The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society August 2021, Volume 38, Issue #8
Well none of our Board members submitted a report for this month. Traditionally we don’t even publish in August but with so much going on with things getting back to normal I though we would have a special edition.
The Rice Lake Hub and Spoke 2021.
(Use the arrows to navigate the PDF reader)
Victoria Hub & Spokes– July 19 to 23 and July 26 to 30
First, a bit of history: Past Hub & Spokes in Victoria have always been well-attended with 50-80 riders. Organizers planned for that number again for 2020. COVID-19 necessitated cancelling and revising for yet-unknown restrictions for 2021. Therefore, it was suggested offering two Hub & Spokes on consecutive weeks to enable as many out-of-towners as possible. As it turned out, restrictions were lifted just before the events, but it was too late to change plans.
Fourteen riders attended each of the Hub & Spokes. US members had to cancel due to the continued border closure. The fun began at a spontaneous Meet & Greets in the Pub at the James Bay Inn. During the first week, most riders had dinner at the Bard & Banker Pub or Spinnaker’s. The second week ended with a spontaneous Farewell Dinner at James Bay Pub.
During both weeks, the weather was mostly clear with westerly winds. The wind kept the smoke from the BC wildfires away which was especially appreciated by the folks from the Interior who had been suffering there from the smoke. During the first week, two-thirds of the riders had e-bikes; the second week there were only two.
There were two rides offered each day. However, the most popular rides were the intermediate/fast rides. On Monday evening Alex Laird opened each week’s event by offering a short and well-attended city ride. The Tuesday tour to Pedder Bay Marina was mostly along the Galloping Goose & E&N trails with lunch on the patio overlooking a picturesque bay. Brief stops were included at the Songhees Wellness Centre, Spinnaker’s, Canada’s oldest brew pub, International (mega-yacht) Marina and the new “Blue Bridge” lifting mechanism. Wednesday most riders rode through the Saanich Peninsula; lunch was at Elk Lake. This area has a lot of family-run farms, some of which have been in existence for 150 years. A few riders decided to visit the Westshore area for a leisurely ride.
The first Thursday rides were along Victoria’s interesting waterfront. Riders passed by some stately homes through Oak Bay; lunches were at the Oak Bay Marina and at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel both with charming water views. During the second H&S, some riders chose a leisurely ride through quiet city streets. On Friday Allen Olsen closed each week by offering a well-attended early morning ride. Folks just couldn’t seem to get enough riding. Everyone seemed to enjoy their stay at the James Bay Inn located near the city core and harbour.
I want to thank the following leaders for their generous help in making the Hub & Spoke rides a success: Allen and ilka Olsen, Jean MacDonald, John Ward, Don Mais, Mikkel Bonner and Alex Laird. As well, a thank you to all who attended and who seemed to enjoy the sights, riding and milder weather of Greater Victoria. The organizers send best healing wishes to the member who missed the rides due to three ER visits to deal with a painful kidney stone.
Donna Kerkhoven
CCCTS Victoria Chapter
Ride Coordinator
And Now a Short Story From our intrepid bike mech Angus MacIntosh in the Capitol Region
June 21-25, 2021, CCCTS Shuswap – N. Okanagan H&S Trip Report
Based from spacious and comfortable Sorrento Centre on Shuswap Lake, 18 CCCTS members explored the quiet paved backroads of the Shuswap – North Okanagan. 13 cycling routes, ranging from 40K to 60K to 80K, were offered over the 5-day Hub & Spoke
Link to additional H&S photos and Cyclists’ Haiku impressions https://photos.app.goo.gl/u95yXGQ27Ua6fwZ68
New Club member, Pat Hutchins of Salmon Arm, Carol and Glen Evans of Tsawwassen and Jeanetta and George Zorn of Salmon Arm led each day’s rides. Afternoon swims in Shuswap Lake at the Centre’s beach cooled us down on mid-30s C days. Happy Hour treats and the Centre’s fine dinners set us up for the next day’s cycling adventures. The “heat dome” scorcher arrived on June 25 as we departed. We enjoyed clear skies, free of forest fires smoke!
Ride Participants:
Deborah Chamitoff, Carol Evans, Glen Evans, Holly Evans, Chris Hodgson, Pat Hutchins, Whitney Laughlin,
Ken Levine, Allen Olsen, Ilka Olsen, Annemieke Quinn, Howard Quinn, Diane Swindell, Larry Wilson,
Trish Wilson, Ronald Youngash, George Zorn, Jeanetta Zorn
The Capitol Chapter Annual Picnic 2021
And the very first event the Club held since the blood covid hit was the…
Cowichan Valley Spring Classic, Sunday, June 20, 2021
Bob Louie and Brian Collier began organizing the Cowichan Valley Spring Classic in March 2021. They made various trips to the Cowichan Valley to map out the rides – to ensure the three scheduled routes appealed to everyone who would attend. In the meantime, Donna Kerkhoven organized the replies and answered questions.
By the time the event was scheduled to occur on June 13th, the weather didn’t cooperate. So, we moved the event to the following Sunday. Two days before the event, a member noticed that the Bright Angel Park was “closed”. But it turns out only the office was closed. In the meantime, Brian rearranged the rides to start at the Cowichan Valley Museum in downtown Duncan. It all worked out.
June 20th was a beautiful warm day! There were about 25 riders. As a prequel of the heat to come, Bob decided the 40 km riders should take a trail that was mostly in shade. However, the trail was 30 km each way! So, most of the 22 riders cycled 60 kms!
Bob and Brenda Louie had organized door prizes and snacks for everyone. There were 3 books up for grabs: Hell on Two Wheels, History on a Bike, and The Cyclist Who Went Out in the Cold.
All in all, the event was well-received. We may do the ride again in 2022!
Donna Kerkhoven,
Victoria Chapter Rides Coordinator.
So as you can see we have gone from nothing to quite a bit in short order. Lets hope we can keep it up.
Videos
Tours
- 2021-S. Alberta Tour (2)
Status: Registration closed
Dates: Fri, 10 Sep 2021 ‐‐ Sun, 19 Sep 2021Beginning in Drumheller we will spend 2 days exploring the bad lands of Southern Alberta, the Tyrell Museum, Historic Coal Mine and Historic Rosedeer Hotel. Day 4 we drive to Waterton Lake National Park to enjoy the spectacular scenery, and ride in the area for 2 days. Day 8 we drive to Canmore where we’ll ride and hike in the foothills of the Southern Rockies between Canmore, Banff & Johnson Canyon. There will be ample time to make a stop in Banff for lunch, coffee or just to browse around the area.
- 2021-South Alberta Tour
Status: Registration closed
Dates: Tue, 7 Sep 2021 ‐‐ Thu, 16 Sep 2021Beginning in Drumheller we will spend 2 days exploring the bad lands of Southern Alberta, the Tyrell Museum, Historic Coal Mine and Historic Rosedeer Hotel. Day 4 we drive to Waterton Lake National Park to enjoy the spectacular scenery, and ride in the area for 2 days. Day 8 we drive to Canmore where we’ll ride and hike in the foothills of the Southern Rockies between Canmore, Banff & Johnson Canyon. There will be ample time to make a stop in Banff for lunch, coffee or just to browse around the area.
Hub and Spokes
- 2021 BC’s South Gulf Islands Hub & Spoke
Status: Registration closed
Dates: Mon, 30 Aug 2021 ‐‐ Fri, 3 Sep 2021This Hub and Spoke will be based on Pender Island, one of BC’s Southern Gulf Islands, all well-known for their artists, wineries and cideries, fromageries, farms and natural beauty.
Leader is Diane Swindell, an experienced “Penderite” who is familiar with all the Gulf Islands. - 2021 Victoria Hub & Spoke
Status: CompletedGreater Victoria offers something for everyone. The five days of rides vary widely in distance, difficulty and diversity and are sure to satisfy all. Each day will offer distances from fewer than 40 km to perhaps 100 km; each ride will have a leader (sweep will be selected from group).
- 2021-June 28 Shuswap Hub and Spoke
Status: CompletedWelcome to the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Shuswap – North Okanagan! Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature as you explore on your bike some of over 1500 kilometers of paved back roads in the area. Along each day’s cycling route we can enjoy short walks, visits to local wineries, swimming beaches, bird watching “hot spots”, scenic view points and cycle-friendly local cafes. Our hub for the week’s rides will be at Sorrento Centre on Shuswap Lake, 35K northwest of Salmon Arm via Highway 1.
- 2021: Sept. 5-9 Shuswap – North Okanagan Hub & Spoke
Status: Ride is full, wait list only.
Dates: Sun, 5 Sep 2021 ‐‐ Thu, 9 Sep 2021Welcome to the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Shuswap – North Okanagan. Enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of nature as you explore on your bike some of over 1500 kilometers of paved back roads in the area.
- 2021: May 17-21 Sorrento/Shuswap Hub & Spoke – COVID Cancelled April 19, 2021
Status: CompletedRiders will enjoy cycling through the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the Shuswap and North Okanagan on paved back roads. Along each day’s route there are opportunities for short walks, visits to local wineries, swimming at the beach, and historical tours.
- 2021 – June 21-25 Shuswap – N. Okanagan Hub & Spoke (COVID Postponed from 2020)
Status: CompletedWelcome to the beautiful, diverse landscapes of the Shuswap – North Okanagan! Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature as you explore on your bike some of over 1500 kilometers of paved back roads in the area. Along each day’s cycling route we can enjoy short walks, visits to local wineries, swimming beaches, bird watching “hot spots”, scenic view points and cycle-friendly local cafes. Our hub for the week’s rides will be Sorrento Centre on Shuswap Lake, located 35K northwest of Salmon Arm.
- 2022 Florida Gulf Coast Hub and Spoke – POSTPONED to Nov. 2022 due to COVID-19
Status: Registration opens Fri, 18 Feb 2022 5:00 PM
Dates: Mon, 14 Nov 2022 ‐‐ Mon, 21 Nov 2022Extend your 2022 biking season with a week of cycling on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast! This hub and spoke will take place in November and will be based out of St. Pete Beach, known for its sunshine, soft sand beaches and dedicated bike trails. We will explore the Pinellas Trail and other bike trails and roads in the Tampa/Sarasota/St. Petersburg area, with stops along the way to explore the sites and sample the seafood.
New Members
| first_name | last_name | city | province |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary | Freeman | Victoria | BC |
| LORRAINE | ELLIOTT | Surrey | BC |
| Rodney | Parker | Surrey | BC |
Published at least ten times a year by The Cross Canada Cycle Tour Society, a non – profit organization for retired people and others who enjoy recreational cycling.
Items for the NEWSBRIEF must be received by the 28th of the month. The Editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, brevity and suitability of publication. The views expressed in the “NEWSBRIEF” are not necessarily those of the CCCTS or the Editor.
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