We stuck together until the real climb began after Goldstream Park. Barton rode off, followed by Paula, leaving Mark and I to take turns pulling each other up the hill (truth be told, I think Mark was just humoring me). After another quick coffee at the Serious Coffee in Mill Bay, we headed into Shawnigan Village and stuck together until the true "test of mettle" began at the Goldstream Heights turnoff. Once again, Paula and Barton quickly left Mark and I to our own devices (did I mention that he downed a Pepsi along with his coffee?). For the record, we did end up "summiting" only a minute or two after them.
If you haven't had the luxury, let's just say that the last few hundred metres of the ride is, um...really frickin' steep. How steep? Well, steep enough that Mark and I took to weaving back and forth across the road minimize the incline. Once we all reached the top we were treated to a convoy of cars full of teenagers who had managed to get themselves stuck while off-roading on the dirt road that continues beyond the paved summit. As we wondered aloud what they might be doing, Mark suggested "Stupid things". This was confirmed by the fact that one car, an orange Pontiac Sundbird, no less, sported a confederate flag on its roof. 'Nuff said (cue the banjo music).
After congratulating each other on our mutual climbing prowess, we headed back down (I maxed out at 76km/h!) and then over the Malahat, arriving back in Victoria about 90 minutes later. Total saddle time was 4.5hrs, total distance was about 107km. For those considering this ride in the future, if you can climb Ash Road you can easily do Goldstream Heights....as long as you're willing to do it for about 8kms.
J.