CCCTS VICTORIA CHAPTER
VICTORIA HUB & SPOKE 1-5 May 2023
Trip Report by Ilka Olsen.
Visitors from away enrich us all. They came from as far away as Ottawa and Portland. There were reunions and friendships formed with the 50 out-of-towners. Diane Swindell, chapter president, and Chris Hodgson, chapter ride coordinator, organized this wonderful Hub & Spoke–a huge thank you for their energy, efforts and charm required to schmooze 20 local volunteers into helping them. Take a bow, Diane & Chris!
Lodging was at the remodeled Days Inn on Gorge a mere three-minute bike ride to the famous Galloping Goose trail and across from Arbutus Park on the Selkirk Waterway.
What a great time of year to be on the West Coast: azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom and pink petals carpeting streets from the ubiquitous flowering cherries. After a cool & damp spring, the event brought four days of warmth and sunshine. Unfortunately, Friday dawned with rain diminishing the wish for a farewell ride to Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal but to cheers from locals for the much-needed moisture.
A variety of six daily rides were on offer: Distances ranged from 40-80km. The only easy ones were the Downtown History Tours on opening day; these were well-attended with even leaders learning interesting facts of their home town. A major disappointment for 20 riders arriving at Brentwood Bay was that the ferry had been cancelled due to a staffing shortage. (An international mariner shortage has been disrupting BC Ferries sailing for months.) The quick-witted leader devised an interesting substitute ride around the Peninsula. A ride the following day to similar locations also needed to be changed due to another ferry cancellation, but at least the cancellation announcement had been made the night prior. The always popular three-ferry ride to the Kinsol Trestle, cideries and wineries will have to wait for the next H & S. Many could not resist The Butchart Gardens ride which was offered at a half-price entry fee due to a volunteer’s connections. The Pedder Bay ride with a lovely patio lunch offered several historic points of interest along the Galloping Goose. Rides along the Juan de Fuca Strait on the new separated bike path, then through Oak Bay and beyond was well-received. Interestingly, a trial E-Bike Only ride was poorly subscribed and lost (and found) its sweep. He happened to be the H & S bike mechanic. No repairs were needed during the week nor any accidents reported.
Diane, Leith and Jill on the Coastal Ride.
At the sign-in meeting sandwiches were offered made fresh by volunteers that morning. The first night pizza dinner’s Meet & Greet was held at the Edelweiss Club. The following two evenings provided good mingling at Happy Hour in lushly green Arbutus Park and the farewell dinner on Thursday was at Don Mee Restaurant in China Town. This authentic ten-course Chinese meal was served dim sun style to 60 diners—an adventure in culinary identification and a smashing success. Near the restaurant the new valet bike parking alleviated any concerns of theft (new to Victoria in 2022).
Colleen, Havoc, Sharlane and Diane organizing the Happy Hour goodies. No, Havoc did NOT do any taste testing.
A huge thank you to all Come from Away members. Your attendance and camaraderie made this a memorable event. We hope you returned safely home with fond memories of Greater Victoria. Another huge thank you to organizers, leaders, sweeps and sundry others. You know who you are and how much difference your involvement made. Viva Victoria!
Eli Kasar from Ottawa