Island Cycles:  Where the Rubber Hits the Road (and the Trails)
 
 
Island Memories:  Honeymoon by bike
 
Hi John-
 
Thanks so much for all the great information.  I'm sorry we did not get to meet you in Victoria.   We were in a honeymoon state of mind, and ready to bike off into the hills.
 
We rode the Lochside Trail out of Victoria, detouring to Butchart Gardens, then on to the ferry and to Pender, Galliano and Saltspring.  Then we took a ferry to Crofton, rode to Nanaimo then  to Port Alberni.  From there we took the Lady Rose to Uclulet and rode to Tofino where we vacationed on the water for 4 days.  It was fabulous.
 
We took the Tofino Bus back to Victoria, thus avoiding the narrow road and heavy traffic both ways from Port Alberni to the west coast.
 
We shipped our bikes to Cycle BC on Douglas, they were very helpful. we got some additional tune-up help from Jeff at Chain, Chain, Chain-he was great.
 
Thaks again for all your help.  We loved BC and the island. It was a perfect place for biking and for our honeymoon.  We are planning to return for anniversaries.
 
Laura
 
Laura's ride:  http://www.butchartgardens.com/; http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/; http://www.gulfislands.ca/; http://www.tourism.nanaimo.bc.ca/; http://www.city.port-alberni.bc.ca/; http://www.vancouverisland.com/Regions/towns/index.asp?townID=34; http://www.cyclebc.ca/; http://www.chainchainchain.net/movie.html; http://www.islands.bc.ca/
 
Trail Links Closing In:  Parks in the Capital region and the Cowichan Valley are showcasing trail alignments from Langford to the Cowichan Valley.  Closing the gap on the Trans Canada Trail will add a new route to the wine country for cycling travellers.  Watch for news on project developments.  Elsewhere on the Island, the fledgling Island Corridor Foundation is working to acquire the Esquimalt and Nanaimo Railway line.  Local regional districts and first nations are excited about the prospect of twinning the rail line with multi-use trails for bikers and hikers.  Learn more about Rails with Trails at the Capital Bike and Walk workshop in Victoria, June 8th.  More info from:  johnluton@shaw.ca
 
Mountain Bike Emergencies:  Mountain bikers are working hard to preserve or secure responsible land access to pursue their passion.  Find out more at:  www.simbs.com
 
More Bikes by Numbers:  How much did the Cops for Cancer cycling event raise for cancer research?  $1.12 million in 2004.  Cops are training now for the 2005 ride.  Find out more at:  http://copsforcancer2005.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=106947
 
Cycle Tourism in the News:  Last summer Vancouver writer Ulrike Rodrigues toured the Cowichan Valley and wrote all about it.  If you missed her story in Adventures West magazine, you can find it on-line at:  http://www.ulrike.ca/
 
Maps:  Sent Carol from New York off with a map of Tofino and the West Coast and that's not all.  She's got the Goose and the trails of Nanaimo in her pocket too.  Find our free maps or check out our product line at:  www.cyclevancouverisland.ca/maps.html
 
Got our free Map and Guide?  Send a snail mail address to johnluton@shaw.ca  For ad and member rates:  johnluton@shaw.ca
 
Events:
The Sugoi Dirt Series teaches mountain biking skills across the Pacific Northwest.  Victoria's camp is September 10-11, 2005 - the only Island stop in a busy schedule.  www.dirtseries.com
 
Victoria Cycling Festival:  The Island's most tenancious cycling event takes over the capital May 28-29, 2005.  Events for all ages and skill levels are on the menu of the summer of cycling.  Watch for Bikeapaloosa in July and the American Velodrome Challenge in August.  www.victoriacyclingfestival.com/
 
Years to Go:  The BMX World Championships are coming to Victoria in 2007.  Kids are training now at Margaret Jenkins Elementary School in Victoria where a parent lead cycling club is recruiting the dirt stars of tomorrow.  www.pacificsport.com
 

Got an event or tourism tip? Favourite Ride? Share it with VICTA: johnluton@shaw.ca

 

Win Chocolate:  Send in your photos of cycling on Vancouver Island and win a box of Roger's Chocolates (190 calories or about 8 km of riding per Victoria Cream)  www.rogerschocolates.com/

 

Island Cycles is published by:

John Luton, 22 Philippa Place; Victoria, BC; V8S 1S6; 250-592-4753/250-886-4166 (cell) johnluton@shaw.ca

Coordinator, Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism Alliance.  Visit us at:  www.cyclevancouverisland.ca