Cycling

June 2–8 was Commuter Challenge week. As one might imagine, this is an event in which MEC staff are creative and willing participants. The group I hooked up with for our epic commute to work met at 7am, and proceeded to ride for 31.5km and gain 348m of elevation*.

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In 2012, Expresso was the trail adopted by MEC through the NSMBA’S TAP program. Over the course of the 2012 season for MEC there were: 6 trail days, 47 volunteers, 380 volunteer hours, 30+ feet of trail restored, 2 rock hauling chains were formed, and the crew dug for countless buckets of gold.

“If you build a trail, you maintain it for life – it is your responsibility.”

-Todd ‘Digger’ Fiander

The entrance to Expresso is found just before the sixth switchback on Fromme. Considered an advanced trail, there are enough drops, ramps and plenty of downhill to keep your heart racing. The trail required some much needed maintenance and some of the woodwork needed to be removed. Prior to the work,  the assessment done by the NSMBA noted some drainage issues  and one reroute needed to be put in place. Expresso has been adopted by MEC, nsmb.com and RockShox meaning that  lots of the work was going to  get done.

For the MEC crew, the meeting point for each trail day would  be at the top of Mountain Highway. From there the group would drive to the start of the trail and head down to the area to be worked on. At this point Digger, a trail building legend on the North Shore who has been trail building for 20+ years, is MEC’s  assigned trail builder, walks the group through the plan was for the day and it was off to work. Along with the digging, shoveling, tamping and lifting, the trail would be beautified by laying down organic soil known as gold and ferns and moss would be planted on the edge of the trail giving it a more natural feel.

On one particular trail day last fall, after thousands of rocks had been hauled from a far distance it seemed to be the end of the day: the group was tired and could barely walk and they were ready to pack up and go home. Digger came to look at the work and proclaimed “well we can’t leave it like that.” And the group knew that Digger was right. With MEC staffer Berglind digging for gold as fast as she could, the 15 other volunteers moved buckets of dirt so quickly that not only was the work completed in 30 minutes, but there was an immense sense of accomplishment among the group.

MEC staffer and trail coordinator, Ash Kelly had this to say:

“We learned about drainage techniques, rock laying, gold digging, how to split cedar and stake take-offs for jumps, how to build bridges and skinnies, and how to finish a trail with details such as moss and ferns. We learned how to work efficiently, and to take pride in the work we were doing.”

This year with the help of a $15,000 Access and Activity grant from MEC, the NSMBA will take their tools to the Bridal Path on Mount Seymour. The 4.2km trail that is used by mountain bikers, hikers and trail runners will be broken into 4 sections with 4 different builders assigned to each particular section. In the end, due to teamwork and the help of many volunteers, the trail work is expected to be completed by mid-July.

Interested in volunteering with your local trail maintenance organization? Check out IMBA Canada, a partner of MEC, to find regional news and events and search for IMBA affiliate clubs and retailers.

About TAP

The Trail Adoption Plan, or TAP as it is commonly referred to, was launched in 2011 by the NSMBA so that the North Shore recreational trails for all to enjoy forever.

About North Shore Mountain Bike Association

The mission of the NSMBA is “Trails for all, Trails forever!” They are the voice for the mountain biking community on the North Shore and develop and sustain the network of trails while fostering a mountain biking culture and community.

About the International Mountain Bike Association

IMBA Canada is a non-profit trail advocacy organization whose mission is to create, enhance, and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers throughout Canada. MEC is a national partner of IMBA Canada to help deliver their Take a Kid Mountain Biking events which happen across the country.

Overall, I feel like things are really starting to click with my training schedule. Last weekend, I did my 50km long ride in a pair of chamois shorts, arm warmers, and a jersey, and it was amazing. I felt fast and light and was acknowledged by at least three roadies. Granted, it was three very subtle nods, but I know they were saying “Welcome to the club, friend!”

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Growing tired of my bombproof-but-not-very-stylish pannier, I acquired a Ballard Market pannier a few months ago and have been using it to commute to work. Don’t be fooled by its good looks: not only can this 15L pannier hold a great deal more than one would expect, but it also stands up to the nastiest Wet Coast weather.

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The thing about training in Vancouver is that hills are inevitable. My quads have confirmed that. And the further you ride, the more you seem to encounter. Thankfully, the Ride Don’t Hide 60km route doesn’t have any crazy climbs in it, but much like the speed work that my training program calls for, I’m sure that incorporating a hill or two into my training will help build strength and endurance.

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To introduce today’s topic on clothing, it feels fitting to start with how I entered my interview with Jesse, Product Manager for MEC’s cycling apparel assortment:

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Commuting by bike does require me to sacrifice some things. Like wallet-crushing stops at the gas station. Or the chance to get up close and personal with strangers on rush hour transit.

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Intro: I’m terrible at refueling/hydrating on the road. Actually, not just on the road. I’m terrible at eating before exercising, period. I’m a morning person, so for me, getting up for a 6am yoga class is far preferable than lugging myself to spin after work. The problem with that however, is that at 6am, I have very little in the tank.

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I spent last Sunday as a cycling cheerleader, hitting four different spots along Vancouver’s marathon route to shout inspiring things to my boyfriend as he pounded out 42km in the blazing sun.

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One of the most enduring childhood memories can be getting your first bike. Not just because it was a new toy to play with, but because that bike gave you your first taste of independence, the freedom to explore your neighbourhood, and may have helped create friendships that you still have today.

At MEC, we love bikes, so we’re kicking off the start of cycling season with MEC Bikefest, a community celebration of all things bike related.

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