We’re a community

There’s no denying that we’re going through unprecedented times right now, but you know what? We’re feeling grateful.

We’re grateful for the wonderful cycling community that is working together more than ever before. This current challenging environment gives us a powerful reminder about the importance of remembering what actually matters in life: our connections, our communities, our collective joys.

So, we’ve decided to focus on community support now more than ever. Here’s 4 things we can all do right now to keep strong, united and moving forward.

ps: keep following us over the coming while for the latest ideas, initiatives, and ways that you can do your bit!

There’s more than one way to ride together

1. Go virtual

Heard about online training but never tried it? There’s never been a better time to get into the latest phenomenon in cycling and see what all the fuss is about.

First things first, join our official Strava Club where we’ll be bringing you lots of social-isolation options and challenges in the coming weeks.

Plus, right now you can:

– Get 30 days free trial of Strava Summit
– Try Zwift free for 30 days, including a no-commitment turbo trainer hometrial
– (What is Zwift?)
– Get a 14 days free trial of The Sufferfest’s training videos
– And, ahem, enjoy some free online training with that good looking human Chris Hemsworth

What gear do you need to bike virtually? GCN has the answer to getting started.

2. Support local

We can’t speak for every community, but based here in Vancouver there are loads of studios, gyms and training centres who could really use our help right now. Many are offering equipment rental & delivery, or offering online videos to keep you active and healthy.

– Method Indoor Cycling are removing expiry dates of all their class passes after you purchase (email them to learn more and to enquire about bike rentals)
– Cross training is great! Check out downtown Vancouver’s Club Row and their free workout videos (email them to enquire about rowing machine rentals)
– North Vancouver’s TaG cycling are uploading free workout videos to their website for you to enjoy
– West/Vancouver Retailers Bicicletta are offering curbside pickup and delivery, as well as championing an excellent #IRideAlone campaign to support flattening the curve
– (also see: Cycling USA publishes “How you can help your local bike shop“)

Know any more great local causes that are offering options right now? Let us know and we’ll share!

3. Get (even more) cultured

You can’t be turning cranks all the time. Equally important is some cycling related downtime, so we’ve compiled a starting list of nuggets to gorge on:

– Watch: Icarus (Netflix) – How about this for a doping story with a twist?
– Watch: Tour de Quarantine (daily videos) – Forget the Spring Classics, this is where the real racing is at in 2020
– Read: Tomorrow, We Ride by Jean Bobet – How the romance of post-war cycling helped lift public spirit after times of hardship

[Classic YouTube corner]

It wouldn’t be a culture section without some classic YouTube. We’re taking you back to 2012, where the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix was about to witness one of the all time great races. With three Paris-Roubaix titles to his name when he lined up at the start of the 2012 edition, Tom Boonen was a marked man, and with his great rival Fabian Cancellara out after a crash at the Tour of Flanders the week before, the race looked wide open. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

4. Let’s rise and lead as a community! #IRideAlone

It’s our job as a cycling community to be there for each other. We’re championing Bicicletta’s #IRideAlone campaign to support those on the front line of Covid-19. Grab the reverse side of an old race number – or really any piece of paper will do – and share your ‘#IRideAlone for…’ support photo. It could simply be you, or maybe show off your indoor set up. Who will you ride alone for?

PS: we’ll pick our favourites to feature in the next newsletter. Get advocating! – Instagram #IRideAlone

On Facebook? We’ve made a custom #IRideAlone frame for your profile picture. Simply login to Facebook, and click ‘add frame’ to on your profile picture to show your support.

Oh, and a word to the wise, if your government suggests and especially mandates not to go outside, take the photo beside your indoor trainer.

Keeping you informed:

We understand that the moment you sign up for any event, you’re making an emotional commitment. We appreciate your dedication, energy investment and time and will be keeping you fully informed of our position in relation to the current global pandemic and our events.

Right now, you can read our latest event update for Whistler here, and Silicon Valley here.