Here we go, the Spring season has begun, there's a bunch of you that have been longing for segments since the end of the Summer series back in July, and a bunch of new faces as well - welcome!!

Firstly, be sure to sign up! Every season all riders are required to sign up for each season - go get it done now so you don't forget later! 😂

Next, I'd encourage all newcomers to take a peek at the event page, there's some rules for fun and fairness (a big one is no drafting during segment efforts - this isn't a team event!)

There's also some neat Bonuses and Curses to keep an eye on...ways to score extra points, or perhaps lose a few! 😁

I also include a 'Routing' section every week, with a suggested route to get to the segments - often (like this week) it'll feature some neat roads to get to our destination. (It's on the event page, but left out of the emails for a bit of terseness.) 

Every Sunday evening you'll find this email (and the segments are posted on the site as well, typically around 6pm if eager), with all your updates, including the upcoming segments, report on the previous week, and some other fun stuff.

I'll keep tonight's email update short, let's get going with those first segments of the season!

Here's our event poster, appearing in your favourite shops!

Another fun aspect to the Segment Challenge is we've got tons of awesome draw prizes every week, thanks to the event supporters above, and more!!

If you're in a shop supporting the Segment Challenge - be sure to mention you appreciate them supporting the series. I'm hearing from staff at shops that they're getting positive feedback, make sure they know this is the best cycling series in Victoria!

The Prize Page will get updated in the next few days (hopefully there's a sunny day so I can get some nice photos) - I guarantee some of you are going to finish the season with some pretty cool swag. 💯

Week #1: Mar 9th - 15th – Another Gamble on Amble(wood)

Here we go, it's our first segments for 2026! Let's ease into it with a couple quiet, smooth-surfaced climbs in View Royal. We've visited both in the past, but with different variations. We've got ourselves a shorter kick, and then a slightly longer grind to get those legs and lungs burning!

Segment 1A Name: sAmble
Deets: 0.44km, 32m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Erin McAvoy with a 1:02 & KOM is Sam Garber with 48s, and the LL is Fraser Hayes with 37 efforts!
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/24704211

We've been up this before, but would to the very top - let's just do the first steep bit, and call it a day there. 😂

A perfect intro to the 2026 season in one of our favourite neighbourhoods! And very little risk of the Local Legend curse.

Segment 8B Name: Boulderwood
Deets: 0.60km, 46m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Rhonda Callender with a 1:59 & KOM is Clayton Hiltz with a 1:10, and the LL is Julian Cameron with 8 efforts!
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/2294196

We've been up Boulderwood before, but a much longer segment that travelled along Kentwood at the start. This time we're just starting at the bottom and grinding our way up to the top. Fortunately the start and finishing spots are pretty easy to note on this one.

Happy riding!! 

Updated on the site: as always Routing for this week: https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge/

There ya have it!

Enjoy getting out there and giving the segments a go; shred your legs, or just get'er done - the goals are always your own. Next week we'll have our first results as well, I look forward to seeing all your names on the leaderboards!

Oh yeah, don't forget to sign up!!!

Thanks as always for taking a peek at my ramblings, safe and speedy riding all! 🚲

- Dave

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