Woo, it’s been awhile since one of these things, so here goes! This is The first one of the new year unless I’ve forgotten, which is completely possible. But registration has been open for some time, hope to see you again next year. I will be continuing to use both new and old email lists, until the end of February here is the registration link: https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=17161&lan=1&cartlevel=1

Spin continues to go on, with regular sessions - we are at risk of cancelling our sessions as no one is showing up to them. The ERTC led sessions are on Saturdays at 10am, for a cost of $15 per session or $200 for the remainder of the season, including on-site bike storage and usage of the power based trainers (just bring your bike and every other time after that, just bring your (not so) willing self!) The $200 pass also gets you access to 4 other weekly sessions, at 9:30am and 6:15pm on Tuesdays, 6:15pm on Thursdays, and 8am on Saturdays. (Yes, if you were nuts you could just ride for 4 hours on Saturday Morning). Learn more here https://revolutioncycle.com/events/category/indoor-cycling-classes/

The final thing is training camp! Every year we head to Penticton around Easter for a week of tear our legs off, and eating and drinking too much in an attempt to recover. You’re probably wanting some information, eh?

  1. When does it take place?

    This year it takes place March 30th to April 8. The schedule for racing is not out yet as of writing but based on recent years, you will not race any spring series races. It has been structured in such a way that it includes Good Friday and Easter Monday, making it a good time to take some holidays!

  2. Where does it take place? What are some of the routes?

    It’s in Penticton, chosen for its amazing routes and jaw-dropping views in the Okanagan Valley, with lots of little towns we can stop in to feast in. The routes will be a mix of climbing and rolling hills, none of the area is completely flat, however this is great training. Here are a couple routes. https://www.strava.com/routes/8146733 https://www.strava.com/routes/7713691 https://www.strava.com/routes/7713758

  3. What’s the weather like?

    It’s tough to say, but it won’t be cold. It can be anywhere from 10 degrees to 25 degrees that time of year. The top of the mountains can be quite chilly, so you will be packing cold weather gear regardless.

  4. Am I fit enough to come? Can my significant other come?

    We will be tackling 100-180km per day with a couple of easier days in the 60-70km range. We have had some interest with shorter options with a smaller group this year. I’m happy to announce that Kelly MacGregor is more than happy to lead this group, offering 50-100km routes. We will ride out as a team and split off once we are out of town. The group will generally spread out on climbs, regrouping at the top if it isn’t really cold, or at the bottom if it’s too cold to stand around. More fit people will be pulling more and hammering these hills. To go on the big routes, I would recommend at least being able to hold 30km/h on your own for a couple hours, and be familiar with how riding for 4-6 hours feels like. Your SO is welcome, however we will be riding anywhere from 2-8 hours a day, so they will have to at least spend part of their day without you.

  5. Where are we staying? How much is it?

    This is really hard to answer, as it depends on how many people are coming, however it generally ends up being about $50-$90 a night, trending towards the lower end of that (and even lower sometimes) based on how early we can book and how many people come. We generally rent a big house that holds 10+ people. We may have to get 2 houses if there are enough people. Food is a little bit cheaper than here, with plenty of super markets around. We generally take turns cooking / going out for dinner, with breakfast being fending for yourselves and lunch being eaten on the bike/in a town. We might also have people floor sleeping in those are details.

  6. What do we do when we aren’t riding bikes?

    I don’t understand. We ride bikes. But actually we have a decent amount of downtime. You’ll be mostly recovering, but we will have lots of hanging out, and if there is interest, a wine tour, maybe some rock climbing.

  7. OK! Sounds great! I’m in! What now?

    RSVP by the END OF FEBRUARY, with an e-transfer to me for $50. This is non-refundable and will count towards your accommodation. Send me a message or e-mail. We will be selecting a place based on the numbers we have. You may RSVP afterwards, however you may or may not be guaranteed a bed, so you might have to sleep on an air mattress.