The 2010 Just Giver Kits have finally arrived. The theme this year was DIY Punk Rock Graffiti and so far the comments we have gotten in the past week suggests they are once again the nicest kits around.  ThaNks to Bronco At Uno Imports and the crew at Giordana in Italy for once again supply an amazing kit.

Extra's are available for sale in limited quantities so pleae contact me ASAP if you would like to purchase an item.

Jersey (S, M, L) $85

Bib Short (XS, S, M) $120

Jacket (M) $160

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

ROB AND BRANKO TRY OUT THE NEW KITS!

Today we received some sad news, as a friend of the Just Giver team, Michael Taylor passed away last week due to complications relating to his Parkinson's.

Michael and his wife Dorothy have been a big part of Just Giver since its inception, coming out to meet and support us every time we rode through Osoyoos for the past four years. All of us drew inspiration from both of them, and we are all sad to hear that Michael won't be meeting us at the fountain for a fifth year.

Though we are sad to hear the news, Michael will be inspiring us once again this year, as we will be dedicating our Osoyoos to Kelowna stage to his memory.

The Just Giver Team stops in Oliver for a quick visit with Michael and Dorothy Taylor during the 2009 tour.  Rest in Peace Michael.

Just wanted to share an amazing grassroots cause that industry friend Kyle Dion has founded. 

In 2009 Kyle Dion owner and founder of NewLine Skate Parks joined the Greater Vancouver Youth Unlimited team as they traveled to Kigali Rwanda for part of The Elevation Project. Kyle walked away from this experience asking why can`t these kids have a place to play. They should have a playground just like the kids have here in Canada. Kids need a place to just be kids. He decided to use his talents and abilities to get more on board with this amazing project and committed himself and his company to building this park for kids.

This part of The Elevation Project has affectionately become known as Play Rwanda.

If you would like to find out more about either Play Rwanda or The Elevation Project you can visit elevate-rwanda.com

I was finally able to get some pictures up to share the activities of our first 2010 Just Giver Team weekend and training camp.  It was a great chance for everyone to finally meet and ride together.  We managed to get out for just over 200km of riding as a group.  What a great weekend.  Click below to enjoy the weekend!

A quick thanks to Kurt from www.freedombikeshop.com in Penticton BC for outfitting Marc Bowles with a new Specialized Tarmac Comp.  After plenty of hours of tuning and positioning Marc has been out getting ready for this years tour on the new bike!  Another note the picture taken of Kurt and Marc was taken by the Specialized rep who just happenend to pop into the shop after a bike fitting session!

The Just Giver Team had its first meeting/training camp this past weekend and what a great success.  With so many new riders it was important to get togther and have everybody meet and ride together.  More pics and stories to follow once all the pics get organized.  We will also release the Bio of all team members in the days to follow!

Gavin and I got out last night for the second night of the Team Coastal Crit Challenge which runs every thursday in Richmond until the end of August.  After controlling most of the race with Gavn taking a few break away prem's and Kelly setting the pace up front for 10 or so of the 15 laps we ended up taking 1st and 3rd.  Congrats to Gavin on the win and a great start to the race season.  Looking forward to getting a few more of the Just Giver team out to really do some damage once Branko gets his cast off!  A few pics of the night!

Gavin, Jerry of the Velo Vets and Kelly enjoy a warm up lap!

Kelly sets the pace early

Gavin settles in up front after his prem lap breakaway

Branko enjoys the race from the sidelines as his broken wrist heals.

Kelly back on the front setting the pace

Congratulations to Gavin on the win.  I was happy to do some work for the team and take home 3rd!

Check out the Squirrel's (Mark Huggan)  new bike hauler!  Sure wish we could use this on the tour as a support vehicle.  Should fit 2 bikes nicely!

Finally it seems summer has arrived in the Westcoast!  Lots of riding this weekend to get ready for the big Just Giver team training camp and meeting happening next weekend.  All the out of town riders will be arriving friday for a weekend in Vancouver riding and visiting with the entire Just Giver Team (exceopt Adam who can't make it from Edmonton).  Really looking forward to next weekend so hope the week goes by fast!

Over the next 2 weeks we will introduce the 2010 Just Giver Team and Support Staff.  An amazing and diverse group of cyclists all coming together to help those affected by Parkinson's disease.  Its going to be an incredible journey with and incredible group of people!

To kick off the Team announcment here is a recep of the first 4 years of Just Giver as we enter the 5th season with a final goal of raising $250,000 thru 5 years!

Thanks to new team member Marc Bowles who has been making the rounds visiting supports groups in the Okanagon spreading the news of the Just Giver Tour!

An amazing acoustic version of a song I often listen to while climbing up Cypress!  The song is called "Teardrop" originallly written by Massive Attack.  Newton Faulkner puts an amazing acoustic guitar drum spin on this classic song!

Enjoy

A few pics from last weeks ride as this week was wet wet wet.  Sorry was down in California until saturday night so just catching up but we managed to get a very wet and cold climb of Cypress this afternoon.

Branko, Laura, Gavin, and myself in a retro 2008 Just Giver kit.