CCCTS Victoria First Summer Ferry Ride and Swim: Shawnigan Lake
Submitted by Mikkel Bonner and Denise Howes with pictures from Brian Collier and John Pritchard
Eleven of us braved the heat and took the 8:40am ferry to Mill Bay on July 27th. We separated into two groups, a shorter and a longer route.
The shorter route took us up to Shawnigan Village using a little-known detour. After coffee, we rode on to Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park for a much-anticipated swim and lunch. Then on to complete the circuit around the lake. That was the hottest part of the ride, up to 33C. The reward was the downhill ride to Mill Bay and a stop for ice cream! Total distance cycled about 40 kilometers.
The longer route of 60 kilometers took five of us into Cobble Hill, for a stop at a new coffee spot, that roasts their own beans and makes their own chocolate! We then headed out for a 5K gravel ride around Cobble Hill. Back down Shawnigan Lake/Renfrew Rd to the E&N Rail Trail before meeting the other group for lunch at the park. After a dip in the lake for some, we headed off for the east side of Shawnigan, up to the village, then on to Cameron Taggert Rd. For a cool ride on a somewhat quiet road. Back on Shawnigan/Mill Bay Rd, and on to Mill Bay for an ice cream bar. Plenty of time to meet the rest of the group for the ferry ride home.
At the ferry we met up with the other group and a bunch of other cyclists and celebrated the end of the ride with a lot of discussion about the day’s events. Despite the heat all went well, no heatstroke or anything, just a group of tired and hot cyclists!
The second Summer Ferry Ride, to Cowichan Bay, will take place on August 10.
Cowichan Valley Spring Classic, Sunday, June 13, 2021
This is a notice of interest for a bicycle ride in the Cowichan Valley, Sunday, June 13, 2021. It is an invitational ride, open to members of the CCCTS Victoria Chapter.
There will be two rides, a 60 km ride and a shorter 40 km ride. Both rides start and end at Bright Angel Provincial Park located on Koksilah Road about a 40-minute car ride from Victoria. The bike ride will head in a north-westerly direction up the Cowichan River. Most of the route is flat, but there are several short steep climbs. The ride will be divided into groups of six, and each with a leader and a sweep. There will be a maximum of 18 riders. COVID protocol will be followed. Riders are to bring their own lunch and arrange for their own transport to Bright Angel.
E-bike riders are welcome. This is NOT a ride for beginners or leisurely riders. The ride paces are 18-20 km/hr for the 40 km ride, and 20-22 km/hr for the 60 km ride. The rides will have 6 riders with leaders and sweeps.
Riders must have had their first shot of the COVID vaccine.
If you are interested, please reply to Donna Kerkhoven at dkerkhoven22@gmail.com informing of your route choice. The cut-off to reply is Wednesday, June 9 by 5 pm.
Details of the ride and route will be sent to you several days before the ride. In the event of rain, the ride may be changed to the following Sunday. As group size is limited, the first 18 to apply to Donna will be notified.
NY’s Day Gov House Levee Ride
Please join Allen & ilka Olsen again for this annual ride. Meet at Whole Foods @ 9.30 for the short ride to Gov House. After the levee we will ride to Broadmead for the annual New Year’s Day Gathering which is at David & Dale Featherstonehaugh’s home this year. We will return to Whole Foods afterwards should anyone be unfamiliar with the route. Questions: ilkaaolsen@gmail.com 250-889-2484 250-539-9920
New Year’s Day Levée
Each January 1st, the Lieutenant Governor opens the doors to Government House for the annual New Year’s Day Levée. Her Honour greets the public and visitors have an opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and music such as the Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums. The New Year’s Day Levée has been a tradition among Vice Regal houses since British Columbia entered Confederation in 1871.
The 2020 Levée takes place on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, from 10 am to 12 pm. Presiding will be the Honourable Janet Taylor.
CCCTS VICTORIA CHAPTER
MEETING MINUTES
3 December 2018
Opening
The first Annual General Meeting of the CCCTS VICTORIA CHAPTER was called to order at 10:12 am on 3
December 2018 at the Mary Winspear Centre by Alex Laird.
Steering Committee Representatives
Alex Laird, Donna Kerkhoven, Bruce Daykin, Max McClanahan, Don Mais, Ken Stepushyn, Allen Olsen, Ilka
Allers-Olsen
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was unanimously approved as distributed.
Vote of the Attendees Present to Ratify Victoria Chapter’s Constitution
Motioned: Bruce Daykin and Ken Stepushyn. Motion passed unanimously.
Nominations for the Victoria Chapter executive
1. President: Alex Laird
2. Treasurer: Allen Olsen
3. Secretary: Ilka Allers-Olsen
4. Ride Coordinator: Donna Kerkhoven
5. Social Convener: Don Mais
Motioned: Jim Grayson and Rolf Petersen. Motion passed unanimously.
Discussion from members
1. Rolf Peterson spoke of declining membership.
a. Donna Kerkhoven mentioned advertising on Meetup and Facebook
2. Geoff (?) spoke about organizing rides more efficiently, ie, have different speed levels
3. Bruce Daykin said that we now have money to educate children, etc.
4. Alex Laird asked for ride leaders.
a. Volunteers: Ilka Allers-Olsen, Bruce Daykin, Diane Swindell, Bob Townsend, Alex Laird,
Ken Stepushyn, Jim Grayson
i. Ken Stepushyn opted to lead a ride to Chemainus where riders could see live theatre and
stay at the local hotel.
5. Michel Bonner suggested having dedicated rides for e-bikes
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 by Alex Laird. The next Annual General Meeting will be held in December 2019.
Minutes taken by Donna Kerkhoven secretary of the Steering Committee
Chinese Lunar New Year is upon us and what better excuse for a pig out than the Year of the Pig!! Brenda and Bob Louie have once again graciously agreed to arrange a multi course lunch in China Town to Celebrate. The plan is to meet at Whole Foods around 10:00 and then ride to the Golden Palace on Fisgard. This will be more of a brunch than lunch so we would start at 11:15 and done by 12:30. The price is $20.00 per person which includes taxes and tip.
2019 Chinese New Year CCCTS Brunch Year of the Pig. Symbol of Wealth and Fortune
Menu Egg Rolls
Diced Chicken with Cashew mixed vegetables
Chinese Style Chow mein
Boneless Almond Chicken
Deep Fried Prawns
Stir Fried Pork Chops with Beijing Sauce
Crispy Ginger Fried Beef
Yang Chow (with little shrimps) Fried Rice
Date: 11:00 am Sunday, February 10, 2019
Place: Golden City Restaurant, 721 Fisgard Street
Availability: Maximum 56 people (7 tables of 8 per table)
Price: $20 per person (taxes and gratuity is included)
Contact and payment: Social Convener: Don Mais don.mais@telus.net
DEADLINE DATE: Sunday, February 3rd in order to give numbers to the restaurant.
For those who prefer a Vegetarian Plate, please inform our Social Director Don Mais . Same price, to keep things simple.
Bike parking is at the front of the restaurant, or across the street at The Hudson. Car parking is free on the street or in the parkade. However, it is Chinese New Year and that Sunday will be busy.
We will be collecting money at the Sunday and Wednesday rides but if anyone needs some special attention in this regard please let me know and I will arrange a get together.
There may be more details going forward and I will keep you informed. If you have never been on this ride (more of a banquet than a ride to be honest) consider joining us. It is always a lot of fun.
Alex