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Community Newsletter #6

Well folks we  are entering into what we like to call “All Time Fall Time”, days are getting shorter but temps also come down and we get to pull out the jackets for the brisk morning rides in that hero dirt we all love so much. The dust is settling on the gravel roads and less cars on our favorite road loops.

We’ve had great season of riding with you all on group rides which are mostly winding down now except for our weekly Tuesday Night Group MTB ride that will be quickly turning into a night ride with lights. Check out all the night ride details HERE.


2024 Fat Tire Festival Sept 26-29th


This event takes place every year in memory of Cam Alexander, a friend and avid cyclist.

He lost his life tragically while riding his bike many years ago. Cam, whose smile was only surpassed by his appetite, was loved and respected by us so much that it only seemed fit to throw a party for bicycles. The first Fat Tire was held in 1996 and it is still going strong.

We gather every year to ride with friends and celebrate everything biking.



2024 Fat Tire Events Schedule

Volunteer Sign Up


Community Newsletter #5

How to beat the heat while cycling


Whether you are a Recreational Rider, seasoned hardcore cyclist or somewhere in between these top 10 tips will help you navigate these warm temps our region will be experiencing over the next couple weeks.



1. Pre-Hydrate

Hydrate Before, It's common knowledge that 55-60% of the human body is made of water. It is so important to stay hydrated. Drink ahead of your rides


2. Stay Hydrated

To prevent dehydration while cycling, especially in temperatures over 30°C, drink plenty before your ride, bring enough water to drink about one liter per hour, and hydrate again after returning. Staying hydrated is crucial as dehydration can impair cognition and increase crash risks, with severe cases having serious health impacts.


3. Keep Electrolytes topped up

In hot weather, heavy sweating during exercise depletes essential sugars and salts, or electrolytes, necessary for your body's efficiency. Replenish them by using hydration tablets in your backpack reservoir or alternating between water and electrolyte drinks if using bottles. Foods like pickles, bananas, cheese, melon, milk, and nuts are also rich in electrolytes. Consider treating yourself to a cold banana and peanut butter milkshake post-ride, yum!

4. Avoid riding during the hottest part of the day

Plan your ride to avoid the hottest parts of the day. The early morning and late evening are much cooler, so head out early or late, or instead of one long ride how about two short ones each end of the day?



5. Wear light and breathable clothing

This is a bit of a no-brainer, but essentially pick your lightest, most breathable kit for any rides you have planned.


Opt for shorts instead of pants, choose clothing that is made of highly breathable fabrics or with temperature-regulating features, eg. shorts with laser-cut ventilation holes, helmets with plenty of air ports, and gloves and socks that have a finer knit.


6. Head for the hills

Higher elevation trails are typically much cooler than valley bottoms, also play the shade. We are fortunate to live in the mountains which provide huge amounts of shade at different times of day depending on the slope aspect and tree cover.


7. Apply plenty of sunscreen

Purchase SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen and apply it liberally to all exposed skin areas. Reapply every couple of hours, especially since sweating during a ride can wear it off. Consistent application is essential to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

8. Cover up if you can

Covering up with light, breathable fabrics can enhance sun protection and help you stay cool by facilitating moisture evaporation. This is vital in open, unshaded areas. Consider wearing breathable bandana or buff on your neck, a loose long-sleeved top, and full-finger gloves for effective sun coverage.


9. Check your tire and suspension pressure

Hot weather causes gases to expand, affecting the pressure in your bike's tires and suspension. Higher temperatures can lead to firmer tire and suspension pressures, altering your bike's handling and control. Great idea to check and adjust these pressures before riding in warm conditions.


10. Go for a mid ride swim

We are fortunate to have so many great swim spots along our roads and trails, take advantage of our cool refreshing waters to get that core temperature down.


Any questions or assistance finding the proper hot weather riding solutions we are glad to help anytime, happy trails!


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Gerick Cycle and Ski · 702 Baker St · Nelson, BC V1L 4J6 · Canada
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Community Newsletter #4: 

Pedal Power Updates


Greetings, Fellow Cyclists!

As we roll into the vibrant days of late spring and early summer, there's no better time to celebrate our shared passion for cycling. Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to the trails, our community offers a plethora of events and opportunities to connect, ride, and revel in the beauty of our surroundings.


Upcoming Cycling Events

Here's a snapshot of the exciting events happening in Nelson and the surrounding area, as highlighted on our Nelson and Area Cycling Calendar:

Home Grown Bike Show May 31-June 2

The Homegrown Bike Show is set to be a highlight of the cycling calendar in Nelson, B.C., bringing together a core community of cyclists, artisans, and enthusiasts. With an impressive lineup of frame builders and craft brands, the event promises to showcase the best of Canadian bike craftsmanship while supporting a worthy cause. 

Gold Member DH June 8th

The name says it all, a Cycling Club DH Race fundraiser.

  • Registration starts at noon @ top of Goldmember, race starts at 3pm

  • $20

  • Must be a Nelson Cycling Club Member

  • 16+

  • Check out Nelson Cycling Club for more info.

She Rides all season

Beginner clinics and social rides created in collaboration with Nelson Cycling Club to unite and empower women on the trails!

Peppermint Lemon Grind June 9th

Join us for a gravel ride leaving and returning to Passmore BC. The route will follow the Slocan River to Slocan City and then turn up into the mountains for an off road ride past the little Slocan Lake. Finishing the loop with a beauty descent back to the starting point.

Route Details

10 Spot Enduro Series June 20th

A super fun Nelson Cycling Club fundraiser! Come on out for some timed descending action once a month until the Finals at the 420th Nelson Fat Tire Festival. Points will be accumulated throughout the season with an overall champ declared at the Fat Tire Festival in September. These events are a show up for some riding and expect no prizes or refreshments. It's a BYOE kinda event (Bring your Own Everything).

Salmo T -Bar Triple June 23rd

Experience the Salmo Ski Hill trail network in a fun race environment, 3 laps of super fun variable terrain to test the intermediate rider and more.

Kaslo Idadaride June 30th

Brings you an unforgettable running and biking adventure in multiple distance races, set in the heart of picturesque Kaslo, BC.

Monthly

Weekly

Weekly

Wheel Crazy Deals Continue…

We’ve got bikes selling for up to 50% off! unheard of deals that we likely won’t see again for a long time.



Shop the Wheel Crazy Deals


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Community Newsletter #3


We’re excited to roll out our latest community offerings, designed to keep you pedaling and connected throughout the season!



Join Our Group Rides

MTB, Gravel or E-MTB we’ve got a ride for you. Ride with us as your tour guide, and get to know our trails and cycling community. Must be a Nelson Cycling Club member.

TUESDAY NIGHT RIDE*

Season Starts April 23rd 2024

A social group ride on Nelson and Area’s famous trail networks. We ride up and down ready to ride at 6pm in a different location each week, chasing the best dirt in our valley.  Nelson typically has a steeper than average trail network and the ride does end up on some of those trails. After our ride we usually visit one of our favorite eateries in Nelson for a bite and something to drink. We also put aside the first Tuesday of the month to give back to the trails with our shovels and rakes. Details are posted each week on the Facebook page.



*For insurance purposes we require all participants to be active NCC (Nelson Cycling Club) members 

Sign up for NCC Here


MONTHLY GRAVEL ROLL OUTS*

Once a month we will travel to an exotic Kootenay location in search of the best gravel roads our region has to offer. This is not a race nor a walk in the park. These are self shuttled (carpooling encouraged) self supported longer rides usually with a fair bit of climbing (we live in the mountains). 

Details are posted each week on the Facebook page.


Sun May 5th Syringa to Sunshine Bay Rec Site and back

Sun June 9th Lemon Grind 

Sun July 21st Pend Oreille Loop

Sun August 11th Kaslo Krusher


*For insurance purposes we require all participants to be active NCC (Nelson Cycling Club) members 

Sign up for NCC Here



FRIDAY MORNING E-MTB RIDE*

Friday am's @ 9 from the shop

Season Starts April 26th 2024

A social group E-MTB ride on Nelson and Area’s famous trail networks. Riding from the shop every Friday at 9am for approx. 2 hours  Nelson typically has a steeper than average trail network and the ride does end up on some of those trails. We also put aside the last Friday of the month to give back to the trails with our shovels and rakes. Details are posted each week on the Facebook page.




*For insurance purposes we require all participants to be active NCC (Nelson Cycling Club) members 

Sign up for NCC Here


Introducing Our Community Calendar

To keep you up to date on all our events, we've launched a new Community Calendar on our website. Here, you’ll find detailed information about our group rides, local athletic events, and other exciting activities happening around Nelson and the surrounding area. Visit gericks.com to check it out and mark your calendars!


WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

let us know if you have a cycling, ski or athletic event  related event that you want us to post up on a calendar, together we are a strong athletic community. 

email charles@gericks.com with your information.


And……The Wheel Crazy Bike Sale continues…..


Are you ready to experience the thrill of a new ride at an unbelievable price? Our Wheel Crazy Deals are here, 25-50% off! We're offering jaw-dropping prices on select models in store - and once they're gone, they're gone for good!


Why Wait? Here’s What You Can Expect:

  • Unbeatable Prices: Select bikes in our inventory are priced to move. Trail, enduro, E, and kids bikes all at pricing that won't be repeated!

BIKE DEALS

  • Expert Advice: Need help choosing? Our knowledgeable staff can guide you to the perfect bike that suits your style and needs.

  • Specialized’s Spring into Savings continues with amazing deals on helmets, shoe, pumps and more!


GEAR DEALS

Once they are gone they are gone! Come visit us today or miss out on the best prices of the year. This event is one for the history books, and we can't wait to see you there.



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Community Newsletter #2

After hours social and info sessions to learn about bike maintenance. As an added bonus, beat the rush and save money! 100% of entry fees go towards the Nelson Cycling Club.

Drivetrain and Brakes

Thursday February 22th 6pm

Learn about the different brake and drive components on your bike and how they function, what to look for when they don’t and how to prevent costly repairs. Don’t forget to bring your bike to save 10% savings off your total bill.*

Register

Interior Suspension Workshop

Thursday February 29th 6pm

Kevin from Interior Suspension will take us through how suspension works and why maintenance is so important. He will also show us how to set up our suspension correctly and how to tune it for our riding preferences. Don’t forget to bring your bike!

Register

E-Bike Care and Deep Dive

Friday March 8th 6pm

Learn about the different electric components of your bike and how they work together, how to care for your e-bike and how to customize your electric components. Note: only available for Bosch, Specialized, Giant and Shimano equipped electric bikes. Don’t forget to bring your bike to save 10% savings off your total bill.*

Register

Don’t forget to bring your bike!

Participants will receive 10% off their total service bill!


Space is limited. Register now.

*some restrictions apply

gericks.com

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Newsletter #1


Welcome Gerick Cycle & Ski community 

to our first online newsletter.




Weather aside it’s been an exciting start to 2024 for us at the shop. After 30 years of tireless commitment to the Nelson bike and ski community Ross McNamara has retired and sold the business to 2 of his longest serving employees and friends Mark Weigeldt and Charles Arnold. 




We hope to continue serving the community in the same ways Ross has for another 30 years. We would also like to correct an error in our last email regarding the artist that painted the image. Carol Reynolds was the artist, sincerest apologies Carol.  




One of the most important things we have learned working with Ross for the last 20 years is to be successful you must be involved in the community. This newsletter is an attempt to connect the bike and ski community with what’s happening locally and at the shop. Please reach out if you have an idea or event you would like to share with the community and we will try to include it.


For this month we would like to share the few weather links and ski conditions we check before heading out skiing.


Before heading out for a day of skiing along with the reliable Whitewater Snowreport we also like using Spot WX for detailed mountain weather. Another pro tip is the BC highway cams and weather stations. Kootenay Pass Weather Station is the same elevation at Whitewater and Hall  Creek Weather Station is a good read on Nelson Nordic clubs weather and the Paulson Summit Weather Station is the good one for Castelgar Nordic.


If you’re backcountry skiing there are many other things to consider but be sure to check the Avalanche Canada Forecast. We’re also lucky to have many local avalanche professionals in the area that host the State of the Snowpack talks.


Before Nordic skiing it’s always great to know what has been groomed. We sponsor Nordic Pulse, a live grooming update system for both Nelson Nordic and Castlegar Nordic so you can get the latest grooming conditions before you head out the door. You can watch exactly where the groomer is on the trails in real time! Both the conditions and grooming reports can be found on the clubs websites or try downloading the Nordic Pulse app and search Nelson Nordic or Castlegar Nordic for the live conditions.


The following are some ski related events happening locally in January 

That’s all for January from us, see you on the slopes!


Gerick Cycle and Ski Team


SHOP THE GEAR

Copyright (C) 2024 Gerick Cycle and Ski. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Gerick Cycle and Ski 702 Baker St Nelson, BC V1L 4J6 Canada

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