaded, and there
is a ton of space so don't be shy.
I am really happy with the new software, it is a darn sight better than the old version, and has a much better upload setup. You can use a Java applette, or the default form based upload. The gallery will allow you to set up your own account easier, and you can even manage your profile better now.
Vid section, on the way.... just need to tweak a few things, oh and the best
part, this software fully integrates with any CMS system I finally decide
to install...good deal. Got to love the open source movement eh? Oh, and before
I forget, I am going to install some classifieds too, good old phpClassifieds,
same as the SIMBS package.
Please be sure to use this stuff, and remember this site is for you, not just for me. It has been so quiet on the local websites lately, its sort of spooky!
Greg
New things for 2006 in the bike industry
All the big names, and some of the smaller ones have been busily working
on getting their 2006 lineups finalized, and on the web. Recently I have seen
new rides from Norco, Specialized, Transition, as well as a host of
others. Some are more of the same while others are a new take on older designs.
Many though are totally new, and are worth a look-see.
Me, I am looking at an 06 Shore
One frameset. But only time will tell. That Transition Gran
Mal looks interesting as well (reminds me the Devinci's).
Check out NSMB and Pinkbike as well for details well beyond my abilities (as
I can't test ride all the goodies).
New DJ Park Page @ VIMB
Kind of speaks for itself, so check it out for the latest updates from the man himself. All the latest goodies, news, info and updates can be found here.
Got Marzocchi?
Good news if you are the proud owner of a Marzocchi product and need a tune up or a rebuild. They now have a Canadian office, located of course where else but on Vancouver's North Shore. I could tell you all about this, but why not read the full story and interview from Cam McRae yourself on NSMB.
2006 Norco line now online
Looking for a new ride? Just want to drool? Take a look at the new 06 Norco's and be prepared to want one. Me, I think the new Shore 1 would fit the bill for my next few riding seasons. Have a look here at norco.com
VPS Fest 2005 at Mt Washington = A good time had by all!
The story begins with 4 friends deciding to actually get off our collective
butts and go to VPS Fest this year
at Mt Washington. 2 of us enjoyed
the "FREE" lift pass for the day as we ride Norco's, the other 2
had to buck up to get in, but all agreed it was well worth it. See the reviews page (content coming soon) for more info and links to the photo's (also coming
soon). Thanks to Russ for driving us all in the family Minivan (aka the econo
shuttle machine), to all the Norco mechanics, Pro's and others for making
it a sweet trip. Oh, and it was nice to finally meet you dudes from the Sooketrails site.
Gman
Bad Karma to Bike Thieves!
After an astonishing 19 bikes were stolen from the Whistler ski hill area in July, the fine folks at Whistler Blackcomb have set up a weekend bike valet service. There is a one-time usage fee is $2 while an all day pass is $5. All day bag storage is offered for $3. If you don't use it, you could loose it!
Norco VPS Fest this weekend at Mt Washington
The weekend of August 20th will see the ever popular VPS Fest hit the trails on Mt Washington. Saturday "Free" lift pass for ALL Norco owners who sign up in time (plus a crack at some sweet prizes)!! All you loser.....er others will need to pony up the $27 bones for a pass. Check out the VPS Fest website ASAP for all the info and a pass if you qualify. For more info and directions check out the MT Washington website.
More DJ Park info for those interested
I would like to pass along some info that came to me in my inbox, as well as all of the other "friends of the North Saanich Dirt Jump Park". Please check out the page for the latest, and click this link for a copy of the jump park status report!
"Add me as a friend of the NS Jump Park!"
Remember this phrase, it could be the one that can help get the North Saanich DJ Park off the ground. As with SIMBS (and everyone else for that matter), they are having issues with regards to insurance, liability , land owners and so on. The District of North Saanich is standing behind the DJ park, and is working with the builders to get it open soon. Click here for the e-mail from George Matthews, and to sign up to do your part.
Very Important Meeting!!
On August 10, 2005, all SIMBS members are invited
to attend an extraordinary general meeting. The purpose of
the meeting is twofold:
- SIMBS board members will inform the membership of recent developments regarding insurance and operation of Hartland Park. If you've been feeling "in the dark" about what's really happening on the insurance issue, you won't want to miss this meeting.
- All members will have an opportunity to provide input to the Board with respect to their preferred direction and focus for SIMBS in the coming months and years.
Between now and the meeting on August 10, SIMBS president James Brown will be meeting with CRD staff to seek further clarification and information on these important issues. Depending on what develops over the next few weeks, you - the members - could play a very important role in defining SIMBS' role and where we concentrate our efforts.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to have a say on the future of mountain biking on the south island.
MEETING DETAILS: Location: Archie Browning Centre, 1151
Esquimalt Rd. ("Crowsnest" room, located upstairs between the
two hockey rinks)
Time: August 10, 7:00pm.
Beverages: Will be available on-site after the meeting.
*Note: Safe bicycle parking will be available outside courtesy of Chain Chain Chain.
full sized image click link
Insurance Issues in Ontario force cancellation of Ontario Cup DH Race
So, it looks like the insurance issues we face here in Victoria are NOT just a local issue. Not that I think any of you think they are, but in case you had doubts, read the full story courtesy of the Globe and Mail. More...
VIMB.com moving to iPowerweb.com......SOON
Hey all, as you may or may not know, the vimb.com website will be moving to a new hosting company soon, probably within a week. What will this mean for you, Lots! It will mean room online for Videos, a proper Gallery (yes all images will be migrated over to the new site) and lots of bandwidth. Stay tuned, and oh yeah, if the site is down for a day or two, it is just getting moved and DNS is doing its thing. Thanks
Is your vehicle safe parking at Hartland?
I recieved an e-mail from a concerned rider who had his Jeep Cherokee damaged by someone at the Dump parking lot last Friday(Friday May 27th). Please see the page for details.
"Hello everyone, We need to save mountain biking, the time is now!! Please read this!!"
"Iguana Ranch will be making a press release, announcing the closure of our stunts due to insurance problems before our SOAP (party) on 14th May."
"In our press release we will state our own predicament with jumps & insurance & the predicament of MTB in general; we will state that the current actions of the CRD is not a solution which satisfies the citizens who love Mountainbiking. We will also float some ideas that we have thrown around, such as a private insurance/ licensing system to enable the sport to flourish."
"We will INSTEAD using our party date (May 14th) as a chance for the community to come together to have a THINK-TANK to generate ideas, create some proposals, maybe put together a petition, bring in the press, show them who is the MTB community (with no children nor teens this time.) I think it should be an open forum Discussion, with the chance for all voices to be heard."
"We invite SIMBS and all other bike clubs, and all individuals to attend, it will be the first, Emergency I'm B.C. general meeting. I believe some individuals will come up early to ride Mt Prevost during the day (while it is still there!), so the general meeting should be getting together around dinner time. We will still have the BBQ (by donation) & free overnight tenting, so people can stay late & discuss, or just relax after the general meeting. It will be an optimum opportunity for the community to come together in great numbers, and put their heads together to solve this issue! (again, there will be no riding on the property, but we will have our sauna, hottub, campfire & large space to enjoy while we figure this all out.) I hope to invite the press & make an impression."
"What do you think? Email me with any other ideas/comments. In the meantime I have also started a collection of thoughts, I would like to pass it along to some sharp minds & get some additional thoughts added to it. I would appreciate each contributor using a different font style ( please, do not change what is already there) but add paragraphs or lines where ever you see fit, then send it quickly to someone who might have more to add. (download here and e-mail direct to addy below).
PLEASE CC to iguanaranch@shaw.ca after every new contribution so we don't lose this in cyberspace, it could be a valuable resource!" Sent to us from Paul and Anita of the Iguana Ranch, Duncan/Cowichan BC.
"Keep Bad Bikes Off Nature Trails": The uninformed view of Mountain Biking in the Victoria Region
A good friend went out of his way and spent his own cashola to get a copy of a story from todays TC. For those of us who do not have the cash for the paper, or those of us who simply don't want to waste all the trees it takes to make a news paper, check out the PDF version of said story from the Times Colonist.
CRD Cracks Down on Trail Building in Sooke Hills (Harbourview Road)
CRD Parks has been doing a little "work" up in the Sooke Hills, and some local riders and builders are not too pleased about it. The full story on this as the Times Colonist's "Norman Gidney" see's it is transcribed in the "" section of this website. Check it out, and get active! Voice your opinion, send an e-maile-mail to CRD Parks, or Snail Mail a letter to em with your 2 cents. It all matters, so don't be lazy. Gman'
Harbourview Road Trails Torn Out!
Popular trails in Sooke at the end of Harbour View Road on Mount Quimper have been removed by (insert name here)! This is a tragedy in my eyes, and is just another loss to an already staggered mountain biking community in Victoria and on Vancouver Island as a whole. Not too many details are available at this point, so this is just a heads up. More news to come, or check out sooketrails.com for more info (if they have any).Gman'
News Archive Page: If it was on the homepage, it will end up here eventually!
Co-Ed Skills Clinic At The Riding Fool Hostel
The Riding Fool Hostel in Cumberland BC is hosting a co-ed skills clinic the weekend of June 4th and 5th 2005. Inclusive $205 : 2 days quality instruction by Kelli Sherbinin of Endless Biking and her CMIC certified coaching staff, 1 night accommodation at the Riding Fool Hostel, evening tech talk with Dodge City Cycles, lunches and dinner by Tarbells Cafe along with some sponsor memorabilia. Non-Inclusive $190 : same great weekend as inclusive but without accommodation.
coaches: Kelli Sherbinin Katrina Strand Darren Butler Kenny Maude & guest coach. Registration deadline June 1st!! 1.888.313.3665 or www.ridingfool.com
SIMBS insurance news!
As of April 11, 2005, SIMBS secured a general liability policy until August 31, 2005. This now permits SIMBS to resume the license agreement with the Capital Regional District for the maintenance of Mount Work Hartland Regional Park. All activities such as monthly trail maintenance and group rides can now continue, this also includes park use permit applicants.
I must stress that as of August 31st SIMBS will need to raise an additional $3500-$4000 on top of the $1650 already paid to maintain insurance over the next year. This is a huge increase over last year's total insurance fees of $2000. Therefore, we must increase our membership and find ways of generating the additional revenue by August or risk losing Hartland. We are not out of the woods yet.
Save Hartland, Join SIMBS! Regards, James Brown President
Iguana Ranch APRIL 16 Island Cup PRE-RACE PRACTICE & PARTY
APRIL 16TH Pre-Race dinner & party at Iguana Ranch, with Mexican Buffet, campfire, hot tub & iguana sauna and Dinner $12, or with accommodation in bunkhouse or bigbus $44 (10% discount with SIMBS membership card) We are only ten minutes from the base of Mt. Prevost, and for a nominal donation we will be running practice shuttles on Saturday afternoon for our guests. Book fast, space is selling quick! www.iguanaranch.com
MAY 14th ALL DAY/NIGHT Iguana Ranch Season's Open Annual Party (S.O.A.P.) Fundraising BBQ & Big Air Contest All day party 'n riding at the Iguana Ranch, fundraising BBQ runs from 11 am until 9 pm, BIG AIR CONTEST with prizes @ 4pm--all ages welcome...free tenting for the late night party--no minors after 8pm check http://iguanaranch.com/coolevents.html for more info
Anita & Paul www.IGUANARANCH.com "The Mountain Biker's Shangrila" biking, hiking, tubing, cheap sleeps, good eats, great vibe! (250)709-9010
Important Notice about SIMBS Insurance woes!!
Very Important Notice - Simbs Insurance Renewal!! (Posted March 25th, 2005) As of March 26, 2005 12:01 AM the South Island Mountain Bike Society will not be in possession general liability insurance. Our insurance was included in an umbrella outdoor recreation policy underwritten by Lloyd's of London. A recent decision of the insurer has excluded all mountain bike organisations across Canada from renewing coverage. We are diligently working to resolve this situation as soon as possible with another insurer and will inform you when we are successful. more...
Mount Tzouhalem Information session
Do you like Mt Tzouhalem? Do you like to ride there as it is, or do you prefer the "Bare Mountain" type of riding location? more...
Attention Dirt Jumpers
Attention Dirt Jumpers We welcome everyone's help and participation in getting the Dirt jump Park in North Saanich up and running. As I am sure you are aware, we are getting closer to completion. more...
Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society Meeting:
Juan de Fuca Community Trails Society Meeting: Wednesday March 16 2005 7:30 PM Otter Point Fire Hall 3727 Otter Point Rd Speaker: Sandra Martin on Metchosin Trails Pass the information on. Bring a friend.
Who What When Where and Why
-Who is vimb.com? Well, we are the "Vancouver Island Mountain Biking and
Trials Club (VIMB)", thats who. A group of like minded riders, who love to
rip it up here there and everywhere!
-What are we? Riders, we ride anything, street, Urban, Ski Hills, trails,
trials etc
-When? Anytime, you busy now?
-Where? Vic, Van, local, foreign, wherever there is dirt
-Why? Do you really have to ask why? If your answer is "yes, I need to ask" please visit this link. If your answers is "pfffft", read on old friend
News, updates and things of interest...
Forums info and updates...
Check out the VIMB.com Forums for the latest news from your peers. Post your ride info, about your ride, what kind of ride you have, just had, plan to have in the future......you get the idea. It is all about the ride, and from what I hear this year is supposed to be "The Year of the Ride 3.0"! Yep, this means that this is the 3rd consecutive year we as a group have made or will make an effort to have a kick-ass year on the slopes, hills and elswhere. Post your plans, and maybe we can hook up some trips soon! Gman'
Link jump-off page...
Check out the Links page for links to all of your fav's. If you are anything like me, it is a pain to go searching your fav's for the pages you surf to on a daily or at least on a regular basis. Well, this page is the answer (an answer?)! I am always hitting up Pinkbike, NSMB, Pedalhounds, Sooke Trails and good ole SIMBS to see what is new in the MTN biking world, and now it is easier than ever.
Simbs general and membership info...
For information on the South Island Mountain Bike Society (SIMBS) please check out the SIMBS page here at vimb.com and then be sure to jump there from the links page. If you wish to sign on the dotted line and join up to help us on our quest to gain more trail access or to help out in whatever way you can fill out and send in the membership form, or do it online at SIMBS.com!