Renfrew Road - Lake Cowichan

[The Princess]

In case anyone is planning to do the "big loop" in the near future, you should be aware that there is a couple of spots where fresh chip sealing has been done. I have been in touch with the manager of highways for the Lake Cowichan district and he was able to confirm that there is 3.8K of chip seal 5K from the turnoff at Mesachie Lake. At this point there is thick gravel on it and would likely be quite impassable on a racing bike (mountain bike would be fine), but he just called me back to confirm that the road will be swept off next week so should be better for riding on after that. The other spot is only 300 to 400 metres long at approximately 17k from the turn off so no big deal. He said that they have no plans for more chip sealing this year but you can expect patches to be done each year in order to keep the road protected from the heavy logging trucks and equipment that rumble through there all winter long. So, just a head's up for anyone heading up there. By next weekend it should be better but probably not great for a few weeks yet until the trucks and camper vans smooth it out a bit. Still, it's a beautiful road to ride if you've never been out there - scenic, hilly, no traffic lights, and very low traffic. It's really quite awesome. I know Chris Watt is planning a trip and I've already let him know what's going on.

[sylvan]

I'd be keen on doing the loop on the last weekend in September if the weather is good.

[The Princess]

Sylvan, I think you should get some friends or something. All you do is ride and post on the site!

[sylvan]

Sylvan, I think you should get some friends or something. All you do is ride and post on the site!

I'm stuck by myself in an almost empty campground in the middle of nowhere! If anybody wants to come visit, please do, I'm here for awhile yet. Apologies in advance, another nerdy ride post coming up...