Off-Road Riding Activities
Wheel Life column - 23 October, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Off-road cycling continues through the autumn. In fact, many local cyclists consider this the best season to ride: the trails are not crowded, and they are good and muddy to suit the tastes of West Coast mountain bikers. You might even be passed by your favorite racing stars since the Canadian National Cycling Team uses local trails for off-season training.

For information on off-road cycling trails and activities visit the South Island Mountain Bike Society (SIMBS) website at http://www.simbs.com/ or call their hotline at 477-2455. The website even has maps of popular riding areas.

SIMBS is dedicated to promoting mountain biking that is environmentally sound and socially responsible. It encourages mountain bikers to observe the "20 - 20 - 20 Rule": 20 hours of volunteer trail work, $20 to International Mountain Bike Association, and $20 to your local mountain bike organization (although SIMBS membership is only $10).

Ongoing mountain biking activities are described below. All the outdoor events begin at the Hartland Trails parking lot, illustrated in today's map.

INTRODUCTORY RIDES
Introductory trail rides open to everybody take place the first Sunday of each month, rain or shine. Participants meet at 9:45 a.m. and ride until noon. Helmets are required.

YOUTH RIDES
Non-competitive fun skill-building rides for boys and girls aged nine and up (parents are welcome too). Participants need a mountain bike in good working order (with at least 20-inch wheels), a helmet, and a liability waiver signed by a parent/guardian.

WOMEN'S OFF-ROAD RIDES
The Mudhoneys invite women mountain bikers to join their offroad excursions. Participants should have intermediate or better riding skills. Planning meetings are at Chain, Chain, Chain (1410 Broad St. rear) at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays.

TRAIL MAINTENANCE WORK PARTIES
Third Sunday of each month from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30. SIMBS provides training, tools, supervision, lunches and prizes (including a new bicycle to be raffled to trail maintenance volunteers throughout the province)!

TRAIL ACCESS
SIMBS works with public officials and landowners to maintain and improve access to popular cycling trails. Area Representatives are assigned to monitor and promote cycling access in specific areas. They are always looking for volunteers to support these efforts, from letter writing to representing cyclists at public meetings and committees.