River Valley Cycling

Supporting Cycling In and Around Fredericton

2023 RVC Strava Race Series Update

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RVC’s second Strava Race Series segment saw 42 riders tackle a seemingly innocent, but ultimately challenging climb before their fun descent. Despite following for years what has been a popular route both the all-time K & QOMs were established in June 2023, congrats to James and Melissa for those efforts! It was great to see 17 riders from the Woolastook Shoreline challenge last month make their way to MVP to test their mettle again.

For the month of July, from 1st to 30th, will have the race series taking us to the Penniac trail network to tackle a relatively new trail, Spin Cycle. This is a multi-directional trail, which the race will descend, that will test a rider’s ability to keep momentum on flatter corners as it rides more in a cross-country style than downhill.

This is a multi-directional trail, so we encourage riders to be courteous and remember that climbers have the right of way if they happen to cross paths. The RVC Summer Trail Crew will be on the ground in Penniac in the next few weeks to help with maintenance on a great trail system.

While you’re there be sure to also spin the legs on local favourites: Uptimizer, Learning to Fly, Numbers and Dozer.

https://www.strava.com/segments/30719154?filter=overall

Remember, every segment for which you log an effort will get you into our year end prize draw.

Major addition in Penniac

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Collaboration is hard work – but it makes things better. When we can connect volunteer trail builders with excited landowners and provide some resources along the way, we get success – and success looks like this:

RVC is psyched to open 3 new trails in Penniac today for our members. Combined these add 2.5 km to the existing network and open up whole new possibilities for stringing together a ride. They are an amazing addition to a network that’s seen a lot of change in the last few years.

Up-timizer is now the most approachable way of getting up and down the Penniac ridge. Climbing gradually through beautiful forest and over several streams, this is going to a very popular way up from the rec center. Just keep your eyes open as this one is open to riding both ways.

Learning to Fly is a brand new progressive trail that is machine built. Berms, and optional jumps line this downhill-only trail.

Eat Your Vegetables is the connector at the bottom that links riders coming off of Learning to Fly with their next climb.

Hadley mountain biking trails

All 3 of these trails were built with permission on a woodlot that is being managed for multiple objectives in the long-term. Native Acadian forest tree species have been planted in the area so remember to stay on the trails, and leave no trace. That means no cutting vegetation, altering trails, and please – no campfires. These are new trails and wet-weather sensitive so please stay off after a big rain. Trail dogs are welcome so long as they are under control and owners are responsible (you know exactly what we mean). Wear your helmet, be safe, and enjoy! The landowners here have been great to RVC and so let’s respect their wishes!

Now – before this post ends and we get back to riding we want to again thank Remsoft, who provided a generous donation last year towards the construction costs. Without that – these trails would not be open. Local businesses making the community better – we love it!

Finally thanks to the volunteer trail builders who came out for trail days, put in long-days in hot machinery, secured permits, or helped in other ways. There are too many to mention on this project but you know who your are… and we know who you are too!

Join RVC!

Trailbuilding update – Penniac

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Hey Riders,

We wanted to give you an update on all of the trail building in Penniac this fall. RVC volunteers made some incredible progress towards two new trails that will be a big addition to the network out there. The first is going to be a 1,400 m long (mix of machine & hand-built) climb-descend trail and the other is a 860 m long machine-built flow trail that is designed for riding down only.

Both trails will appeal to riders of all ages and skill levels.

This project wouldn’t be where it is today without such a huge lift from our local riders. Thanks to the ‘Freddy Tacos Who Shred‘ club for their trail days this fall. Thanks to Yves, Chris, Bev, and the entire machine crew who spent hundreds of hours on the job. Thanks to all the families who showed up to dig on our RVC trail day. Thanks to Remsoft for a generous donation towards the costs associated with the build. Most of all thanks to the landowners for having the vision to do this with RVC!

Now this is important – the trails are not open yet!

The build still isn’t complete – dirt is still being shaped and signage still needs to go up. Most importantly – early winter and early spring freeze-thaw cycles are the enemy of new trails and when the soil is soft there’s huge potential for damage. Please do not go out exploring with the aim of ‘just one lap’. We’ve seen how that’s happened with new builds at MVP and Rockwood in Saint John and it often sets the trail builders back by weeks if the damage is even repairable at all.


Let’s all avoid this outcome ok?

When the time is right in the spring of 2021 RVC will have a grand opening. Looking forward to it!

Turning Over New Ground

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Hey Riders,
RVC’s major project for 2020 is now underway and we’re turning over new ground in Penniac. This is exciting. Let’s have a look at what’s going on.

For several years now RVC has been developing a positive relationship with several local landowners in Penniac. In fact, some of these landowners are avid supporters of the mountain biking community and riders themselves. The club has recently come to several agreements that will see several new, well built trails that are knit into larger plans for sustainable forestry in the area.

The project includes a gradual climbing trail from the valley to the top of Stone Bridges as well as a new full-length downhill trail that will be machine-built with progressive features that are accessible for riders of all skill levels. This will diversify the trail styles available in Penniac, and open up new possibilities for riding loops.

Builds like this require a significant investment and that’s why RVC is thrilled to report that this project is being supported by 2020 RVC Trail Sponsor – Remsoft. Although they are a company with a global reach, Remsoft have been supporters of local trails for several years now beginning with the build of ‘La Woodstock’ at MVP. The company has provided generous financial assistance to this build as well – thank you Remsoft!

Earlier this month, the machine was delivered to the site and it made the long walk up to the top of the ridge, where it has been humming right along ever since. The machine doesn’t do much on its own though. A dedicated trail build team has been on site and has already invested more than 100 hours of sweat equity on the project. A huge shout-out to:

  • Marie-Eve F.
  • Yves B. 
  • Max G. 
  • Mike B.
  • Alex M.
  • Jase F.
  • Justin L.

  • Mike B.
  • Adam B.
  • Stephanie B. 
  • Matthew G 
  • Chris F.
  • Bev B.

Now… what can you do to make this huge project successful?

  1. Volunteer. The work is far from done. We need volunteers willing to come out and clear slash and brush, shape features behind the machine, and work with hand tools on the climb trail. Contact us through email or Facebook if you’re willing to help and we’ll connect you with work!
  2. Join RVC. That’s right. If you like what you’re reading the club can use your support. Your membership contributes to trail work directly and the behind-the-scenes arrangements with landowners that make it possible.
  3. Respect the worksite. For now, these trails are under construction and closed. If you see the trail build crew testing things out that doesn’t mean they’re open to ride yet. Patience. When they are ready to open RVC will make a splash and let you know… trust us!

Proud Members of: Velo New Brunswick

Canadian Cycling Association

International Mountain Biking Association