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
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.
Organizers for this ride are Bob Louie (bblouie8888@gmail.com), Brian Collier brian.g.collier@gmail.com and Donna Kerkhoven dkerkhoven22@gmail.com.