Island Cycles - News from the Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism Alliance
  1. Calgary to Invest in Island Cycling
  2. Victoria Exposed
  3. Trails Connect Nanaimo and Qualicum
  4. Eco-Beer Found on the Island
Coming Back, Bringing Friends:
This just in from Calgary:
John,
 
Kelly and I were very grateful for the scoop on rides in Victoria. We VERY much liked the fact that you recommended a few places to eat too ! ! After the big rides we just needed food and it was nice to just pick a place from those you recommended and we were not disappointed ! !
 
And the riding . .... .what can I say it was truly great ! We were both impressed by what Victoria has to offer, ...and we didn't even get to ride all we wanted. We both liked that one day we could ride along the ocean and get some great views and the next get a few small hills in a semi-rain forest. We are already making plans to come out next year and hopefully bring a few of our friends. We are thinking of coming out earlier as a break from the snow and cold in January or February.
 
Also thanks for the room tip too. The manager was also very accommodating and gave us a place to shower after we checked out and came back from our last long ride.
 
Thanks so much. We will definitely be spreading the good word about Victoria !
 
John Fox
For complete text of the letter visit www.cyclevancouverisland.ca Information on cyclist demographics can be found at www.cycletourism.com
 
Tourism Mags Feature Cycling
Where Magazine for May and June is promoting cycling in Victoria. Copies are distributed in 2300 hotels worldwide. A feature article covers cycling on the Galloping Goose all the way to Sooke, the Lochside Trail to Sidney and Victoria’s Seaside Touring Route, signed for cyclists last year. Cycle Tourism Alliance member the Oak Bay Beach Hotel is signaled as a good place to fuel up and their "Pedaling for Pinot" wine tours of the Cowichan Valley are noted as excellent guided tours.
 
Many of the same features are profiled on a widely read web magazine at www.travellady.com Author Rick Milliken profiles local accommodations and attractions for the visiting cyclist.
 
Have a look at the Galloping Goose at: : www.crd.bc.ca/parks/
Find the Oak Bay Beach Hotel at: www.oakbaybeachhotel.bc.ca
Follow the Lochside trail through Saanich at: www.gov.saanich.bc.ca/leisure/cycling/cycling.htm
 
Qualicum Sojourn:
Exploring routes up Island took in Qualicum Beach last week. The Inland Island Highway attracts traffic away from Highway 19A that threads together communities along the east coast of the Island. Extended road tours can be mounted from Nanaimo through Parksville and Qualicum, perhaps returning on the Mainland’s sunshine Coast. Local trail links between Qualicum and Parksville follow maps produced by the Regional District of Nanaimo.
 
For details on the Regional District Trail program: www.rdn.bc.ca/parks_rec/trailmap.asp
To visit the Qualicum Heritage Inn: : www.qualicumheritageinn.com
 
Sustainble Beer
Lighthouse Breweries, new members of VICTA, lubes pubs all over southern Vancouver Island. Owner Paul Hoyne is a proud supporter of cycling. Not content with slaking the thirst of bikers and others, Lighthouse sends by-products from the brewing process to farmers in the region. The brewery has won recognition from the Capital Region for its environment program. A farmer picking up a load of leftovers when I was visiting the brewery said the stuff makes for contented livestock. Try any Lighthouse brew and you’ll understand why. Lighthouse beers can be found at Cycle Tourism Alliance member pubs including the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Strathcona Hotel Hugos and the Laurel Point Inn.

Get Maps: VICTA will carry an extensive library of local maps and information guides covering Vancouver Island. Contact: jluton@horizon.bc.ca

Got an event or tourism tip? Favourite Ride? Share it withVICTA. Contact jluton@horizon.bc.ca

This issue's events:
Go far: Road racing & rec rides: Bastion Square Cycling Festival: May 24th & 25thwww.victoriacyclingfestival.com
Bike Commuters of the world unite! Bike to Work Week: May 26th through June 1st: www.biketoworkvictoria.ca
Get Dirty - for Mountain Bikers – Port Alice -Northern Vancouver Island: Rumblefest: May 24th & 25th: www.rumblefest.com

Island Cycles is published by John Luton, Coordinator of the Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism Alliance and Chair of the Victoria Host Committee for Pro Bike - Pro Walk 2004. 22 Philippa Place; Victoria, BC; V8S 1S6; 250-592-4753/250-886-4166 (cell) jluton@horizon.bc.ca For more information on the Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism Alliance, visit: www.cyclevancouverisland.ca