“The past weekend went really well, I startedsomehow managing to take the NZ dual slalom title on my dh bike Lapierre DH-920.  Thereafter in the Downhill event I put together a pretty solid seeding run with only one real mistake to seed 1st in front of my new team mateNathan Rankin, and then managed to pedal through the severe winds in the final run to take the win by a mere .3 of a second over Glenn Haden. I was unsure if I had done enough, but just managed to take the win of my first national overall title in downhill. I am stoked with how the bike was running all weekend, couldn’t fault it one bit: it was awesome. Now I can’t wait for the World Cup season to start and get out there in my national champs jersey!”

The goal of the event is to provide a fun, non-threatening environment that encourages beginner riders to progress their skills, and pro riders to strut their stuff on some of the most fun trails that Vancouver Island offers, including slopestyle features built specifically for the event.

All participants will have access to professional coaching, free bike set-up and maintenance tips from Norco bikes, and walk away with prizes from our amazing sponsors as well as a DVD of professionally shot images from the event.

Be part of history and join in on the first ever women’s mountain bike festival!

Leech’s skillz are breathtaking, but what I admire most about the guy is his gentle advocacy. Mountain biking is packed with amazing stuntsmen (and women). But Leech has taken things a step further, with “green” proselytizing, “Trials of Life” youth touring, yoga demos, bike commuting advocacy and other worthy causes.

He’s not just a nonpareil rider, he’s a true role model. He always has time to chat and is one of the friendliest guys you’ll encounter in a sport full of great personalities.

We’ve attended a lot of Ryan’s demos over the years. But my favorite memory of him was last summer at Crankworx Whistler. I had gotten up early and was heading out to ride when I saw Ryan on Blackcomb Way, just riding along. Every few feet he’d do something, though, a wheelie hop onto a railing, a nose wheelie along a curb edge, a manual down a staircase. He was in his own little world; I doubt he even knew anyone was paying attention. But it showed his dedication, his down-to-earthness and his love for what he does so well.

Don’t miss him at Expo. Ryan never disappoints.

Over 600 people attended the Victoria rally outside the legislature, with participants from all over Vancouver Island. A smaller rally was held simultaneously in Nanaimo.

Along with the public rally, organizers presented a legal petition to the legislature with over 5000 signatures opposing HST on bikes.

Environmental advocates are against the new HST on bikes because increasing taxation on sustainable and beneficial forms of transportation like cycling are inconsistent with BC’s stated commitment to environmental stewardship.

Advocates argue that government policy should be to encourage participation in environmentally friendly methods of transportation, rather than discouraging participation through tax increases.

HST will increase costs of sustainable transport to consumers, therefore reducing consumer demand for bikes and bike parts/accessories. As a result, the HST will hurt local cycling retailers.

These negative effects on the cycling industry will occur at a time when BC’s economy is in a fragile recovery, and the stated public opinion is that sustainable businesses should be fostered.

For more info:

http://www.squeakywheels.ca/

you tube news update

It’s Time to Climb
With the warmer weather washing over Kelowna, it’s time to dust off those old climbing shoes and start thinking about climbing outdoors! Check out Cougar Canyon in Vernon, Kelowna Crags near the Mission, or Mt Boucherie in Westbank! If you need to borrow a guide book, the club has a few at your disposal!

VOCO Safety Courses: Climbing Course
If you are interested in taking a climbing course with VOCO this spring please follow this link for more info and to indicate your interest.

Back to School Blues?
Escape to refreshing Nakusp Hotsprings on March 6/7th to soak away your worries and revitalize in the natural hotsprings about 3 hours east of Kelowna! Stay tuned for further updates, this is a trip you won’t want to miss!

Venture Gear – Bikes & Backcountry
Hey ‘Backcountry Junky’… Venture Gear – Bikes & Backcountry has one more week left in their winter clearance… save up to 70% on skis, boots, bindings and avy savy equipment!!!  http://www.venturegear.ca/index.php/2010/02/21/bike-ski-liquidation-feb-5-12/

Winter Backcountry Rentals… VOCO members receive 20% discount on some of the BEST Backcountry Rentals available in the Okanagan! Check it out… http://www.venturegear.ca/index.php/rentals/

2010 Bikes from Norco, Marin & Lapierre are in stock and on the floor! http://www.venturegear.ca/index.php/summer/downhill-freeride/

Get a Free Trip on Us!
VOCO has some extra money to spend and we want to have one last member event before the year ends! We’re looking for your suggestions: some ideas that the executive has come up with include a bus to big white and a free Friday night ski; wave pool rental at the aquatic center; free climbing at The Crux! Let us know what you want to do! If you have any ideas, e-mail: natmelas@interchange.ubc.ca

Caving at Gargantua
Hey VOCO members, another trip idea for you guys. This one is by Dan Franck and an awesome trip he has been on to the Gargantua cave system, right on the southern border of BC and Alberta near Crowsnest Pass. This is a great chance to get out there and explore some caves, apparently it doesn’t matter your skill level there will be something for you – anything for the hardcore caver to someone with no experience. Please check out the attached .pdf file for the trip idea. If you have a trip idea that you would like to share with other VOCO members, please email Dave at secretary@ubco-voco.com.

Nelson, British Columbia, the powder mecca of the Kootenays is a natural choice, and so the 3rd annual Kootenay Cold Smoke Powder Fest is slated to be held from March 5-7, 2010.

In addition to seasoned veterans, this event will also draw “keen to be” backcountry skiers and snowboarders who want to give off-piste adventures a try.

Whitewater resort’s terrain combined with the Selkirk’s legendary snow, provides fantastic opportunities for all levels to ski, learn, compete, and celebrate off-piste and backcountry riding.

The festival revolves around 4 full days of clinics, films, beer drinking, and competitions for all ski/snowboard pursuits as well as a ski/snowboard photojournalism competition.

• 70%  -  Karhu Alpine Skis
• 70%  -  Cross Country Ski Tuning Equipment
• 70%  -  Camping Equipment
• 10%  – 2009 Marin Road Bikes
• 50%  -  Outdoor Research Outerwear, Baselayers, Headwear & Handwear
• 50%  -  Dakine Handwear
• 5o%  -  Swix Handwear
• 40%  -  Brodie & KHS Bikes
• 40%  -  Diamir Bindings
• 40%  -  Atlas Snowshoes
• 40%  -  Black Diamond & Dynafit Skis & Boots
• 40%  -  Karhu & Alpina Cross Country Ski Equipment
• 30%  -  2009 Norco &  Marin bikes
• 30%  -  Smartwool Baselayers, Socks & Headwear
• 30%  -  Marker Bindings
• 20%  -  MSR Snowshoes
• 20%  -  Prior Split Boards
• 20%  -  Sapana wool headwear
• 10%  -  Avalanche Safety Equipment – Shovels, Probes, Transceivers, Packs & Snow Science
• 10%  -  Dynafit Bindings
• 10%  -  Tubbs Snowshoes
• 10%  -  Black Diamond poles

The A.G.M. for MTBco, the Kelowna and area bike club, is set for Tuesday, February 23rd, 7:30PM to 9:30PM at the Kinsmen Field House (in the Mission Sports Complex in Kelowna).

As usual, there’s an ungodly assortment of door prizes for those that make the trip out to the meeting.  We’re looking for some new blood to fill the ranks. Please consider joining us this year. We are looking for people with accounting skills, grant writing experience, corporate fund raising, maybe an event co-ordinator, and some generally well organized and motivated people to help spread the load. Oh, and members. We’re always looking for new members.

It’s the usual place we have the annual meeting, and if you don’t know where it is, here’s a handy map for you.

Map to MTBco AGM.