Big Loop Ride July 25

[Jill]

The July 25 annual Big Loop Ride is fast approaching!

For those of you who are wondering what the heck the Big Loop Ride is, it is an approx. 250 km loop (2500 meters elevation) that goes from Victoria to Port Renfrew and then on to Lake Cowichan and home via the Mill Bay ferry. It is a supported ride and is an awesome day!

We will start by setting up 3 groups of 12 on Spond and can add or subtract from there depending on the number of riders. The ride will be posted soon so we can get an idea of numbers and make sure we have enough food and drink for all.

Here is the general information:

We will have at least 2 support vehicles with food and refreshments supplied by the club. We will have some tools and a bike rack if needed but please remember to bring your own tubes, cartridges, etc.

We start at Alpha Street Starbucks at 6:00 a.m. Ferries coming home depart from Mill Bay at 4:10 and 5:20. Most riders are on the 5:20 ferry.

A summary of the route is:

For cars, follow Douglas Street Northbound onto the Highway, then proceed onto Highway 14 (Sooke) and keep going to 1st stop.
For bikes, follow Galloping Goose from Alpha Street to Old Island Highway. From Old Island Highway to Highway 14 (Sooke) and keep going to 1st stop.
1st stop - Sooke River Store on corner of Sooke Road and Sooke River Road.
All vehicles and riders follow West Coast Road West to 2nd Stop.
2nd Stop - Jordan River (on left hand side of road just as you come to the ocean side.
All vehicles and riders follow West Coast Road to 3rd Stop.
3rd Stop - Port Renfrew (on left hand side opposite Denning Road - to Lake Cowichan)
All vehicles and riders follow Denning Road to T junction. Turn Right onto Pacific Marine Road .
Follow Pacific Marine Road to South Shore Road. Turn Right towards Lake Cowichan and 4th stop.
4th Stop - Lake Cowichan Centennial Park (on left hand side).
All vehicle and riders follow South Shore Road into Lake Cowichan town centre, go through town, and straight on at roundabout. Turn right onto Cowichan Lake Road.
Follow Cowichan Lake Road all the way until you reach T auction. Turn Right and follow into Duncan.
At 1st roundabout, turn right onto Cowichan Lake Road. At 2nnd roundabout go straight on towards Duncan.
Just before the start of the divided highway and rail crossing, turn right onto Allenby Road.
Take left hand turn after river bridge onto Miller Road.
Follow Miller Road to Koksilah Road. Follow Koksilah Road to Trans Canada Highway.
Follow Trans Canada Highway South towards Mill Bay.
Meet up at Mill Bay Shopping Centre (Thriftys) to get ferry tickets.
Follow Mill Bay Road to Ferry Terminal.

From Brentwood Bay Ferry Terminal, follow your nose home.

Note: There is construction near Shirley/Port Renfrew where there will likely be traffic control and there may be a few minutes wait time. Hopefully it won't be too bad given that it is a Sunday.

Jill

[Louise Wallace]

Do you know who will be so kind to provide the support along the way?