2022 Sunshine Coast, B.C. – Group 1 (September 15-23)
This was a beautiful 9-day, supported, hotel-based ride up the Sunshine Coast, from Gibson’s to Powell River and then back down the east coast of Vancouver Island from Campbell River to Ladysmith & Nanaimo. We were lucky that the smoke from distant fires subsided, so most of the time we had clear skies and fresh air. It was perfect weather, not too hot and not too cold, except the first day when it rained. The mornings were chilly but in a refreshing sort of way.
Day 1: Ferry to Langdale and ride to Cedars Inn in Gibsons.
(11.1 km, 227m elevation gain & 97m loss; 2 climbs 1 descent; the main climb being the 2.6 km, 3.4% grade climb in Gibsons)
Despite what the weather reports predicted, it rained today, making the short ride from the ferry terminal to Gibson’s even shorter as everyone rode quickly to get out of the rain, forgoing exploring the beaches and marinas along the coast. Some familiar with the city dashed up the steep School road to find shelter, while others followed Jean on the planned route down Marine Dr. through town up Pratt Street to the hotel. The warm dinner and beers (or other beverages) at the 101 Brewhouse & Distillery were welcomed by all.
Day 2: Gibsons to Stonewater Hotel in Pender Harbor (Madeira Park)
(58.4 km, 773m elevation gain & 842 loss); 7 climbs, 15 descents; 4.5% grade for .8km near Sechelt being the steepest climb & 3.3% grade for 1.8km just before Sargeant Bay).
We mainly rode on the highway but took two wonderful backroad stretches, Redroofs Road and Mercer Road, both of which had super fun rolling hills. While on the highway, the shoulder would disappeared now and again, prompting riders to stay alert; drivers seemed to be accommodating for the most part.
We stopped at Halfmoon Bay for lunch and some went for a swim. We did not have time to explore any of the artists’ studios but relaxed, watched some kayakers (one with a sail) and took in the scenery until it was time to roll on. We all eventually made it to Pender Harbor and were very pleasantly treated to the very comfortable Stonewater Hotel and an outside happy hour and pizza dinner.
Day 3: Pender Harbor to Powel River.
(17.3 km from the hotel to Earls Cove to catch the ferry & then 31.6 km from Saltery Bay Ferry Terminal to Powell River).
The climbs to Earls Cove and out of Saltery Bay were the more memorable climbs, but there really were only a couple of short stretches of somewhat steeper grades (approx. 8% and 9.4%). What goes up, must come down, so along with some of the uphill’s, there were fast and fun downhills.
We stayed two nights at the Town Center Motel in Powell River, so we had a little more time to explore. Some found the wonderful ice cream shop, “Wild Scoop,” that offered homemade ice cream in delicious flavors (they even had dairy-free options with real fruit). Some ate dinner at the Coastal Cookery (twice, since the Costa del Sol Latin Cuisine restaurant was full).
Day 4: To Each His Own.
The group split up on this day, some took the bus to Lund, caught the ferry to Savary Island and explored the paths and beaches; while others rode their bikes to Lund and back or took their bike to Texada Island where they went up and down the hills, discovered limestone quarries and slag heaps, as well as local eateries. Still others did their own thing in Powel River or other nearby locations.
We were among the group that took the bus to Lund and ferry to Savary Island. Apparently, Savory Island, which is eroding into the sea slowly over time, has the highest building lot density of any island in the Salish Sea but local efforts have succeeded in preserving 43% of the Island from further development.
The goals for the day were to explore some of the island’s hiking paths and find a sandy beach, go swimming and relax, taking in the scenery. The group split up, some heading toward Indian Point, while others ended up in Duck Bay after a local (who knew Delores of course) showed us some of the paths. Duck Bay had a couple of shelters made of drift wood for people to change into their bathing suits or cool off. The first few seconds in the water were bracing but quite nice.
Day 5: Powel River to Campbell River.
(approximately 45km) We did the quick downhill to the ferry terminal for the short ferry ride to Comox. Lawrence led us up the coast to Campbell River with several stops to see bays and beaches, as well as an outdoor visitor information gazebo along the bike path with large maps of the whole area. It turned out to be a wonderful stop as people started telling stories of their many adventures and/or work in the area; I wish I could have recorded all the conversations about everyone’s wonderful life experiences.
Day 6: To Each Their Own II; Roads Less Travelled.
(approximately 43km, with elevation gain of 433m, with multiple hills between 3% to 6.6% grade, and loss of -421)
Some of us took the ferry over to Quadra Island; then we split up going different ways but all had the same plan to meet at Herons Restaurant at Heriot Bay for lunch. Some of us had the pleasure of visiting a small park with an indigenous band structure, a “place to tell stories,” that had lovely views of Campbell River. We then walked our bikes along a hiking path for 1km or so and ended up at Tsa-Kwa-Luten RV Park on a nice beach. The hill out of the campground took us to the Cape Mudge Lighthouse, which was closed.
Somewhere around there, we took a wrong turn and got “lost.” We went right instead of left, which took us to a long section of road where a construction crew was doing tar and chip paving. We navigated the construction zone for 1 km or more, being careful to avoid getting the tar on our tires. We realized we were “lost.” It seemed as if we would have to ride back over the tar and chip paving stretch of road or walk our bikes on Key Dubois trail along the coast, which seemed like it might be tricky. We met a women who told us a better way to go was to take logging roads/trails towards the center of the island to get to Fox Road, which was paved. It turned out to be a maze of trails through wood lots where logging had been taking place. After about 40 minutes or more, we finally ended up on Cedar Grove road, which was paved and took us in the right direction. It was a fantastic, fun adventure. We biked to Rebecca Spit but did not stay long before heading to Heriot Bay for lunch at Herons Restaurant. We met up with some others on our tour there. Time was short to catch the ferry, so we biked all the short hills back to the ferry terminal with great haste.
Day 7: Down Vancouver Island.
This was a ride from Campbell River to Qualicum Bay (95km). Lawrence showed us some back roads and great bike path sections through Courtney; thanks again to Lawrence for showing us the back roads! The rest was highway riding. With elevation gain of only 754m and loss of -748m it was a fast, fun ride.
We ate at the Crown and Anchor Pub, which had a pool table. Jean taught a local billiards “shark,” who had a great sense of humor, how to play pool. Later Elizabeth teamed up with the local “shark” and sank the eight ball to win the game.
Day 8: Up and Down from Qualicum Bay to Ladysmith.
(91.5km, 980m elevation gain, and -971 loss.)
This day some remembered as being a long day, with numerous hills. Others remember it as being a nice day with some fast as well as slower sections. Multiple bike mechanical challenges also were part of the day. We relaxed at a fabulous hotel (Kiwi Cove Lodge) and enjoyed each other’s’ company; all in all another fantastic day.
Day 9: Say Goodbye to the Sunshine Coast.
The ride was from the Lodge heading north to the Ferry terminal at Nanaimo (25km, 271m elevation gain, -273m loss). We took the highway route instead of the back way, at least until we got to the Nanaimo city limits, where we veered toward the water. It was a nice easy way to end the trip. At that point, we had to say the last of our goodbyes. Long term friendships were made on this ride; what a fabulous adventure! Much thanks to our fabulous trip leaders Jean and Denise who were awesome and the wonderful team who all pitched in as needed to make this a fabulous ride! Cheers!
