Long Weekend

[Rolf]

Hoping to join you masochists for the first part up to the golf course. Unless the next glass of delicious wine begets another...

[barton bourassa]

Boy that was "fun". No, No, really. That was so "fun"! 45 K by the time John D, Dave S, Dr. Michael, Chris W, Marcus, Rob and I caught on to the regular morning group. About 9 of us, including a couple new guys, Fred and Alec, headed up to Landsend and around. Dave S suggested we do Willis Durance Munn. I almost freaked! Fortunately, he was just kidding. Today was about long steady and as flat as possible! We finished with 161 K, my very first mile century. I am so bagged! Thank goodness for golf! A fabulous excuse to sit around, rehidrate with beer and enjoy. Oh ya, and stretch!

Tomorrow some folks have mentioned meeting at the Starbucks on Douglas across from Mayfair at 6 and riding up to South Shawnigan Lk Road then up Goldstream Heights and take the Mill Bay ferry home.. I am not sure what I am going to do tomorrow. I want to get in 50 K tomorrow. How I do that I am not sure. After being away toll 12:00 today, I think I need to be home a little earlier. We shall see. See you all tomorrow at Starbucks, Douglas near Mayfair at 6 AM.

[Greg Miller]

I can't go all the way, so my plan (as always it seems) is to turn around at the Malahat summit. Should be home before 9.

[FairweatherMike]

For those of us who sport monikers like "Fairweather" and are just starting to get back into long-ride mode after winter hibernation, is there anyone (else) out there who would like to do a C+ to B- ride for 2-3 hours (weather dependent, of course) starting at a humane hour like 7:30 or better yet, 8? And departing from Fairfield Starbucks or similarly situated venue?

Fairweather Mike

[JohnT]

I'll be at the traditional holiday meeting point - Fairfield Starbucks at 7 am, leaving at about 7:30 am. I'll ride to at least Sayward, further if there are others to keep me company. Well done on the long weekend mileage Barton!

JT

[barton bourassa]

Ahhh, this feels good! A good stretch, a very nice cup of coffee, and sitting still!
13 left the coffee shop for the Malahat and Goldstream Heights. Greg and I turned around at the summit while the others kept right on going. It was lovely, again! The weather has been practically perfect this weekend. After all those wet and windy and cold miles all winter long this has been so refreshing.
So, mission accomplished and then a bit. Today was 64 K for a total 410 over the last 4 days. Now it is time for me to rest. Dave S is seeking 75 K today and Marcus is planning on 110. This will give both 400 K. This really has been a lot of fun and a great early spring challenge.

[John D]

Hi Barton...thanks for the inspiration and the motivation this weekend. Despite having to miss Friday and Saturday, I was pleased with clocking 255km over yesterday and today!

Once you guys headed back we stopped for a break at Serious Coffee (where Bruce also decided to turn back) before continuing on to the northern entrance to Shawnigan Lake. After riding through the village and along the lake, we began the long climb up Goldstream Heights. After yesterday's ride myself, Dave and Marcus were noticeably slower than the others (I know....I'm ALWAYS slower than the rest on hills ). Fortunately, they were kind enough to wait for us at the top. Time being what it was, we decided to ride back down the Malahat instead of taking the Mill Bay ferry, as originally planned. Aside from Bill's flat, the ride home went smoothly.

Coffee in the sunshine at Fantastico's afterwards made it officially feel like spring!

JD

[bill]

Thanks for a great ride yesterday! So nice to ride in the sun! Can't wait to do it again

[Stéphane Tran]

Great ride, great weather, great company. We should do it again on the May long weekend.

[barton bourassa]

Great ride, great weather, great company. We should do it again on the May long weekend.

For sure! Maybe a couple repeats up Goldstream next time??!!