Observatory Closure/Access

Subject: Dominion Astrophysical Observatory closure during the COVID-19 pandemic

In March 2020, the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) made the difficult decision to temporarily close public access to the site, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under normal circumstances, we at the DAO are happy to welcome hikers to enjoy our trails, the cycling community to train on our hill and, through the Friends of the DAO, welcome the public to our historic site to share our knowledge and passion for astronomy. Our staff, who are all part of the Greater Victoria community, are proud to be able to share our site and our interests with the community.

When the pandemic began, we reduced our presence onsite and asked our employees to work remotely to do our part to support physical distancing and the fight against COVID-19. Only essential staff are onsite to allow our research operations to continue.

We have an important responsibility to care for this property and the people who use it, and to protect our employees and our community. As a research institution, and with a limited onsite presence, the DAO is not in a position to ensure safe public access to our site during the pandemic.

We recognize the disappointment this has caused within the communities of cyclists, hikers, nature and astronomy enthusiasts who enjoy our site. We ask for and appreciate your patience and support as we strive to continue to focus our efforts on supporting Canadian research under these unprecedented circumstances.

We sincerely look forward to welcoming you back and re-opening the site to our community and public outreach activities once again, as soon as it is safe to do so.

Clear skies,

Luc Simard,

Director General, Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Centre

Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

National Research Council of Canada

2020 Season Delay

FYI – with the guidance of Cycling BC, and following the footsteps of Cycling Canada and other bodies, we are postponing the 2020 race season, with all event between now and May 1st being on hold. We will reassess in a few weeks, and provide further information as it becomes available.

Maple Bay – Cancelled

Unfortunately the Maple Bay Road July 27th is cancelled. The principle organizers and many of the volunteers from both teams are away. We have explored many options for other to take the lead and to find volunteers, but simply don’t have the manpower to put in the race.

Remaining Races

It has just been noted that this Wednesday’s Velodrome VCL (July 24th) is missing from the Schedule posted on this site (although, it does properly show on the IRC site). Registration an open-track starts of 6:00PM, with racing starting around 6:30.

Saturday’s Maple Bay RR is still uncertain – final status will be conveyed by tomorrow evening, we apologize for the late notice and confusion.

Lastly, Sunday marks the return of the Observatory Hill Climb – come out and test your legs against the relatively inoffensive grade. It would be great to have a huge turnout for the return of this popular cycling training location. Come out and show your respects and appreciation for the venue operators!!

Results and Season Standings

All Race Results and Season Standings have now been added to the IRC page – click here.

The 2019 VCL race season is quickly drawing to a close, with only one weekend remaining. We are still holding our breath that organization of Saturday’s fantastic Maple Bay Road Race will come together in the next few days (stay tuned), and on Sunday we have the long-lost Observatory Hill Climb. This last venue has been absent from the calendar for many years, and we are super excited to have it back, so, we are hoping to have a really strong turn-out!!!!! Cheap, painful, disgusting, and oh so much fun – let’s see you all out there.

Results – Newton Heights – July 3, 2019

Thanks to everyone who came out, and to Marcel and the other volunteers!! We really appreciate you enabling us all in our collective search for torturous bliss!!! Race results have been tabulated, and are available here.

T

Results – Windsor Park June 30, 2019, etc

Results for Sunday’s race have been posted here. Thanks to Karl, and Oak Bay Bikes for putting on such a great race, and thanks to all the volunteers that make the whole thing possible!

Additionally, results for the previous few races are also available on the IRC site – click here. I am having some technical issues, so, full results for Metchosin and Mount Doug may show as incomplete – we are working on correcting the issue.

CANCELLED – Air Force Crit – CANCELLED

FYI – there has been a change in base command, and unfortunately the crit that was scheduled for July 6th has been cancelled. Thanks so much to Arin (Fort Street Cycle) and his cohorts for all the work they did to get it approved with previous command – we were all REALLY looking forward to this new venue.

Metchosin RR – Details – SATURDAY June 22nd

Registration starts at 11 am.
Hans Helgesen school.
Parking at HH school.

Race starts 12noon
A- 7 laps 62.8km
B-6 laps 54.2 km
C-4 Laps 36.6km
D- 2 or 3 laps juniors will decide with Lister.

Race starts at Walpole Road and Rocky Point at one minute intervals A, B, C, D and runs clockwise on to Kangaroo, Lindholm, Happy Valley and Rocky Point, final lap sprint up to Hans Helgesen School.

Prizing and refreshments from Victoria Breakaway Cycling and Level Ground Trading.

All proceeds to youth race travel grants.

Cost
$20 adults
$10 youth
Bring your VCL number and chip.

Road Racing at Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit – Sunday June 16th

One of the best venues on the annual race calendar, this Sunday sees the opportunity for roadies from up and down the island to battle themselves, their friends and the remarkable VIMS road circuit. We are opening things up a little to give more than just the usual VCL’ers a chance to ride this amazing venue. In addition to self-seeded A, B and C races, there will be a Check Engine Light for anyone who wants to attend. You just need your club ride license (day-of insurance will also be available, but, if you are a cycling club member, your Cycling BC Ride license is sufficient).

Sign-On starts at 9:00, and the track opens for warm-up.
10:00 – Check Engine Light event – the final distance will be determined shortly, but is expected at 30-45 minutes.
11:00 – C Race – 15 laps (1 hour) – subject to change, and may include a shorter 20-30 minute sub-race
12:10 – B Race – 20 laps (80 min)
1:45 – A Race – 25 laps (105 min)

Pre-registration is highly encouraged to smooth things at the track. Please click here to complete your pre-registration and then pay on-site. For those new to the VCL, you must complete a 2019 VCL-waiver-final and bring it on Sunday.

We are also considering a Hot Lap Competition to see who can log the fastest full-circuit lap (or maybe a short-course Hot Lap). Tell all your friends, tell the whole bunch – let’s fill this venue up!!!