Spring is just a few days away and with it comes milder and improved weather conditions for cycling. The weekly group rides though the winter have been on a "weather permitted" basis and I have been able to get out on a few of them through January and February.
Local Trail News
For those who haven't been around the Edgewater Bar/Derby Reach area in a while, some new sections of multi-use trail have been added. As many of you may know, last year a section of trail was added from 208th Street (half a block north of Allard Crescent) which takes you toward the river, through some farm land then comes back out to Allard. From Allard, another new section of this trail has been added this last Fall/Winter which runs along the north side of Allard Crescent then turns back toward the river and joins with the trail through the Edgewater Bar trails and then the rest of the trail to Fort Langley. I will try to get a route mapped as soon as possible, but have not ridden on the newest section which was still being worked on several weeks ago. Here is a description of the newest section which is a demonstration project of the larger Experience the Fraser project.
"Derby Reach Regional Park: Golden Ears Bridge to Derby Reach Regional Park Connector - the walking/cycling segment in Derby Reach Regional Park is under construction. A grant of $107,000 was received from the Trans Canada Trail Foundation for work in Langley outside the park. This is a partnership between Metro Vancouver and the Township of Langley."
These new sections are to be a part of this much larger project to create multi-use trails from Georgia Straight to Hope along the Fraser River. These new trail sections will now make our route even more "family friendly".
Group Ride Schedule Update
We will continue with the schedule as it is for the time being with some small changes. Because of my involvement in a new part time venture which will require me to attend training sessions on many Saturday mornings, I will likely not be able to lead or join in on many of the next several Saturday rides so I hope someone else will be able to step forward to lead them. I will not be able to lead tomorrow's (March 5) ride, but I have reserved March 12 at the regular 9:30 AM start for a bike ride. Weather permitting, I will be there on that day but other than that I will not be available for the next several weeks for Saturday morning group rides.
Route Map
As a reminder of the route we use for our Saturday group rides here is a map in case you can't find it elsewhere. Note that this map does not include the new trail sections. I will create a new route map at the first opportunity I have to ride the whole route again including the newest trail additions.
I will update the blog as this situation changes and hopefully by the time the warmer mid to late Spring weather arrives I will again be able to lead these and other group rides. I will also be looking into arranging other longer rides using different route for later in the Spring or Summer and certainly another Pitt Meadows, Central Valley Greenway and/or US bike ride are possibilities.
Ride On!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Happy New Year - belated
A belated very Happy New Year to everyone.
Yes, I realize it has been a while since my last update, but most of the group activity has been on our bikes. While the Valley VeloRiders mailing list contains about 30-35 people, we do have a small core of 3-7 riders who come out to ride on a semi-regular basis. Even I have not been able to make several of the Fall 2010 rides due to other commitments.
Now this is an informal group and there are no regular ride announcements other than the weekly Saturday rides as those who want to ride just show up and join the Saturday morning group. I am hoping and planning for bigger and better things for 2011 and maybe even include some longer rides or day tours. I am open to ideas and hopefully we can see a greater turnout this year. The riding season will soon be upon us except for the few (like me) who ride year round.
Don't forget your regular bicycle maintenance and support your local bike shop for cycling related products and services. They are the best option for helping you keeping your bike maintained and supplied with the necessary bike toys :). Two excellent local shops are the Fort Langley Cyclery in Fort Langley and Cranky's Bike Shop in Aldergrove. Both provide excellent service and support.
Hope to see many of you join with us on our Saturday rides on your bikes.
Richard
Yes, I realize it has been a while since my last update, but most of the group activity has been on our bikes. While the Valley VeloRiders mailing list contains about 30-35 people, we do have a small core of 3-7 riders who come out to ride on a semi-regular basis. Even I have not been able to make several of the Fall 2010 rides due to other commitments.
Now this is an informal group and there are no regular ride announcements other than the weekly Saturday rides as those who want to ride just show up and join the Saturday morning group. I am hoping and planning for bigger and better things for 2011 and maybe even include some longer rides or day tours. I am open to ideas and hopefully we can see a greater turnout this year. The riding season will soon be upon us except for the few (like me) who ride year round.
Don't forget your regular bicycle maintenance and support your local bike shop for cycling related products and services. They are the best option for helping you keeping your bike maintained and supplied with the necessary bike toys :). Two excellent local shops are the Fort Langley Cyclery in Fort Langley and Cranky's Bike Shop in Aldergrove. Both provide excellent service and support.
Hope to see many of you join with us on our Saturday rides on your bikes.
Richard
Monday, May 31, 2010
Summer's Coming
It has been a while since updating the blog due to a number of factors. First, I have personally been quite busy with work, my commitments as chair of our Langley committee of the VACC, team leader for my workplace Bike to Work Week team and life in general. We have been having pretty poor weather for our Saturday bike rides with only two or three good days to ride which has resulted in an understandably poor turnout. Even after my recovery from surgery which went into mid spring the weather was poor and I have only been able to ride on 3 Saturdays myself, only one day of which was sunny. I am ever optimistic that we will have good weather as we approach the summer and that we will have good turnouts as a result.
News
In local Valley VeloRider news, I are planning a little bit more promotion of these weekly rides which will include a poster and route map to be made available through the Fort Cyclery Bike Shop to hand out to those interested. In addition the rides will be promoted through the Langley VACC committee event calendar and other local media outlets. Be sure to let anyone interested know about our rides as well. Also, you can now join on our rides even if you don't currently have a bike as the Fort Cyclery now rents bikes at a very reasonable rate which includes a helmet. Check it out on their Rentals page. Since their Saturday hours are 9AM-5PM the shop will be open for the start of our rides. I have also received a request for ride information from Peter Sylvester for his church's mens group to participate in one of more rides. I have sent him the information he needs along with a link to the route.
Speaking of cycling, many of you may know that June is Bike Month and there are many cycling events planned for the month with Bike to Work Week being the first, starting today and going until June 6th. If you work at Trinity Western University and want to participate sign up at http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/, look for Trinity Western University and join our Valley VeloRiders BTWW team. Log your trips daily which will enter you in the Bike-A-Day give away along with other prizes. Otherwise sign up for your workplace and join an existing team or create you own. Be sure to check out the many events during the month of June starting with Velopalooza via their Facebook link or the Velopalooza web site. Another site to check out is B.E.S.T. 's Bike Month website for other Bike Month news and events.
Lastly, if you want to have a say and participate in cycling issues, infrastructure and advocacy in Langley come to our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month 7-9PM at Langley Civic Centre in the Murray Creek meeting room. More information is available at the VACC main web site an the Langley committee link.
Lets ride.!!
News
In local Valley VeloRider news, I are planning a little bit more promotion of these weekly rides which will include a poster and route map to be made available through the Fort Cyclery Bike Shop to hand out to those interested. In addition the rides will be promoted through the Langley VACC committee event calendar and other local media outlets. Be sure to let anyone interested know about our rides as well. Also, you can now join on our rides even if you don't currently have a bike as the Fort Cyclery now rents bikes at a very reasonable rate which includes a helmet. Check it out on their Rentals page. Since their Saturday hours are 9AM-5PM the shop will be open for the start of our rides. I have also received a request for ride information from Peter Sylvester for his church's mens group to participate in one of more rides. I have sent him the information he needs along with a link to the route.
Speaking of cycling, many of you may know that June is Bike Month and there are many cycling events planned for the month with Bike to Work Week being the first, starting today and going until June 6th. If you work at Trinity Western University and want to participate sign up at http://www.biketoworkmetrovan.ca/, look for Trinity Western University and join our Valley VeloRiders BTWW team. Log your trips daily which will enter you in the Bike-A-Day give away along with other prizes. Otherwise sign up for your workplace and join an existing team or create you own. Be sure to check out the many events during the month of June starting with Velopalooza via their Facebook link or the Velopalooza web site. Another site to check out is B.E.S.T. 's Bike Month website for other Bike Month news and events.
Lastly, if you want to have a say and participate in cycling issues, infrastructure and advocacy in Langley come to our monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month 7-9PM at Langley Civic Centre in the Murray Creek meeting room. More information is available at the VACC main web site an the Langley committee link.
Lets ride.!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Fort Langley Cyclery - Grand Opening
All are invited to the grand opening at the new Fort Langley Cyclery. There will be several activities planned including the following activities organized by the bike shop owners:
Fort Langley Cyclery Grand Opening
-Enjoy a free BBQ hosted by 100.5 FM The Peak
- try the new Bionx electric assist system for bicycles (we will have a couple of demos for people to try)
-enter to win a free bike (Opus Classico)
Other Activities
In addition the Langley Chapter of the VACC will have an information tent set up with all kinds of cycling information including maps, bicycle operator manuals, cycling advocacy information and much more. Valley VeloRiders will be also be leading a 20km group bike ride from the bike shop through Fort Langley, Derby Reach Park and back. A route of the ride is shown below and will be suitable for all levels of cyclists.
Fort Langley Cyclery Grand Opening
-Enjoy a free BBQ hosted by 100.5 FM The Peak
- try the new Bionx electric assist system for bicycles (we will have a couple of demos for people to try)
-enter to win a free bike (Opus Classico)
Other Activities
In addition the Langley Chapter of the VACC will have an information tent set up with all kinds of cycling information including maps, bicycle operator manuals, cycling advocacy information and much more. Valley VeloRiders will be also be leading a 20km group bike ride from the bike shop through Fort Langley, Derby Reach Park and back. A route of the ride is shown below and will be suitable for all levels of cyclists.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Spring has Sprung...time to ride.
Yep, Spring is nearly here. Well I guess it could be argued that it arrived a couple of months ago, but that is another subject. The plans were to start our weekly group rides on March 6th which is tomorrow. Since the weather looks to be sunny and mild it seems like a good day to start.
Fred Lanigan and Dave Jeffery have graciously agreed to lead the first few rides while I continue to recover from surgery until I can return to cycling in early April.
Valley VeloRiders Group Ride - Weekly Group Ride
Ride Type: Leisure
Meet: Fort Langley Cyclery, 2-9110 Glover Road, Fort Langley
Date: Every Saturday Mar. 6 until late fall or later depending on weather.
Time: 9:00 (We leave no later than 9:30 AM)
Duration: 1-1.5 hours depending on stops and pace
Planned Route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/VVR-20K-Leisure-Ride-Fort-Langley-Derby-Reach-Loop
Distance: Approx 20 km loop
These group rides are scheduled to occur every Saturday rain or shine except in the worst weather. The ride is designed to be a ride that all members of the family can participate in and due to the location can easily be extended for those wanting a longer ride after arriving back at the bike shop. It will provide a nice outing for all levels of cyclists as well as a nice warm up for those wanting to ride further.
Fred Lanigan and Dave Jeffery have graciously agreed to lead the first few rides while I continue to recover from surgery until I can return to cycling in early April.
Valley VeloRiders Group Ride - Weekly Group Ride
Ride Type: Leisure
Meet: Fort Langley Cyclery, 2-9110 Glover Road, Fort Langley
Date: Every Saturday Mar. 6 until late fall or later depending on weather.
Time: 9:00 (We leave no later than 9:30 AM)
Duration: 1-1.5 hours depending on stops and pace
Planned Route: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/VVR-20K-Leisure-Ride-Fort-Langley-Derby-Reach-Loop
Distance: Approx 20 km loop
These group rides are scheduled to occur every Saturday rain or shine except in the worst weather. The ride is designed to be a ride that all members of the family can participate in and due to the location can easily be extended for those wanting a longer ride after arriving back at the bike shop. It will provide a nice outing for all levels of cyclists as well as a nice warm up for those wanting to ride further.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
I Ride Video, English
I Ride Video, English
Originally uploaded by communitycyclingcenter
If you don't ride why not join us on an upcoming group ride to discover how much fun it can be?
Monday, November 16, 2009
It's official and more.
I know it has been a while since posting anything here, but I have been working on other issues as well. I am hoping that we can see this group grow for next cycling season with more and longer rides suitable for all cycling skills. Due to the time of year the weather probably won't give us much opportunity to schedule any group rides over the next few months, but be ready as we might get a break for some great winter riding for anybody up for it. ;-) Due to the unpredictability of the local weather during this time of the year, any rides will likely be short notice though.
Other News
In other news it is official! What is official you are asking? Well as many of you know one of my dreams is to see increased growth in cycling throughout the Metro Vancouver area, but Langley in particular along with associated infrastrucure for safety and accessibility. One of the long term visions I had was for a cycling advocacy group to be formed in Langley and that has now come to pass thanks to the work of others with the same vision. A couple of months ago, it seems that local transit advocate Nathan Pachal (http://www.southfraser.net/) and Dr. Suzan Guest had the same vision and they organized a meeting of what was then called Cycling Network for Langley Campaign on Thursday September 17. Over 20 people showed up with a desire to join together to improve cycling in Langley. One of the options presented was to become a chapter of the VACC (http://www.vacc.bc.ca/) which is a cycling advocacy group with chapters throughout Metro Vancouver. Most attendees agreed but understandably wanted to know more about the VACC before proceeding. Presentations were made by members of the VACC present including representatives from the Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge chapter whose assistance through the process has been invaluable. It was agreed that the option of joining the VACC would be tabled to give everyone an opportunity to do some research on the VACC via their web site prior to a final decision.
It has now been made official and the Greater Langley VACC chapter has been created. I volunteered as co-chair along with another local cyclist Dan Millsip who was also at both meetings and we will be working together to serve the Langley cycling community in association with other Langley cyclists and VACC chapters. The Langley chapter also has a Yahoo Group which you can subscribe to. Email traffic will likely be fairly low, especially to start with, but I recommend subscribing if you want to stay on top of cycling news and information in Langley. You do not have to be a VACC member to subscribe or attend meetings so we welcome all participation. To subscribe, send an email to VACC-TheLangleys-subscribe@
My work with the VACC The Langleys chapter is separate from work with ValleyVelo Riders as the VACC is about advocacy and Valley VeloRiders is about getting out on our bikes and riding.
Richard
Other News
In other news it is official! What is official you are asking? Well as many of you know one of my dreams is to see increased growth in cycling throughout the Metro Vancouver area, but Langley in particular along with associated infrastrucure for safety and accessibility. One of the long term visions I had was for a cycling advocacy group to be formed in Langley and that has now come to pass thanks to the work of others with the same vision. A couple of months ago, it seems that local transit advocate Nathan Pachal (http://www.southfraser.net/) and Dr. Suzan Guest had the same vision and they organized a meeting of what was then called Cycling Network for Langley Campaign on Thursday September 17. Over 20 people showed up with a desire to join together to improve cycling in Langley. One of the options presented was to become a chapter of the VACC (http://www.vacc.bc.ca/) which is a cycling advocacy group with chapters throughout Metro Vancouver. Most attendees agreed but understandably wanted to know more about the VACC before proceeding. Presentations were made by members of the VACC present including representatives from the Pitt Meadows/Maple Ridge chapter whose assistance through the process has been invaluable. It was agreed that the option of joining the VACC would be tabled to give everyone an opportunity to do some research on the VACC via their web site prior to a final decision.
It was at the second meeting where is was decided in agreement with all present that we take the next step toward forming a Langley chapter of the VACC. You can read more about the second meeting at Nathan's South Fraser blog.
It has now been made official and the Greater Langley VACC chapter has been created. I volunteered as co-chair along with another local cyclist Dan Millsip who was also at both meetings and we will be working together to serve the Langley cycling community in association with other Langley cyclists and VACC chapters. The Langley chapter also has a Yahoo Group which you can subscribe to. Email traffic will likely be fairly low, especially to start with, but I recommend subscribing if you want to stay on top of cycling news and information in Langley. You do not have to be a VACC member to subscribe or attend meetings so we welcome all participation. To subscribe, send an email to VACC-TheLangleys-subscribe@
My work with the VACC The Langleys chapter is separate from work with ValleyVelo Riders as the VACC is about advocacy and Valley VeloRiders is about getting out on our bikes and riding.
Richard
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)