Island Cycles:
News from the Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism Alliance
June 4, 2003

  1. Cycle Tourism is Business News
  2. Feedback
  3. Bikes in Black and White
  4. Oops - Trail Closures in Effect
  5. Bigger Bears?
Island Media Tracks Cycling:
The Parksville Qualicum News is tracking the progress of the Vancouver Island Cycling Map.  A new guide to island destinations, the Map is launching this month with support from business up and down Vancouver Island.  Business is buying into the opportunity a hungry cycle tourism market is providing.  The Qualicum Heritage Inn is readying itself for the 5,000 calorie a day tourists finding their way to Vancouver Island.  Full story on the business pages at: www.pqbnews.com/
 
Many Happy Returns:
What's happening when cyclists get here?
Group One:
Road riders: Victoria. 3 days. Local, long rides.
Needs filled, Maps, hotel, restaurant advice (cycle tourists are always hungry), local beer, hockey playoffs (after the big rides)
Prospect: Returning with bigger group, may bring mountain bikes
Group Two:
Long stay tourists, 10 days of local rides and Island tours
Info needed: Maps, hotel list, Bed and Breakfast choices, ferry connections, island cycling route otpions.
Prospect: Circle tour to Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands
Group Three:
Multi-day tour - backroads of the southern Island 
Needs filled: Downtown hotel - expensive bikes get room service
Prospect: They’ll be back
Real feedback from Vancouver Island cycling visitors.  Their info source:  www.cyclevancouverisland.ca
 
Bicycles and Social History
Downtown Victoria's Sticky Wicket Pub at the Strathcona Hotel is adorned with history.  Dozens of old photographs spread out over the walls reflect a long past era.  Find the picture that captures the classic bike of the 1890's, the pride and joy of one young rider.  Proof positive that bikes have been here since early in Victoria's history.  For more local bicycle history, visit the BC Archives at:  www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca and follow the b-words in the visual image section.  19th century bike clubs could be found in both Victoria and Nanaimo and someone named George Bird rode over the Hump to Port Alberni in 1891.  Take the virtual tour of the Strath at www.strathconahotel.com
 
Goose Closures: Pipeline Crush
A Terasen Gas pipeline project will continue into mid-July on the Galloping Goose regional trail west of Victoria.  Construction slowed when a pipeline section was crushed and had to be replaced.  Sections in Langford are closed for sewer replacement and new bridges are also under construction.  Check the Capital Regional District Parks site for current information on closures.  www.crd.bc.ca/parks/
 
Bears Up Island:
My cousin in Courtenay says bears are regular users of trails she rides on.  Barb's advice for cyclists - get an airhorn.  Guess the bells we use on the South Island aren't loud enough for the big bruins on the north Island.  Need an airhorn?  Find them at Fairfield Bicycle Shop.  www.fairfieldbicycle.com  Want some off-road training for faster getaways?  Mount Washington Resort will hold clinics August 2nd and 3rd.  http://www.mtwashington.bc.ca/summer03/news/events.cfm?eventID=338
 
Get Maps: See our new list of maps at www.cyclevancouverisland.ca 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 with VICTA. Contact jluton@horizon.bc.ca

This issue's event:
 
MS Bike Tour:
Through mountains or prairies, on a mountain bike or a racing bike, as a pro or an amateur - any way you do it, you join an extraordinary group of Canadians who cycle many kilometers to get us closer to a cure for multiple sclerosis. Over twenty MS Bike Tours will take place across Canada to raise funds for research and services for people with MS.
 
Event Location: Saanich Peninsula  Date:  August 17th 2003  Time: 8am-2pm
 
Contact Information: www.mssociety.ca/en/events/biketour/default.htm
 
Event Description: Centered around the Victoria Estate Winery, you will tour (choice of 50km or 75km route) the Saanich Peninsula followed by a reception in one of the most stunning vineyards in BC. Come join us in August!
 
Island Cycles is published by:
John Luton, 22 Philippa Place; Victoria, BC; V8S 1S6; 250-592-4753/250-886-4166 (cell) jluton@horizon.bc.ca
Coordinator, Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism Alliance
Chair, Victoria Host Committee for Pro Walk - Pro Bike 2004*
 
Pro Walk – Pro Bike 2004, is hosted by the National Centre for Bicycling and Walking, will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre, September 7 – 11th More info at: www.bikewalk.org