bigaussie
06-20-2010, 07:23 PM
Hi All
Who would like to join me for a twisty, winding tour of Southern Vancouver Island over the Canada Day (July 1) / Independence Day (July 4) weekend? We will pick a day when we know who is coming. :feedback:
When on Vancouver Island last month I picked up a motorcyclists guide to the area and it alerted me to the fact that the logging road between Lake Cowichan & Port Renfrew was paved last year.
My wife and I drove the following route and I promised myself that I would ride it on the Versys one day soon.
It will be a long day - but with unlimited twisties and brilliant scenery...
I am more than happy to accept suggestions from others – either as to starting spots & times or meal locations / rest stops.
To get things rolling I propose:
9:15 am Meet at Tim Horton’s Coffee Shop – 845 Goldstream Ave, Langford
I chose this location as it seemed a middle point for those coming from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (me), from Duncan (or further up-island) and Victoria
Unfortunately the Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles doesn’t dock till nearly 10 am so anybody from WA would need to come over the night before (don’t forget the passport) but there is a 7:30 PM ferry returning to Port Angeles
9:30 am Depart
10 AM Sooke
Stop of check to see how group is riding – last minute fuel for riders and bikes - nothing for the next 2 hours
Noon Port Renfrew
Lunch at Coastal Kitchen Café – advertised as the best Halibut n Chips on Vancouver Island (and I can vouch that they are good).
1 pm Depart Port Renfrew
The poorest road conditions are the 20 to 30 kms either side of Port Renfrew – lots of pot holes to dodge
Once we hit the new blacktop we are in twisty heaven.
I have chosen this direction so we are mostly uphill – there is a net 200 m / 650 ‘ of gain.
3 pm Lake Cowichan or Youbou
Depending on how we are feeling we can have 2nd lunch at Lake Cowichan or we can follow the lake shore for 15 km to Youbou and the Youbou Bar & Grill – it even has dedicated bike parking by the front door.
4 pm Depart Lake Cowichan or Youbou
An easy 30 – 45 minute run back to Duncan via the new road, or you can take the Old Lake Cowichan road if you haven’t had enough fun.
5 pm Scatter different directions from Duncan
For example I will be heading to Crofton hoping to get the 5:30 pm ferry to Salt Spring Island.
It is about 45 minutes back to Victoria so those from USA can catch the 7:30 pm Black Ball Ferry to Port Angeles.
All times are approximate :)
Who would like to join me for a twisty, winding tour of Southern Vancouver Island over the Canada Day (July 1) / Independence Day (July 4) weekend? We will pick a day when we know who is coming. :feedback:
When on Vancouver Island last month I picked up a motorcyclists guide to the area and it alerted me to the fact that the logging road between Lake Cowichan & Port Renfrew was paved last year.
My wife and I drove the following route and I promised myself that I would ride it on the Versys one day soon.
It will be a long day - but with unlimited twisties and brilliant scenery...
I am more than happy to accept suggestions from others – either as to starting spots & times or meal locations / rest stops.
To get things rolling I propose:
9:15 am Meet at Tim Horton’s Coffee Shop – 845 Goldstream Ave, Langford
I chose this location as it seemed a middle point for those coming from Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (me), from Duncan (or further up-island) and Victoria
Unfortunately the Black Ball Ferry from Port Angeles doesn’t dock till nearly 10 am so anybody from WA would need to come over the night before (don’t forget the passport) but there is a 7:30 PM ferry returning to Port Angeles
9:30 am Depart
10 AM Sooke
Stop of check to see how group is riding – last minute fuel for riders and bikes - nothing for the next 2 hours
Noon Port Renfrew
Lunch at Coastal Kitchen Café – advertised as the best Halibut n Chips on Vancouver Island (and I can vouch that they are good).
1 pm Depart Port Renfrew
The poorest road conditions are the 20 to 30 kms either side of Port Renfrew – lots of pot holes to dodge
Once we hit the new blacktop we are in twisty heaven.
I have chosen this direction so we are mostly uphill – there is a net 200 m / 650 ‘ of gain.
3 pm Lake Cowichan or Youbou
Depending on how we are feeling we can have 2nd lunch at Lake Cowichan or we can follow the lake shore for 15 km to Youbou and the Youbou Bar & Grill – it even has dedicated bike parking by the front door.
4 pm Depart Lake Cowichan or Youbou
An easy 30 – 45 minute run back to Duncan via the new road, or you can take the Old Lake Cowichan road if you haven’t had enough fun.
5 pm Scatter different directions from Duncan
For example I will be heading to Crofton hoping to get the 5:30 pm ferry to Salt Spring Island.
It is about 45 minutes back to Victoria so those from USA can catch the 7:30 pm Black Ball Ferry to Port Angeles.
All times are approximate :)