The year in review….

As 2011 comes to a close, we can look back and be proud of what was accomplished and the value we brought to the recreational cycling community in Surrey. This was my 1st year leading SORCE and it was a big transition. I wish to thank everyone involved in SORCE, from sponsors to volunteers to participants but especially to the devoted Executive of SORCE who worked so hard to help fulfil our vision. Probably the biggest accomplishment of 2011 was the redevelopment of the dirt jumps and ensuing Dirt Jam at the South Surrey Bike Park. This work over the summer and huge celebration yielded not only great participation from the community but also excellent coverage through local media. 

Another big swing worth mentioning is the expansion of our mandate to look city-wide. SORCE has always been "Surrey" but with a primary focus on parks and activities in the South. Now with inclusion and representation from other areas of Surrey, we are looking to help the City fulfill its vision for Bicycle Recreation Facilities. Prior to SORCE's engagement, much work has been done in planning and now building of new facilities at Invergarry Park.

At the AGM this year, we had several new individuals step up and be voted onto the Executive. I'm sure this will be bring in many new ideas and great new energy to the group. 

The year ahead…

2012 is shaping up to be a huge year for SORCE. With a city-wide mandate, we have plans to open at least 1 new bike park and are currently working with the City in planning stages for more. Next year will also mark the return of the Junk Yard Dog race at South Surrey Bike Park. This event has been very successful over the years, both for participants and also as a great spectator event. We are also currently researching ideas to re-introduce some riding clinics to build skills for youth. This is something I personally feel passionate about and we're looking forward to working with the City to deliver these programs. 

There is so much more that I could say about plans for 2012 and beyond, but alas it's time to go take part in some Yuletide festivities. I would like to leave you with 1 request…as a New Years resolution, please go check out www.sorcebikeclub.org and/or our Facebook site and renew your membership. With a large active membership, SORCE can speak with a clear firm mandate and deliver on the programs and activities important for you. We have recently reviewed and changed our membership fees, specifically for families. It's a small investment for a big return!

See you in 2012. Looking forward to another great year of riding!

- Dale Tiessen, President

The dirt jump rebuild and grand re-opening made the front page of the Peace Arch News!

Check out the story here.

Join us to see what all the fuss is about!

Where:

South Surrey Bike Park Dirt Jumps

When:

Date: Sept 3rd, 2011

Time: 11:00AM - 2:00PM

SORCE is planning a Grand Re-Opening of the completely reworked dirt jumps.

Date: Sept 3rd, 2011

Time: 11:00AM - 2:00PM

Work on the DJ's is coming along awesome. Thanks Corey and crew! The pump track is almost finished. The wall ride is taking shape and with some rain we'll be in better position for final shaping of the jumps.

The DJ's will be complete and ready for public sessioning by Labour Day weekend.

Sponsorship for the event includes the City of Surrey, ESP Enterprises, Uli's restaurant for food, Peninsula Cycles and Spy Optics.

Come sessions some lines with pro riders or just watch them fly.

With much inspiration from the work Vince has done in the park, we are planning out first trail day of 2011 for Saturday April 16th from 9:00AM to around noon.

Vince did a great job of rebuilding the trail at JYD marker #54. A new bridge with jump on the side, re-groomed trail with several bumps and berms, and a fan style wooden berm/wall ride. Thanks Vince!

We would like to tackle some of the following general trail work.

• JYD #4 – drainage at base of hump at sign post.
• JYD #66 – sign post has been removed and dumped on its side several times over the years. Bolt to the base of the post 2 crossed 2x4's 24" long and bury. If someone tries to pull it out, they will be standing on the crossed 2x4's that are buried.
• JYD/BLT – don't remember post #, but just as the 2 trails re-join for the uphill climb after the twisty section. Same work for sign posts.
• Between humps - on the gravel trail, add/rake gravel which has rain water eroded gouges.
• BLT - many areas on the trail that are depressed fill with organic material and become a mud pit.
• Clean out mud and even depressions with 1/4 down crushed gravel.
• Water taps bike cleaning station - clean up weeds and repair broken tap cover.

Come out and earn some trail karma! We're going to work on a few trails, win some swag, eat some free food, make new friends and have fun getting dirty.

SURREY - When the SORCE bike club was first approached by the City of Surrey about having to cut down trees or even close parts of the South Surrey Bike Park, their response was simple - "Leave our bike park alone."

But the decision for city officials and the Surrey Off Road Cycling Enthusiasts bike club isn't that simple.

At least 90 per cent of the Douglas fir trees in the South Surrey Bike Park near Softball City are being killed by laminated root rot, caused by the fungus Phenllinus weirii sulphurascens.

Read More:  http://bit.ly/okR7hp