Happy Holidays

After a summer & fall busy with many bike club activities, the following is a brief description of projects that we have been involved in…

1). Road and Leisure Cycling Routes Map

With a grant from a Community Action for Health, we were able to research, develop, and publish a map of detailing several road routes favoured by local and visiting cyclists. The maps were distributed to cyclists from Destination Osoyoos, the Oliver Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centre, and Double O Bikes in Oliver and Osoyoos. The maps helped to fill a real need in the community and we will soon need second printing!

2). Multi-Use Trails

SOBC is committed on an on-going basis to the enhancement, development and maintenance of sustainable multi-use trails in our area. With funds from a substantial grant from Mountain Equipment Co-op, this past summer saw us working primarily in South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area accessed from Covert Farms or Willowbrook. Working in association with BC Parks, we held several work party days, and also worked on installing appropriate signage. The folks at Covert Farms have been very accommodating to anyone wishing to access the trailhead through their property. You are welcome to park at Pancho’s Market, pop in to the office to let them know you are cycling in the area, and they will direct you to the trail head.

3). Group Rides

SOBC road cyclists met regularly on Wednesday evenings throughout the season to ride together, and welcome any drop-ins who might wish to join in. The only thing that stops these enthusiasts is the failing light in the late autumn, if not the plummeting temperatures! They will be back at it in the spring as early as possible. For information contact Chair: Warren Everton at warrene@bctree.com


If anyone is interested in taking on a leadership role with respect to the following groups, please contact Mark Weigeldt at weigeldt@telus.net.
· Ladies’ Road Ride
· XC Mountain Bike Group Ride
· Weekend Road Group Ride
· Leisure Cyclists’ Group – You want the activity, the fellowship, but not the “high performance” aspect of cycling.

4). Other

SOBC members have been involved in other related activities this past season including:
· Participation in the WHEELS FOR CHANGE ride in support of Action on Climate Change.
· Participation in a one-day regional planning session regarding trail network enhancement and development in the Town of Oliver and RDOS.

5). Cycle Skills Development Park

After a couple of presentations to Parks and Rec Society and the Town of Oliver, we are very happy to report that Parks and Rec has included $5000 for the Cycle Skills Development Park in their budget for completion in the spring of 2008! To be located in Lions Park next to the Skate Park, this venue will provide cyclists at all skill levels with a convenient centre to hone their skills. With donations and other funding grants, we are confident that the goal of completion by the 1st of June will be met.

6). Blog

Check out our blog at sokanaganbikeclub.blogspot.com Bookmark the page, and send it on to anyone you think might be interested. The more the merrier!

Feel free to direct any questions or comments to: weigeldt@telus.net