Cowichan Cycles has built the cycling-centric community hub they have always wanted.
Located at 2692 James St., the expanded bike store opens on Dec. 1 and will offer food and beverage options.
Spokesman Grant Lestock-Kay said that, surrounded by three mountains in the Valley, it was a no-brainer to create a centralized hub for riders to fuel up before and after their adventure.
Offering light breakfast options plus a full coffee bar in the morning and pizza and craft beer in the afternoons and evenings, it’s all of the things that make sense in a bike shop, he said.
“We wanted to build a space that would allow the bike enthusiasts (and the broader outdoors community) to geek out over gear, plus offer an inviting meet-up location with delicious food and beverages for pre and post rides,” Lestock-Kay said.
“Partnering with Bicycle Pizza from the get-go has allowed me to completely ignore all of the complicated food and beverage components and focus in what makes a bike store the very best it can be. Plus, we are stoked to offer their crazy good pizza paired with Riot Brewing in the afternoon for that post-ride session. It’s a continuation of two good partnerships.”
Cowichan Cycles will run the bike store with extended hours and will look to host events and live-bike streaming opportunities in the future.
The food and beverage component, called Wheelbase Cafe, will commence in the new year, featuring black and white coffee, Bicycle Pizza and Riot Brewing.
For more information, check out www.cowichancycles.com.
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The two-week production curtailment at the Crofton mill may extend beyond Nov. 24.
Paper Excellence, which owns the mill, is anticipating potential production interruptions over the next four weeks that are related to forest fibre and other goods shortages received at B.C. mills.
Global supply chains, ports and carriers have been impacted during the past three months by disruptions related to the pandemic such as labour availability, lack of shipping containers, delayed carriers and significant port congestion.
The company indicates the backlogs have hindered its ability to get finished products shipped in a timely manner.
The atmospheric river weather system that hit B.C. on Nov. 14 is also a factor.
While none of Paper Excellence’s facilities were directly impacted, there has been material damage to B.C.’s infrastructure. The closure of the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 3 and Highway 5 plus the closure of the CP and CN rail lines has further impacted outbound product shipments, as the company relies on both truck and rail transportation to move goods.
In a statement, Paper Excellence noted it “remains committed to getting as much product as quickly as possible to its customers and asks for understanding at this time.”
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Duncan’s Royal LePage is moving from its long-time home on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Owner Blair Herbert said he was renting the space he was in on the TCH, so he decided to move the real-estate business to a building he owns at 371 Festubert St., just two blocks from its former location.
He said the new location is smaller, but it’s a better use of space than the TCH location.
“We’ll be moving everything on Nov. 26, but it will be business as usual for Royal LePage and we aren’t closing for the move,” Herbert said.
“We’ll also be keeping our same phone numbers and email addresses.”
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The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce invites the public to support the efforts of the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre in providing year-round visitor servicing by bidding on their Holiday Silent Auction.
This year there are upwards of 85 bidding lots, all donated and provided by local Cowichan businesses.
These bidding lots include a variety of items, from restaurant gift cards and travel vouchers to designer sunglasses and apparel.
The bidding for this virtual silent auction has started and will continue until Nov. 29, which is coincidentally Cyber Monday.
All successful bidders must pick up and pay for their item at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre by Dec. 3 at 6 p.m., or the item will go to the next highest bidder.
Pick-up will be available during the Shop Sip & Support event at the Cowichan Regional Visitor Centre on Dec. 3.
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The Cowichan Valley Trail of Lights will run the weekend of Nov. 26-28.
On those days, a number of local wineries, cideries and farms are lighting up to celebrate the holidays.
People are invited to take a self-guided tour to enjoy local wine, cider and shop locally at farms from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. each day.
Route One, the winery and farm-stands route, will bring you to Rocky Creek Winery, Island Shire Farm, Legacy Farm, Blue Grouse Winery, Miller+Co. Wood Studio, Froghome Farm, Cowichan Milk Company, Boots n Roots & Cairnpark Nursery, Glenora Farms & Corner Store and Zanatta Winery.
Route Two, the winery and cider route, will take you to Enrico Winery, Unsworh Winery and Merridale Cidery.
For more information, go to tourismcowichan.com.
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The Tacky of Tackiest Christmas Sweater Holiday Social is back again this year.
Hosted by the Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Duncan BIA, this year’s event, which is open only to members of the chamber and BIA and their guests, will be held Dec. 14 at the Old Firehouse Wine Bar starting at 5:30 p.m.
There will be a delectable spread of appetizers, and a cash bar with a variety of wine and cocktail options.
Of course, the Tacky Christmas Sweater Party wouldn’t be complete without its infamous holiday fashion show, and there will be prizes for the Tackiest Christmas Sweaters to the Tackiest Woman, Tackiest Man, and Tackiest Couple.
Extra points if you have a coordinated mask.
Tickets are $29 plus GST, which includes admission, participation in the Tacky Christmas Fashion Show (optional), and delicious appetizers.
Proof of full vaccination will be required for this event.
Mingling is welcomed, but masks are mandatory whenever you are moving around.
Advance registration is required as tickets are limited.
robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
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