What we’re about
Dear cycling friends,
The Vancouver Bicycle Meetup Group (VBMG) will be shutting down as of January 7th, 2025. VBMG was formed in 2006. I participated in my first group ride in 2010, started leading rides in 2011 and assumed the Organizer role in July 2015 (after our wonderful leader Cindy Fong stepped down). There have been many changes since VBMG began 18 years ago.
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Cycling infrastructure: We have all been witness to significant improvements to the cycling routes throughout the lower mainland and other cycling destinations.
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eBikes: Who knew? I mistakenly thought we would all grow old and slow down together but then eBikes came along! They have significantly changed the dynamics of group riding. For the most part eBikes are great as they facilitate longer rides and more elevation, and also allow aging bodies to keep riding and keep up. However, they do bring new challenges to leading and participating in group rides where there are both regular and eBikes.
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Covid: Ah yes, those lovely days when we couldn’t ride together and then eventually only in groups of six or less. Many of us formed our own smaller groups to ride with during this time and continue to do so. Several of the local bike clubs found that they actually preferred splitting their large riding groups up into smaller, safer groups and continue to do so.
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Other cycling group/club options: On a personal note, I have become more involved with a couple of cycling groups that are closer to my home in South Surrey (White Rock 050 and CCCTS). I am not the only one leading rides with these groups and it is nice to follow or sweep for a change. Most people want to participate in, but not lead, a group ride. This is just human nature. But it does put a lot of pressure on the few individuals who are creating routes and hosting group rides. Other cycling groups you may want to consider joining (if not already a member) are the Bike Hike Live meetup group and the Out-n-About meetup group, or perhaps the Vancouver Bicycle Club.
It has been such a rewarding experience to lead and take part in VBMG activities over the past years. Thank you to all of the ride leaders, sweeps, cookie bakers, flat fixers, and other friendly people who have made our rides so interesting, and so much fun. I have made life-long friends and lasting memories and I hope you have too! You may want to check out some of the photo albums on the VBMG website before it shuts down in January. Such fun times!!
I am hoping to organize a Farewell Social sometime between Christmas and New Years if I can find an appropriate venue. This would be an opportunity for us to mingle and reminisce about our years with VBMG. Keep an eye out for a future posting.
Best wishes for many more years of happy, safe cycling!
Donna