DERBY — The Village Bike Shop has been an icon in the community for almost 24 years. With the growing popularity of winter fat bike riding it seemed like the natural place to bring skiers and cyclists together for a potluck dinner.
Thirty cyclists and skiers rang in the holiday season on Friday night at the bike shop. There are plans to host other events in the space with the first one coming up December 20, at 9:30 a.m., as Mike Kiser, a Memphremagog Ski Touring Foundation volunteer board member, will be holding the annual ski waxing clinic at the bike shop. All MSTF members are invited.
There are also plans to hold mini biking and skiing clinics at the shop throughout the year, as well as more social gatherings which will be open to everyone.
“I’ve always been interested in all outdoor sports,” said Jeff Manning, owner of the Village Bike Shop. “Now with the popularity of winter bike riding it’s going to be fun to explore the possibilities of dedicated single track trails in Primeau Woods off the bike path.”
These trails are a local treasure. Interest in using the trails is growing on both sides of the border. One note of importance is that if the trails are being used for reasons other than cross country skiing, riders are asked to take care not to interfere with the groomed ski tracks.
Herb Maroot, a member of the Kingdom Velo Group, said he would like to revive group and couple rides and special interest rides next cycling season, so if community members are interested, all information will be available at the bike shop.
If groups are hosting outdoor events or individuals are looking for an adventure buddy, Manning says post announcements and requests on the bulletin board at the bike shop, or speak with him about the availability of using his space.
For information regarding the clinic and MSTF membership, please visit the website at http://www.mstf.net/
