Welcome to the Kootenay Freewheelers newsletter! We are starting a quarterly newsletter to update you on what we have been up to, and what is coming up to mark on your calendars.
New look
The board has been hard at work, and we are very excited to share with all of you the new look of the Kimberley Freewheelers!
With this new logo, comes new jerseys! Keep reading to find out more.
Jersey orders
We are very excited to roll out a new logo and new jerseys this year, the same great light weight technical material with a new look!
Jersey order are due March 15 at midnight, and will be ready for pick-up in early May. We are aiming to have them available for pick up at the Bike Swap (see below). We will be doing one large order to save the shipping cost for everyone.
New Instagram account
We now have an Instagram account! Follow us at @kootenay_freewheelers and our new-ish Facebook page for the latest club information. The Kootenay Freewheelers Community Facebook group is still your place to go for bike-related discussion in the Kimberley area.
What have we been up to?
Ladies Fat Biking Event
Many thanks to Julie Colk for organizing this fun evening. Over 30 riders rode around the Kimberley Nature Park, followed by a social at The Biscuit.
We look forward to more ladies events!
Monday Night Fat Bike Rides
Group fat bike rides have been running on Monday nights and will continue as conditions allow. Rides start at 6:30pm; check our Facebook page on Sundays for the location.
Après at the Sullivan Pub for wing night!
Fat Bike Festival
This past weekend, February 22 and 23, the Kootenay Freewheelers hosted Fat Bike Festival with the Skinny Skis and Chubby Wheels Relay Race, Group Rides, and a Poker Run!
A total of 22 teams, 44 participants attended the race - starting with a 3km ski around the Nordic Center and then a
running relay high five to the fat bikers that rode down Electric Avenue! The weather was perfect, nearing zero degrees, and sunshine! The trails held up beautifully for the 13 riders that attended the group ride. Two groups tackled the KNP trails led by our President Emilie and her almost as capable husband Kyle on their brand new e-Fat-Bikes!
Day two of the event took us to Lois Creek where we had our fat bike poker ride which saw 28 riders followed by après at Bohemian Spirits.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, participated & to our local establishments for always keeping us well fed and our thirst quenched!
Upcoming Events
Wednesday Night Ride Season Opener Social
April 30
This is a social evening to get to know the ride leaders and the other people you will be riding with for the season. There will be a short talk by our main ride leaders on what to expect for the season and for you to ask any questions you might have.
More details will follow on the website, social media, and the spring newsletter.
Community Bike Swap
May 2nd: Gear drop off
May 3rd: Bike Swap & Gear/Cheque pick-up
This year's bike swap will be held at Centennial hall, we will be accepting bikes, bike clothing, bike racks, packs, some bike parts (more details to come), we will be going back to issuing cheques for gear sold instead of e-transfers and we will be looking for volunteers! Keep an eye on the website and social media channels for more details.
Monday Ladies Ride Season Opener Social
May 12
This is a social evening to get to know the ride leaders and the other ladies you will be riding with for the season. There will be a short talk by our main ride leader Rose on what to expect for the season and for you to ask any questions you might have.
More details will follow on the website, social media, and the spring newsletter.
Summer Riding
Adult Rides
The Monday and Wednesday rides will begin when snow allows, typically in early May.
The Mondays are open to ladies, and Wednesdays open to everyone. These rides both begin at 6:30pm.
To attend these you need to purchase a 2025 Freewheelers membership ($25), or if you are just visiting town, are new to the rides and just checking them out, you can purchase a $5 drop in. You are required to have one of these options to attend a ride with us. Until March 31 you can enter coupon code EARLYBIRD25 to save $5 off your annual membership.
Youth Programs
The ever popular youth programs will be back in full swing in May with registration opening on March 10 for the Freeride/Bootleg program, and March 11 for the XC program. Youth participating in our programs or events require a free 2025 Youth Membership.
New this year: Membership Cards
New this season, we have partnered with Kimberley Nordic Ski Club and have purchased a card printer. Everyone who is a Freewheelers member will be getting a membership card. These cards are to be worn in a visible location when attending a ride or event that requires a membership. The goal will be to reuse the cards each year, and give out new stickers each year for returning members.
KTS Trail Passes
Trail passes play a crucial role in funding the maintenance and improvement of our trails, covering essential costs like grooming, signage, repairs, and new trail development. By purchasing a pass, you’re helping to ensure these trails remain safe, well-maintained, and accessible for everyone.
How to get involved
The Kootenay Freewheelers is a volunteer-based organization and we are always looking for more help. If you are interested in joining the board in some capacity, becoming a ride leader, helping out with events, assisting with grant writing and more, then we have a spot for you!
Reach out on social media, through our website or email us at kootenayfreewheelers@gmail.com
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