This seven-day tour is restricted to a maximum 16 riders (accommodation limitations dictate the number) cycling a loop from Duncan that includes Port Renfrew, Sooke, Victoria, Saanichton, Duncan. This is a paved road loop accessible to road cyclists. The ride will wind through the culturally interesting Cowichan Valley to the wildly beautiful west coast and the village of Port Renfrew;  the southern terminus of the iconic West Coast Trail within stunning Pacific Rim National Park. In addition, Port Renfrew is the northern terminus of the 50 km long Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, totally within the Juan de Fuca Provincial Park. These major parks and trails were developed to allow British Columbians, and their guests, access to the open Pacific Ocean shores. This tour is designed to give Club members an introduction to, and a taste of, this coastal area. A day and two nights will be spent in Port Renfrew, allowing an exploration of the coast and, in particular, the naturally sandstone-paved near-shore of Botanical Beach Provincial Park. The University of Minnesota, in 1900, established a marine station here because of easy access, at low tide (hence our visit at ~0800h), to a diverse marine fauna and flora.

Heading south the tour follows the coast highway which begins with a steep climb (10 to 15% gradient) out of Port Renfrew ending at beautiful Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina. We stay for two nights, giving riders a opportunity to ride and/or hike the Galloping Goose to the Sooke Potholes (bring bathing suits) and beyond to Leechtown. Next day we cycle the Galloping Goose Trail (packed gravel/ paved) to Victoria and then the Lochside Trail to Saanichton. Our last day’s route will take us across Finlayson arm on the Mill Bay Ferry and on through backroads to return to Duncan.

The choice of lodging on some sections of this route is not wide. Accommodations will be in two and three star motels, lodges, and Marinas, based on two persons sharing a double or twin room. Please note that depending upon lodging availability there is a possibility of having two couples share a room (two queen beds) for two or four nights. All meals will be at restaurants, except at Big Fish Lodge in Port Renfrew, where the evening meals will be prepared by participant cook teams.

Duncan is ~50 km north of Victoria on “The Rotary Route Bicycle Tour” For our event, all roads are paved, but most are rural to near-wild (in particular the roads between Lake Cowichan, Port Renfrew and Sooke). The cycling trail surfaces (~15% of tour) are either paved, or with compacted sand-gravel. A minimum 28 mm tire is advised. The van will carry equipment, luggage and coolers with foodstuffs. As well, an unwell cyclist or one with a broken bicycle may ride the van. An incentive ($500 CDN deduction in fee) will be offered to a person who will drive the van every travel day, allowing the other participants to cycle the whole distance.

The total distance covered will be approximately 357 kms, the longest ride being 93 km. The Cowichan Valley can be hot in summer; by contrast, the West Coast is rain forest habitat and thus can be wet and cool though we’re traveling during the dry period. The ride to Port Renfrew passes over a mountain; the day’s climbing is 1,239 m.  The ride to Sooke is at lower elevations but very rolling and accumulates 1,374 m of climbing.  These hills will suit advanced riders. 

Participants wishing to rent a bike should consider contacting Cycle Therapy bike shop (http://www.cycletherapy.ca/) in Duncan.

• Six nights accommodation based on double occupancy
• First and last night group dinners
• Purchase of foodstuffs for two dinners at Big Fish Lodge
• Support vehicle rental fee
• Tour leaders fee in accordance with CCCTS policy
• A contingency allowance of 15%
• Fee is based on minimum registration
• Any surplus funds remaining after the tour will be refunded to the participants

The fee does not include transportation to or from the ride, supply of bikes, meals except where noted.

Daily itinerary for 2019 Southern Vancouver Island Loop Tour

Day 1. August 22: Arrival in Duncan, Super 8 motel. Group welcome and tour briefing.
Those who have completed the Duncan Hub and Spoke will already be in Duncan.

Day 2. August 23: Ride from Duncan to Port Renfrew (95 km/ 1239 m climb). Lunch stop Cowichan Lake (km 33). Overnight Big Fish Lodge.

Day 3. August 24: Ride to Botanical Beach for beach combing and possible swim. Remain at Big Fish Lodge.

Day 4. August 25: Ride from Port Renfrew to Sooke (70 km/ 1374 m). Steep climbs up to fifteen % slope within first 7 km after leaving Port Renfrew. Lunch stop at Jordan River. Overnight at Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina.

Day 5. August 26: Ride to Leechtown and return on Galloping Goose Trail (well packed aggregate surface (30 km/ 245 m)). Explore and swim in Sooke Potholes. Picnic Lunch. Second night at Sooke Harbour Resort and Marina.

Day 6. August 27: Ride to Saanichton via Galloping Goose and Lochside Trail s (63 km/ 439 m).Stay at Wadding Dog Hotel.

Day 7. August 28: Ride from Saanichton to Duncan via Mill Bay ferry in Brentwood (38 km/ 400 m). Stopping in Cowichan Bay to sample the goodies at the True Grain Bakery. Optional 60 km route with two ferry rides, would be return to Duncan via Salt Spring Island via Ganges and Crofton.

Registration will take place on the CCCTS website at the date and time noted above, with a $50 deposit.  A computer-generated lottery system will be used to assist in the selection of riders and waitlist in the event that the ride is oversubscribed. The lottery signup will run for 3 days, after which time a wait list is automatically generated and the leader will review the results.

The  registrants will be considered in terms of suitability for the tour according to the following criteria:

• fitness and riding experience relative to this tour
• safe riding habits demonstrated on previous rides
• acceptable social behaviour

The leader may contact registrants or others who know them to verify their suitability. The leader may select up to 30% of the candidates based on preference. The leader will contact registrants within 2 weeks of the close of lottery.  Successful registrants will be directed to make the payment of $800 at that time. 

If the ride is not filled to capacity, registration will still be allowed up until the registration close date shown above.  Deposits and payments are non-refundable unless replacement person(s) are found.