Island Day Tour – Sunday August 18 – Medium
Update July 9: I’ve moved the ride again to August 18 due to a conflict.
Shikyo used to lead this ride when training for the Lung Association Charity ride. It is a hurry-up-and-wait kind of a ride where ferry trips alternate with bouts of riding. Because there are 5 ferries, it will take all day, hence the need for lots of daylight. We leave Tsawwassen and arrive in Swartz Bay, ride the Saanich Peninsula to Brentwood Bay, ferry to Mill Bay, ride up island to Crofton, and ferry to Saltspring. Kill yourself riding the steep, long, Fulford Ganges hill to Fulford, then ferry back to Swartz Bay. Breaks will be in Cowichan Bay and Ganges, where hippies and yuppies have intermingled, creating “the yippy.” The first leg will be the fastest, due to time constraints to make the Brentwood Bay ferry. Ensure you can sustain mid 20’s km/hr on flats. Terrain is hilly, but ferries offer respite. Ride is weather dependent. Check website night before for cancellation.
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30211547 but subject to change.
Meet: 645AM at Tsawwassen ferry terminal for 7AM sailing to Swartz Bay.
Bring: a bike in good working order, tools and supplies for fixing flats
Cost: $58 for ferry costs, less $5 if you buy the BC Ferries Experience card and extra $ for food.
RSVP and let leader know if you need or can offer a ride to the ferry: Teresa
Under pleasant and warm conditions, 6 of us ventured onto the Island for hill-climbing, and lots of it. 900m of climbing over 80+km made for some weary riders. Thanks to those who came out and endured with me. Not a single ferry was missed, though there were some close calls. We met a rider from Nanaimo, Alan, who rode with us for a bit. Plus, we were seriously photo-bombed on the way to Mill Bay. Extra kudos goes out to Colin and David who rode to the ferry terminal.
Enjoy the photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/jryXuQeXV4DCgLSL7