January 6/06 9:50 am - Blizzard Bike Club History Part 2

Posted by Editor on 01/6/06
 

Blizzard Bike Club - A History

Pat Ferris, one of the founders of the Blizzard Bike Club in Fort St John, B.C. is providing a history of how a successful club developed in such a northern location. Here is the second installment:

Year End 1983

1983 was a very good year for the Blizzard Bike Club, sending a number of riders to compete regionally and getting provincial recognition for its efforts.

The Club expanded into what it is, today, in terms of events and ridership back in 1983. The club held a series of time trials, road races and a hill climb, covering the full season from April to August. Points from these events accumulated to decide the 'Best All Rounder' (BAR) winners. Average race attendance was ten to 15 riders from a membership of 25.

The Ferris brothers featured prominently in the first race of the season, a 15 Mile Blizzard Trophy race on the Montney Road. Tim Ferris won with Pat Ferris second and David Ferris, third. Thirteen riders competed, including (now) Judge Brian Daley, who was a respectable 9th place.

Seven Blizzards went to Prince George for the 'Old Fort Classic' in May to compete in their stage race. Riders came from clubs in 100 Mile, Quesnel, Williams Lake, PG and FSJ. There were 25 riders in the 'Senior' event. About 45 in total, all ages. Top local finishers were Pat in 3rd and Tim in 5th, overall, Senior Men's.

The Blizzards were back to PG in June, for the BC Summer Games selections. In the 'deciding' road race, Tim was second and Pat third in the big bunch sprint.

Pat and Tim made the team, along with Rob Pryor and all went to a roasting hot Maple Ridge for the BC Summer Games. The BC's had a time trial, road race, criterium and a 4-rider Team time trial, in those days. Each zone could send sixteen riders aged thirteen and older.

July 1st, the Bike Club was asked to carry the Canadian Flag out to the Canada Day festivities at Charlie Lake.

A big provincial award came our way! The Blizzard Club was named the recipient of the Bicycle Club of the Year Award from the Bicycle Association of British Columbia at their Vancouver AGM.

"Because the club went so well this year, it had an impact on the whole association," said Blizzard Bicycle Club President Jim Peltier, who accepted the trophy in Vancouver. "It was basically awarded for the amount of growth we had in the first year," noted Peltier of the reason for the award.

The first Awards Banquet was held for 12 attendees at the old Northern Lights Restaurant. Pat Ferris was the first Senior Men's BAR winner. Rob Pryor won the Junior trophy and Ken Chin was Most Improved.

The Blizzard Bicycle Club had an excellent year of activity, blended with success.