Off the back
There’s so much going on by bike across Vancouver Island that I can’t keep up. I feel like I’m back in my racing days and losing contact with the pack ahead. Still, I’m enjoying the ride, and that is despite the weather (it hasn’t been the sunniest of springs).
I hit the road last month on the way to some meetings on the Sunshine Coast, but what I saw in the wind and rain still gave me a good feeling about my future rides. There seemed to be more traffic on the E&N trail in Nanaimo, and there are some new sections of trail extending the reach of the corridor with a short piece into Chemainus.
Good news on the Trestle, too, with its restoration project in progress. The bridge could be ready to ride by the summer of 2011. More about Kinsol
Trails 'N' Rails Check the “Trails with Rails” for fresh glimpses (alongside some older images) of trail traffic and some of the new project happenings.
Lately the roads and trails have hosted an island-long relay, a weekend of high-level road racing, pedal-for-a -cause rides and, if you must know, the World Naked Bike Ride. Here’s a worthy cause – a long way from home but with local support. Hmm. I’ll have to see if my brother can share his pics. of mountain biking the backroads of Peru! MOSQOY
Here’s what racing looks like in Victoria: Mount Doug hlll climb
Not really naked:
Quadra Island is home to the world’s fastest man: Sam Whittingham just won’t let go of the “human powered vehicle” world record. He’s held it for the last several years. When he’s not burning up the roads training for his speed trials (his record exceeds 130 km/hr), he makes bikes under the “Naked” label. Lance (yes, that Lance) owns one.
Check out Sam's work
Advice Column: Hi, John - hope all is well with you. Planning a trip for late July around Van Isle, from Victoria up the west side to Port Renfrew, and from there overland to Lake Cowichan and then to Bamfield, by ferry to Ucluelet/Tofino, then back to Victoria via Port Alberni.
A couple of questions for you on the Port Renfrew–Bamfield connection:
Am I correct in thinking that the road between Port Renfrew and Lake Cowichan is now paved? Any idea about the condition of the (unpaved) road from Lake Cowichan to Bamfield? Or anyone who would know, from a cyclists’ perspective?
Really looking forward to this – especially the Tofino/Ucluelet portion! Any guidance, advice, recommendations, or words of wisdom you might care to pass along would be appreciated as well.
Jeff, Portland
Hi Jeff,
The road to Lake Cowichan should be paved before you get here. The Government is planning to finish that project within the next few weeks for you. Routes out to Bamfield are still gravel but I haven't been on them for years. I expect they'll be good enough for a mountain touring bike or perhaps a hybrid with some big tires.
Shortcutting using the Lady Rose between Bamfield –Port Alberni–Ucluelet might be a way to miss some stretches of the gravel or skip the busy and hilly route between Alberni and the west coast of the Island. Shoulder space is not always available and traffic may be busy at that time of the year. Still, I think lots of riders continue to use it and it might be worth the scenery. I expect you'll be up to it, but it could challenge a lesser rider.
Take a look at the old road
Editors note: The Lady Rose has since been replaced by the Frances Barkley, but bikes are still welcome. Visit Lady Rose for schedules and fares
More hot tips:
I am an avid cyclist and I came across a couple of interesting new items that you may wish to learn about/share with your network. The first is a way for the average bike commuter to directly see how their commute translates into both money and environmental savings. All this in a very affordable package. Visit: greengoose
The other item is a free way for anyone to register their bike online.
Visit: mybikenumber
Getting here:
Here’s a secret that shouldn’t be. Box up your bike to the right dimensions and Westjet will carry it for free. While airlines across the continent are siphoning big bucks from bikers’ wallets, here’s one company that is making friends and helping travelers make the sustainable choice. In Victoria, once you get off the plane you can store your box and assemble your bike at our airport work station
Media: Westjet Talks the Walk
Their latest in-flight magazine applauds Victoria as one of Canada’s most walkable cities.
There’s always more to see at a walker’s pace. Here’s a new sight to linger at in Victoria’s Chinatown.
Everywhere you want to walk+run
Ride:
The Coho transports visitors to Port Angeles, across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, from downtown Victoria. Ok, so it’s not Vancouver Island, but we are good friends with our neighbours. Check out the popular Lavender Festival/Sequim (July 16 to 18). There’s a great trail that will take you the 20 km from Port Angeles to Sequim.
The ride might be over by the time you read this, but some Victorians will also be tackling Hurricane Ridge that towers over Port Angeles. On a clear day you can see Victoria from the summit. It doesn’t look so scary from this side: waterfront bikes
Theatre on Wheels:
Back for a second year, take a ride from venue to venue, nothing more than waystations on the Goose, but a quirky mix of stories and short performances put together by Victoria’s Theatre Skam
Parting Shot:
Bike to Work puts bums on seats. BTWW 2010
Many thanks to our sponsors...Lighthouse Breweries Found in pubs and restaurants across Vancouver Island and select locations on mainland BC. Also available in 6-pac cans in liquor stores, cold beer and wine stores.
Schwalbe tires, Some fresh rubber will fit well on the bombproof wheels Fairfield Bicycle Shop put together for my Kona. Logged more than 5,000 km last year, mostly working, mostly on Schwalbes. Thanks for the support.
And, Cottage Pirouette Cyclist friendly accommodation near the heart of Victoria.
Cycling + Walking Matters is also sponsored by, indvidual donations from friends of Cycling and Walking.
Cycling + Walking Matters is written by John Luton.