Victoria Gran Fondo

[Marcus]

I decided to try something new this year, so I rode the VGF on Saturday. Dave and Carl said that this one might be the last VGF as it is currently known. Seems like some off-island interests are interested in the VGF name and may even have usurped the name for next year. Dave and Carl didn't seem concerned about that prospect and are contemplating calling the real VGF something else next year. Still, something sits wrong about the possible usurption of the handle from a couple of local guys who show their passion for cycling so clearly, even if the usurper might be a significant force in getting people out to ride at community cycling events.

As for the event this excerpt from the VGF website sums up the conditions:
63 entrants 47 started - With the promise of horrendous weather on Saturday, the first cull was made before the fondo even started. But, come Saturday morning the weather broke and the riders left under a brilliant rainbow. Classic west coast weather to Port Renfrew and as usual the warmest part of the ride was across the back of the island to Lake Cowichan. A few rain squalls swept through the ride down to Duncan but nothing permanent and partially sunny skies prevailed. The epic weather did finally materialise in the late afternoon when gale force winds and torrential blinding sheets of rain pummelled the final group on the final Shawnigan Lake climb, caught a good number on the Malahat descent and hit the lead group as they traversed the Goose into town.

I enjoyed the epic weather both up the Shawnigan hill and the Malahat descent but the highlight of the trip had to be being able to call "bear up" just after I finished the short steep hill near Sombrio. With my head down and winded I didn't notice Mr. Bruin until I was next to him as grazed in the ditch to my immediate right. Low lights included experiencing a mild tachycardia episode near Shirley and leaving my full water bottle on the feed table at Port Renfrew. Fortunately, Ian the Oak Bay officer, who was providing ride support, loaned me his near empty bottle as he passed in a car and the next support vehicle had water on board for a fill up before my legs completely cramped. Life savers. I finished the 265 kilometres in 11:24, with a moving time of 10:13 and definitely enjoyed the post fondo massage provided.

All in all, it was an epic well organized ride over an excellent route, with awesome food (loved the home made chili and date squares at Port Renfrew) and great ride support, that I would recommend even if it might be named something else next year.

[Krostini]

Nice work, Marcus!!

[barton bourassa]

Sounds like a great day and a great ride for you Marcus. Well done! Thanks for the report!