PRESIDENTS REPORT — Allan Buium

This Report marks my farewell to the position of President. It has been an honour to have served in this role, and in non-consecutive terms, for a total of 6 1/2 years. Over these years the Club has welcomed numerous new members while at the same time seeing many of our more senior members hanging up their wheels for a change in lifestyle. At the same time, we have said goodbye to many members who have passed on — some were founding members and others were very involved in leading ever popular tours. (In the next few weeks check the website for a compilation of all the Club tours since the “beginning”, that’s over 300.) In my years as “prez” there have been a few “hiccups” that were resolved, for the betterment of the Club, but more importantly the years have been a rich volunteering experience. Thanks to the many members who volunteered to serve on the Board to enable CCCTS to be an outstanding cycling club. This leads into a THANK YOU to the present Board members — a dedicated group of cyclists whose hard work has certainly made my job easier. Doug McIntyre (Past President) — Doug’s experience continued to be a real asset in dealing with the business at hand. As nominating Chair for the AGM, he has sought out potentially keen candidates. Jean Macdonald (Vice-President/Hub & Spoke Manager) — Jean’s dual role has kept her busy , especially as the Hub & Spoke Manager — always ready to suggest areas of interest and then seek out volunteers to lead new events. Her assistance to the leaders has certainly helped make the events great cycling experiences. Clark Woodland (Secretary) — Clark’s entry onto the Board has ensured our Club’s business is meticulously recorded, and now posted on the Web, for all Club members to glean. He has also been an important member of the Constitution & By-Laws Committee — guaranteeing that all revisions are being carefully crafted. His knowledge of the B.C. Societies Act certainly assisted us in “getting the wording right”! Bruce McLean (Treasurer/Office Manager) — Bruce is our “seasoned CFO” guaranteeing that our financial status is both secure and transparent. His responsibility for the “virtual” Office entails being responsible for all the transactions being handled by Karelo – a no small feat in itself, then Club’s data base and many other tasks we take for granted. In addition, the e-mails informing us of the delivery of the Newsbrief, membership renewal, etc. are all the result of Bruce’s efforts. Holly Evans (“Back-up” Treasurer) — Holly is a welcome addition to the Board and her skills have eased the pressures that Bruce has often had to cope with. Her knowledge of the Club’s financial status guarantees us continuity for the future. John Pringle (Tours Director) — John continues to provide the membership with numerous tours – both within Canada, the U.S. and overseas. His knack in suggesting interesting areas to explore has allowed him to recruit leaders. John is always ready to assist in the planning of their tour. His efforts have certainly given us the opportunity to both select and experience from a fine smorgasbord of tours. Wayne Hanscom (Assistant Tours Director/Auditor) — Since joining the Board Wayne has enabled the Club to continue to have a credible financial picture for each tour. In addition, he has assisted in overseeing the tours as well as contemplating ideas for workshops for potential tour leaders. Max McClanahan (Membership/Office Assistant) — Max has kept the membership file up-to-date, in fact, he has near 20% of us on the renewal list for 2016. Max also assists Bruce with the office. Yes, it may be “virtual” but the job requires more time and energy than we realize. His legal insight has been a real asset to the revisions of the Constitution and By-Laws. In addition, his IT skills have made him the Board’s “handy man” for computer trouble shooting. Al McLean ( Equipment Manager) — Al continues to ensure that our camping oriented tours are ready to “hit the road”. He has kept two kitchens equipped with the “tools” to feed no fewer than 2 1/2 dozen hungry cyclists. Even inclement weather is no deterrent to the cooks as Al has maintained great shelters to keep all nice and dry. Ed Fudge (Advocacy) — Ed’s creation of the “Courtenay Project” continues into its second successful year. Our mandate of reaching out into the community is best exemplified by Ed’s efforts. He has also taken the time to assist on the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and has often reminded us that the potential for Club Chapters is now a possibility. Bruce Daykin (Member @ Large) — Bruce continues to work on the Club’s advocacy; i.e. attempting to get the numerous jurisdictions – both municipal and provincial to provide adequate signage on some of our busier cycling routes. He’s realizing that it is not easy for the the “officials” to provide adequate directional signage! Maybe his musical talent will get things moving along! Hans Klein (Newsbrief Editor) — Hans’ long term “durability” as Editor gives us an excellent update on what’s happening in the Club. Hans commits many hours into getting each edition into our “mailbox” so we can sit back and know “what’s going on” with CCCTS from cycling information to Tour and Hub & Spoke write-ups and beyond. In addition, his skills have also assisted James with the Website. James Spears (Website) — James, our dedicated “webmaster”, tries to make sure that “cccts.org” is our up-to-date presence in the virtual universe. He’s forever “soliciting” items for the site and our willingness to share materials certainly makes his task a bit easier. We could say that his efforts allow CCCTS to be the “viewpoint” to the world’s cycling community. A THANK YOU to the Weekly Ride Leaders, Area Reps, and Social Convenors who make a sincere effort to make your cycling experience a pleasurable time: Jan Johnson, Dianne White, Peter Baron, Barbara Wilson, Evelyn Hiscock, Cheryl Campbell, Rolf Petersen, Alex Laird, Yvonne McLean, Bruce Daykin, Clark Woodland, John Brown, John Hurley and myself! A THANK YOU must also go out to the volunteers on the “Courtenay Project”. They certainly exemplify what many more of us should consider doing for cycling in our respective communities. A few cycling oriented items that may be of interest:

•  BikeMaps mandate is to make cycling safer by logging problematic locations- crashes, near misses, hazards or thief. This can be done anywhere, quickly and anonymously. If you register where you usually cycle you are sent alerts regarding problematic locations on your area. (BikeMaps.org)
• Are you concerned with bike thefts? You can register your bike online by going to: project529.com
• CCCTS continues to support cycling advocacy groups such as BC Cycling Coalition (bccc.bc.ca) and HUB (bikehub.ca). Check out these links and consider signing the BCCC petition.

As the year draws to a close you’ve heard me ramble on about the various phases of cycling. For your patience I THANK YOU, the general membership, for continuing to support B.C.’s cycling club of choice — CCCTS.

Dora Ellis (nee Wierelychuk) July 14, 1934 – Nov 15, 2015

Dora, much loved by all who knew her, passed away peacefully after a battle with lung cancer on Sunday, Nov 15. She will be remembered as a formidable cyclist who was happiest when she was at the front of the pack. She joined CCCTS in 1997 and the following year joined the tour to New Zealand. Before she had a stroke in 2013, she went on 11 tours and registered in 15 Hub & Spokes. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the CCCTS and encouraged many people from the Comox Valley to join. Being competitive by nature, she loved to race and over a course of 21 years she won 74 medals in BC Masters Cycling events, BC Senior Games and the Comox Tri-K. In the BC Senior Games from 2012 to 1991 she won an impressive 43 medals, most of them being gold! She set a fine example of how physical and mental activity can keep the mind and body in great shape regardless of age. Before passing she donated her jerseys to the local cycle club to be auctioned off at the 2015 Hub & Spoke with the proceeds going to the Comox Valley Cycling Coalition for the support of the Safe Cycling Education for elementary students in the Valley. This initiative brought about $663 which was used to purchase 2 bikes for the school program. A Celebration of Life took place on Friday, Nov 27 with many cyclists from the valley and elsewhere present, wishing her a fond farewell.

“When the one you love has become a memory, then that memory becomes a treasure”.

Go to www.piercysmtwashingtonfuneral.com to read the entire obituary.

Discover the Trans Canada Trail

Stretching from the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland to the Pacific coast of British Columbia, the Trans Canada Trail winds its way across mountains, plains, and rainforest – a bike-friendly slice through Canada’s beautiful landscape. As one of the world’s longest networks of multi-use trails, the Trans Canada Trail connects nearly 500 individual trails across the country, building a magnificent piece of Canadian heritage. In 1992, the creation of the trail was announced in celebration of Canada’s 125th anniversary and in February 2000, the trail was officially opened. Fifteen years later, 80 percent (over 20,000 kilometers) of the proposed 24,000-kilometer route has been completed – funded largely by donations, partnering organizations, and both federal and provincial governments. The Trans Canada Trail is a community-based project that is the result of working with local organizations that own, operate, and maintain specific trail sections across Canada. Summed up by the non-profit Trans Canada Trail organization, “The Trans Canada Trail is truly a gift from Canadians to Canadians”. That’s evident from the amount of funding and number of volunteer hours that has gone into this project since its inauguration. There are countless, exciting trips to take along the trail – suitable for day trips or multi-day excursions. On Vancouver Island, BC, the Cowichan Valley Trail takes you across the newly restored Kinsol Trestle, a 44-metre-high, 187-metre-long walkway, which is one of the largest and highest timber trestle bridges remaining in the world. The four-season Kawartha Trans Canada Trail in Ontario runs along an abandoned rail line. Along the East coast, the Sentier Mestashibo trail in Quebec links the JeanLarose Falls to the Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges church, following the scenic Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River for nearly the entire route.

While some sections of the trail are only accessible for walkers and hikers (and a few only for experienced hikers!), there are still many long, spectacular routes that are suitable for people on bikes. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail in BC’s Okanagan Valley – Canada’s response to Southern California – winds through the sun-drenched hills, vineyards and lakefronts of the BC’s driest region. Or cycle along the decidedly easier, flat, paved Battleford Trail, coasting across the famous Canadian prairies in North Saskatchewan. For a wilder ride, the Newfoundland T’Railway trail is a gravel path running from Port aux Basques all the way to St. John’s. With nearly 20,000 km of trail to explore, there is certainly something for every interest and ability. Piecing parts of Canada’s history together, trail by trail, the Trans Canada Trail has set a goal to connect coast to coast by 2017, the 25th anniversary of the trail and Canada’s 150th anniversary. Much of the yet to be completed Trans Canadian Trail runs through mainly unpopulated, challenging terrain and will take the continuous support and dedication from donors and volunteers to make it happen. Explore trail maps, learn about historical landmarks, and donate to help complete the Trans Canada Trail on their website: tctrail.ca This article originally appeared in Momentum Mag in 2014 and has since been updated.

Upcoming Tours

• 2016 Tanzania Surf to Summit
• 2016 Tanzania Zanzibar to Moshi
• Italy – Apennines to Adriatic Tour
• Tour Cancellation Ancient Persia and Modern Iran – Bike & Van Tour Coordinators Barb and Rick Mathias proposed, and the Board agreed, that this 2016 tour be cancelled. The tour contractors Caravan Kooch Adventure Travel wanted 12 registered cyclists by November 30th. We felt this number was unlikely to be attained in the time remaining, particularly given the source of the unrest that is currently underway in France and Belgium. However, Rick, Barb and about five other CCCTS members are organizing a similar tour for 2016, but it will not be CCCTS supported. This will allow the Tour Contractor to book non-CCCTS members in an attempt to fill up the ride. A trip overview will be written, and upon return, will be submitted for Newsbrief publication. If a positive report, hopefully a CCCTS member will volunteer to be Tour Coordinator for the 2017 travel year. John Pringle; Tours Director

Upcoming Hub and Spokes

• Southern California Hub and Spoke
• Glaciers & Grasslands: a double Hub & Spoke Tour of BC’s Southwest Interior
• Okanagan Hub and Spoke (Vernon Hub)
• Vancouver Hub & Spoke

DIY: Christmas Lights On Bicycle

Don’t you just love the holiday spirit? How about spreading some good cheer while riding your bike with some twinkle holiday lights? We love a little twinkle on our rides so we’re bringing you some holiday decoration ideas for adding a little sparkle to your bicycle rides. Whether your riding your bike with added lights or using your bicycle as holiday yard decoration, you can deck your bike with holiday cheer and we are going to show you how! Chrismas-lights (1) Image Courtesy of Millenion Design What You Need:

1. A Bicycle: we assume you already have one! yay!
2. LED Lights: get portable LED lights, you can usually find them in your retail stores. if they’re short buy a few in any color and size.
3. Zip Ties: you’ll need these to secure the lights.

Steps:

1. Install Lights: Once you have all your needs, it’s time to install the lights.Now wrap the lights around the bike frame, being careful not to interfere with the braking or gear-shifting mechanisms. When it comes to putting lights on forks (the arms that connect to the wheels) pull the lights the length of the fork, wire tie it at the bottom, then pull it straight back to the frame. If you wrap the forks with lights they could get caught up in the wheels. Cover the left fork (the one that faces the road as you’re riding) to save lights for other parts of the bike. If you wrap the handlebars, also make sure that you leave enough slack in the wires to allow the handle bars to turn through their full range of motion. We also suggest finding a decorative light such as my star, or an angel, that would typically adorn the top of a Christmas tree. Hang this off the back for added visibility on dark roads.
2. Ride: Once you got all parts of your bike covered with lights and secure, it’s time to put on some Christmas cheer and spread the love!