Ride Description:

A great way to end Bike to Work Week and begin the Victoria International Cycling Festival. Come along on one of our most popular bicycle rides led by renowned, local historian John Adams and experience a spellbinding look at Victoria's past on two wheels. The ride begins at Selkirk Station (80 Regatta Landing Location Map) just off the Galloping Goose trail south of the Selkirk Trestle at 10:00 a.m. and ends at the same location at about 2:00 p.m. Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop. The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres.

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition.
All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights.
There will be rest stops but we recommentd that you bring water and food.
ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)
For further information call the GVCC at 250-480-5155.
All dates, times and routes are subject to change.

Ride Description:

Departs from Selkirk Station (Location Map) at 11:00 a.m., Sunday February 12th, 2012.

Join us for a 40K loop out to 10 Mile Point/Cadboro Bay via the Lochside Trail and Seaside Route. We'll be taking our time. There are a few little hills involved. The route is paved all the way so your road bike will be quite happy. Bring a picnic lunch for Cadboro Bay. There are cafes and a supermarket if you wish to buy your lunch. The weather forecast is for warm but cloudy with a slight chance of rain so bring your rain gear "just in case". See you there!

Ride Description:

A perennial family favourite! Join us on a new night route, viewing colourful Christmas lights displays in the Fernwood/Fairfield area. The ride begins and ends at the Fernwood Community Centre hall (1240 Gladstone Avenue, across the street from the Belfry Theatre) with free refreshments and door prizes following the ride!

Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. The ride is approximately 20 kilometres and starts at 6:30 p.m. and returns to the Hall at about 8:30 p.m. for refreshments. Decorating your bike is encouraged. See note below regarding night rides..

See note below regarding night rides:

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in god mechanical condition. All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights. There will be rest stops but we refcommentd that you bring water an food. ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)

Ride Description:

Not really a historical tour, just an excuse to ride around Victoria in late December! We will stop at 10 - 15 of the oldest buidlings in BC - not just houses, though there are a few of those but also a school, a college, a couple of warehouses, a synagogue - all built between 1850 - 65. The route will be mainly in downtown Victoria with an optional leg taking in Oak Bay, Saanich and Esquimalt. We won't be going inside any of the buildings or giving a long presentation, just enough to pique your interest.

Ride Description:

Tiny park with a lake and trails a 5 K loop off the gallopping Goose trail a bit more than an hour from downtown Victoria. Great place for a picnic on the beach.

Route Description:

• Galloping Goose Trail to right turn on Lindholm Rd, 23 K
• 2 K to park
• 3 K back to GG on Kangaroo Rd
• 25 K return to Victoria

Ride Description:

Postponed to next week due to weather!

Departs from Selkirk Station (Location Map) at 11:00 a.m. and The Arriba Coffeehouse  at 1610 Cook Street (Location Map) at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, February 5th.

Come explore the new multi-use trail on the Bowker Creek Greenway, north of Hillside Mall. Possibly the flattest route from downtown to UVic. Meet at Selkirk Station OR at Arriba Coffeehouse (1610 Cook Street.) We'll continue through Fernwood, past "Haultain Corners" and up to North Dairy Road on flat, residential streets. Once past Hillside Mall, we'll take the newest multi-use pathways in town: the Bowker Creek Greenway. Then it's on to the Rootcellar at Blenkinsop and McKenzie and back to Selkirk Station via the San Juan Greenway, Lochside and Galloping Goose Trails. Under 20 kilometres, only 66 metres of climbing (not all at once!).

It may seem like the dead of winter right now, but the forecast for Sunday is for a high of 6 degrees, sunny periods and only a small chance of rain. Positively tropical!

Ride Description:

Join us for a tour of Victoria's breweries and brew pubs! Samples only and we'll make sure we get a few K riding in between stops! Our guide will be a member of the Victoria chapter of the international organization CAMRA - Campaign for Real Ale.

Details to come.

Ride Description:

Departs Selkirk Station (Location Map)

Join us for a leisurely exploration of the Seaside Route around Victoria stopping at Cadboro Bay for lunch and returning overland via the Haultain Bike Route to Selkirk. Route Map.

Total distance is 31 K. We expect to take about 4 hours including rest stops and exploration. Bring a picnic lunch. We will stop for coffee and snacks and bathrooms when required!

n.b. Check your email and/or the website on the morning of the ride. We will post something confirming that the ride is going ahead or will be cancelled due to bad weather by 8:30 a.m.

At the moment, Sunday is looking pretty good - sunny with a chance of showers. Bring rain gear just in case.

Ride Description:

Join us for our First Annual Christmas Recreational Ride Bike and Hike to celebrate a year of great rides.

Only 6K from downtown Victoria, just north of Swan Lake stands the Christmas Hill Nature Reserve. Great views. Fir, Garry Oak and Arbutus forest and stone "Hobbit Trails" through the moss and ferns.

Brandy eggnog will be provided. Please bring some treats to accompany it - some of that excess Christmas cake you received as a re-gift or some mince pies perhaps?

The idea is not to exhaust anyone out too much the week before Christmas. So - short ride, short hike, a bit of Christmas cheer with your cycling companions and back to town by 2 p.m.

Note the later start time as this is just a short ride!

Ride Description:

A perennial family favourite! Join us on a new night route, viewing colourful Christmas lights displays in the Saanich area. The ride begins and ends at the Victoria First Church of the Nazarene (4277 Quadra Street near Chatterton Way) with free refreshments and door prizes following the ride!

Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. The ride is approximately 20 kilometres and starts at 6:30 p.m. and returns to the Church Hall at about 8:30 p.m. Decorating your bicycle is encouraged.

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition.
All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights.
There will be rest stops but we recommentd that you bring water and food.
ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)
For further information call the GVCC at 250-480-5155.
All dates, times and routes are subject to change.

Ride Description:

Due to scheduling and logistical issues, the Port Angeles to Sequim recreational ride scheduled for Sunday, August 21 has been cancelled.
 
In its place, we will be scheduling a Cowichan Bay foodie tour. Meet at the Brentwood Bay ferry terminal for the 9:50 AM ferry for a 37 km adventure through the Cowichan Valley to the centre of the "slow food" movement, the village of Cowichan Bay. Visit natural and organic food outlets such as Hilary's Cheese, True Grain Bakery and Udder Guys Ice Cream.
 
On the return trip, we will visit Silverside Farms/Winery or Merridale Cidery if there is time. We aim to be back at the Mill Bay ferry by the 4:10 sailing at the latest.
 
If you have a discerning palate, this tour is for you!
 
Ferry fares can be purchased on the ferry ($6.30 + $2.00 for your bicycle). Cash only. Alternatively, you can purchase an advance ticket at Thrifty Foods (Saanichton or Mill Bay) at a discount.
 
Advance forecast for Sunday is sunny with a high of 25.
 
For more information or to RSVP, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by Saturday, August 20.
 
Bon appetit!

Ride Description:

By Craigflower, Old Island View HWY and Mechosin to a forest and beach park on Juan de Fuca Straight for a return via the Galloping Goose.

Route Description:

Cycling route map with elevations and grade charts and detailed route instructions.

Ride Description:

Join us this Sunday, July 3rd for a day long excursion to this wild and natural place.

Depart from Selkirk Station (just South of the Selkirk Trestle in the The Railway Yards development) at 10 .a.m.

This is mostly a flat ride along the Galloping Goose as far as Rocky Point Rd. then a 10 - 15 K diversion through rolling countryside to a beautiful beach (see above) for a picnic lunch and forest/seashore walks and return to Victoria on the GG From Roche Cove. 5 hours riding plus 2 or 3 hours in the park exploring should get us back to Victoria by 5 or 6 pm. What better way to spend the first Sunday of July?

The complete return trip is about 85K but there are alternatives if that sounds like too much:

• Come with us only as far as the turnoff from the Galloping Goose at Rocky Point Rd. and return to Victoria. 60K.
• From Roche Cove continue on the Galloping Goose West to Sooke road and catch a bus back to Victoria. 50K.
• Meet us at Rocky Point road for just the "off the Goose" portion of the ride. 20K.
• There are various points along the Goose that you can reach by bus or "Park and Ride". This can take 20 - 60 K off the total riding distance. Just let us know before 9 a.m. Sunday morning so that we can watch out for you: Click on the link at left for contact information.
  

Hope to see you there and don't let the distance put you off what is sure to be a memorable experience!

Route Description:

Galloping Goose Trail to
Rocky Point Road to
East Sooke Rd. to
Becher Bay Rd. to
East Sooke Regional Park
Stop for picnic lunch and exploring
Becher Bay Rd. to East Sooke Rd. to
Gillespie Rd. to
Roche Cove Park and Galloping Goose back to Victoria

Ride Description:

Departs 10:00 a.m. from Serious Coffee, Cook Street Village, December 4th, 2011

Join the Facilities and Infrastructure committee`s investigation of the Vancouver Street Bike Land and possibly others if there is the time and the inclination. The purpose of this project is to catalog all areas that need improvement in the Greater Victoria bike lane system. Should be a fun ride too and there will be plenty of stops.

Come early for a wakeup coffee!

Ride Description:

October 23, 2011

Ride Description:

Join us for an approximately 50K ride through the rolling farm country of the Saanich Peninsula. As well as a small family farm and a tour of the Victoria Spirits distillery, we will be visiting some exotic animals too - llamas and pot bellied pigs!
 
Bring a lunch or snack at one of the many roadside farmers market stalls.
 
The route is mostly along established bike trails but there are some small hills once in the farm area.
 
Departs Sunday, September 4th at 10 a.m. from Selkirk Station. Map

Route Description:

Route Desc: Up the Goose to Interurban, up interurban to Camosun, up Beaver Lake Road, north along the Elk Lake trail, over to Oldfield to take in the farms, west on Sean & Verling, south on Old West Saanich for more farms, down to the Interurban trail & back south on Interurban Road.

Ride Description:

Hello Riders!

Join us for a very different recreational riding adventure - Galiano Island. We are still working on the exact route on the Island but getting there (and back) should be at least half the fun! We anticipate only about 30K of leisurely riding on the island. There are hills but we won't be in any hurry...and we don't leave anyone behind.

Once on Galiano, we will be visiting sandstone & shell beaches, stopping at shops, exploring trails & visiting a wonderful pub.

Read more about Galiano Island:

HelloBC.com

GulfIslandTourism.com

The ferry leaves Swartz Bay at 9:35 am and arrives at Galiano at 11:10. The return ferry is at 4:40 pm, with a "safety" at 8:35 (we won't be trapped on Galiano overnight!)
 
There are several options for getting to the ferry:
 
1) Ride up. A bunch of us will be leaving from Selkirk Station at 7 am. The ride is 35K, flat (Galloping Goose / Lochside Trail) and leaving at 7:00 gives us plenty of time.
2) Drive with your bike. It is $15 to park at the terminal for the day or you could park for free in Sidney and ride the remaining 3 K.
 
3) You can let Jason drive your bike up on Dean's truck while you take transit. The truck will be parked on Government Street by the Royal BC Museum. The 70 Express bus leaves right across the street at 7:49, arriving at 8:41. The non-express bus leaves at 7:31 and gets to Swartz Bay at 8:40. Plan accordingly. The bus is $2.50. Note:To RSVP, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . There will be a $5 charge for this service.
 
If you are driving up and have extra room for bikes and/or passengers or you are a cyclist in need of a ride please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and let us know how many of each so that we can match you up.
 
Otherwise we will see you at Selkirk Station at 7 am or at the ferry terminal at 9 am. (Best to arrive a little bit early.)
 
All other comments, questions and suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
We hope to see you on this trip - the weather promises to continue gorgeous!

Ride Description:

Discover architecturally significant places of Victoria on an interesting guided tour organized in conjunction with the Architectural Institute of BC and the GVCC.  The ride begins at in the parking lot behind Saanich Municipal Hall at 10:00 a.m. and ends at the same location at around 2:00 p.m.  Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop.  The ride is approximately 20 kilometres.

Route Description:

Ride Description:

Learn about some heritage sites in Victoria and join the GVCC on an interesting guided tour organized in conjunction with the Hallmark Society to heritage sites around Victoria.  The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square at 10:00 a.m. and ends at the same location at about 2:00 p.m.  Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop.  The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres.

Ride Description:

About 45 K from the Johnson Street Bridge return. Mostly flat along the Galloping Goose and Lochside trails but for one hill just before the park.

We can stop at Mattick's for coffee/snacks/bathroom coming and going. Portable toilets at the park. Ample bushes also supplied.

From the Island View Beach Regional Park Website:

This park offers an expansive beach along the eastern shore of the Saanich Peninsula, and excellent bird watching.

Features:

• long, sandy beach for exploring, picnicking and swimming
• beach, dune, wetland, and shrub ecosystems, home to numerous resident and migratory bird species, and many fragile plants
• bird watching along the shore and in the fields
• panoramic seascape views of Haro Strait, James Island and Mount Baker
• a loop trail offers an easy and scenic walk

Route Description:

• Galloping Goose/Lochside trails to Island View HWY
• Island View HWY to Island View Park

Return by same route

Ride Description:

Join us for a 35K ride and hike to largely unknown Killarney Lake. We will get there by the Galloping Goose and Interurban Trails and return on the Lochside Trail though there are a few hills in between, nothing to fear - our usual policy of "go at your own pace" and waiting at the top for everyone to catch up (and catch their breath) will be in effect. Bring a picnic lunch for our stop at Killarney Lake. There will also be a cafe stop if required.

The weather forecast for Sunday is not looking great. Please check your email (if you are on the recreational riders mailing list) or this spot by 9:00 a.m. Sunday, for any postponement or cancellation, though we hope to stick to our usual motto when planning outdoor activities in Victoria's unpredictable weather: "just do it anyway!".

Route Description:

Route map at ridewithgps.com

Ride Description:

Join us for a ride to and across the newly refurbished Kinsol Trestle - the highest wooden railway trestle in Canada - 22 years after it was declared unsafe and closed to all traffic. Celebrate a great day for Southern Vancouver Island Cycle Tourism as this section of the Trans-Canada Trail is finally complete! The return route has not been finalized yet. We have the options of returning by the shortest route or riding around Shawnigan Lake or taking the southern section of the Trans-Canada Trail and there has been mention of a stop at a Cidery! We'll see how we feel on Sunday afternoon.

This ride was originally scheduled for the official opening day - Thursday July 28th. On consideration we realized that we would not be on site in time for the official ceremony plus it would be on the other side of the trestle anyway plus Thursday is not a great day for a ride if you are working! So we have moved it to Sunday, July 31st.

This is going to be a long day with 80 K or so of riding and the Mill Bay Ferry both ways plus a lunch stop and some time on the trestle itself. We will be travelling at a moderate 16 - 17 KPH with breaks as needed. For a shorter ride (40 K) get your bike to Brentwood Bay by other means and meet us at the ferry terminal for the 11 a.m. ferry to Mill Bay.

Passenger tickets for the Brentwood Bay - Mill Bay Ferry are $6.60 each way for a passenger plus $2.00 for the bike though they can be bought in advance from Customer Service at Thrifty Foods stores in either Broadmeade or Saanichton for only $4.35 (No bike discount).

See you at Selkirk Station at 9:00 a.m. or at the Brentwood Bay Ferry Terminal before 11:00 a.m. for what should be a memorable day!

Selkirk Station Map

Route Description:

West on Galloping Goose Trail
North on Interurban to Brentwood Bay
Ferry to Mill Bay
West on Shawnigan Mill Bay Road
North on Shawnigan Lake Road
West on Renfrew Road
North on Trans-Canada Trail to Kinsol Trestle

Return on same route.

Ride Description:

Friends in Nanaimo have invited us along on their ride to Kinsol Trestle on Tuesday, July 19th.

We will meet at Skutz Falls for the full (50 K) ride or further along at Glendon for the shorter (25 K) ride. Lunch will be at a winery in Glendon though you are welcome to bring a bag lunch.

The trail is along an old railway line so the grade is easy to manage (no more than 2%). The trail is compacted gravel much like the non-paved sections of the Galloping Goose and Lochside trails so a more comfortable bike with wider tires would be better suited to it than a racing bike. The trail goes over several restored trestles and has been called "Vancouver Islands Kettle Valley Experience"!

If you would like to join this ride please contact Simon Wigzell (link at left) of the GVCC Rides Committee. If you will be driving to Skutz Falls and have room for extra cyclists and their bikes or if you are a cylist who needs a ride Simon will try to match you up. Cyclists be prepared to chip in gas money!

Plan to be at Skutz Falls for 10:30 am.

Route Description:

Come take a tour to see some scenic public sculptures around Greater Victoria. The ride begins at Selkirk Station (80 Regatta Landing Location Map) just off the Galloping Goose trail south of the Selkirk Trestle at 10 a.m. and ends there at around 2:00 p.m. The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometers. Be sure to bring a lunch for the picnic stop

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition.
All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights.
There will be rest stops but we recommentd that you bring water and food.
ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)
For further information call the GVCC at 250-480-5155.
All dates, times and routes are subject to change.

Ride Description:

Departs 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 3rd from Selkirk Station (Location Map)

Join us for a ride up the Lochside Trail to one of Saanich primary migratory bird stop over areas, Martindale Flats, just south of Island View Highway. We will then return by the same route to Market Square for the Winter Farmers Market to stock up on fresh, local, organic produce and be entertained by Tuba Christmas!

Note that we are starting at 10 so that we can have lots of time for the ride to Martindale and to get back to Market Square for 1:00 p.m.

Ride Description:

Come along on one of our most popular bicycle rides led by renowned, local historian John Adams and experience a spellbinding look at Victoria's past on two wheels.  The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square at 10:00 a.m. and ends at the same location at about 2:00 p.m.  Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop.  The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres.

Ride Description:

Mostly flat but for 2 bridges (Selkirk Tressle and Switch Bridge)
Very little traffic except crossing a few busy roads at controlled intersections
Coffee/Snack/Bathroom and inexpensive produce at Mattick's.

Route Description:

• Galloping Goose to Switch Bridge
• Lochside Trail to Matticks's Farm

Return on same route

Ride Description:

Departs from Selkirk Station (Location Map) at 10:00 a.m., Sunday January 8th, 2012.

Mount Douglas Park

Join us for a bike and hike to Mount Douglas. About 32 K for the complete circuit. We will ride from Selkirk Station along the Victoria waterfront through James Bay and Beacon Park and then join the Seaside Route along the coasts of Fairfield, Oak Bay and Cadboro Bay and finally through Gordon Head to Mount Douglas Park.

Once there you will have a choice of:

• A walk through the rain forest
• A hike to the top
• A ride to the top
• A walk on the beach

How's that for variety?

We will continue our circuit via the San Juan Greenbelt to join the Lochside Trail at Blenkinsop road for the return to Selkirk Station with a stop for a debriefing at the Monkey Tree Pub at McKenzie Road.

Bring a picnic lunch or snacks for Mount Douglas Park. Bathrooms at Beacon Hill Park, Willows Beach and Mount Douglas Park.

The route is mostly paved roads with some small hills.

If you are worried about leaving gear on your bike for the hiking portion of the trip, we recommend a backpack so that you can comfortabley carry all your gear with you.

Weather forecast is for "a chance of showers" and unseasonably warm. Dress accordingly.

Don't forget your hiking boots!

Route Description:

Cycling route map with elevations and grade charts and detailed route instructions.

Ride Description:

Due to the scheduled Hallmark Tour Themed Ride on Sunday (Aug. 28) we are planning a shorter ride for Saturday of approximately 20 K up the Colquitz River to Panama Flats with a stop to pick blackberries. So bring a picnic lunch and a blackberry bush tool if you have one (for pulling down those highup branches where all the big berries are hiding) and of course some pails for your berries.

Departing as usual at 10 a.m. from Selkirk Station: 106 - 80 Regatta Landing, Victoria Map.

Route Description:

Colquitz River Trail to Panama Flats and return to Victoria via Roy Road to Casey Road to Galloping Goose Trail or the reverse.

Ride Description:

Depart from Swartz Bay Sunday, October 16th at 9:35 a.m. Return on the 5:30 or 6:15 p.m. ferries.

Once again there will be several options for getting there:

• Cycle - A group will be riding to Swartz Bay from Victoria, leaving from Selkirk Landing MAP at 7.00 a.m.
• Car Pooling - please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you will be driving to the ferry terminal and have room for additional riders and their bikes or if you would like a ride and we will match you up.
• Bus - Number and time departing Government and Superior (just east of the Legislature): #70 @ 7:49, #72 @ 6:36 and 7:31.

Join the GVCC for another Gulf Islands adventure as we explore the Pender Islands!
 
Leaving Swartz Bay on the ferry at 9:35 AM, we arrive at Otter Bay on North Pender at 10:15. From there, we will head to Hope Bay via Otter Bay and Port Washington Roads. Stops along the way include Lester Quitzau’s organic farm and the Red Tree Gallery (which features Mae Moore’s art). From there, we can stop at the Driftwood Centre near Port Browning to pick up supplies if needed before heading to Poet’s Cove via Canal Road. Poet’s cove on South Pender will be the longest stretch, but we will find the Poet’s Cove Resort, as well as Dorset Norwich-Young’s gallery. If we have time, we can look around Port Browning before heading back on the 5:30 ferry to Swartz Bay.

Like all the Gulf Islands, Pender has hills - looks like a lot of smaller ones e.g. you can get enough speed going downhill to get you up the next one! As always there will be no hurry, ride at your own pace and the group will wait at the top. The total distance is approximately 40K. The weather forecast for Sunday is a mix of sun and cloud with highs of 14. Please dress appropriately and bring a picnic lunch.

All questions and comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Route Description:

TBA

Ride Description:

Join us for a fun ride this Sunday. We will start at Selkirk Station and travel via the Colquitz River Trail to Viaduct Flats for a spot of migratory bird watching. We will then continue to the Red Barn on Interurban for lunch and return to Selkirk on Interurban and the Galloping Goose trails. Total length of the ride is about 30K on mostly paved and fairly flat bike trails, bike lanes and roads.

Sunday is looking pretty good - high of 6 C and sunny all day! Should the weather take a turn for the worst the ride will be rescheduled for the next week. If the ride is rescheduled, an email will be sent out Sunday morning by 8:30 a.m.

See you there - bring binoculars and snacks!

Ride Description:

Celebrate the coming of spring and the promise of flowers blooming and join the GVCC for an interesting bicycle tour of public gardens in the Greater Victoria area.  The ride begins at the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion at the south end of the Selkirk Trestle on the Galloping Goose trail at 10 a.m. and ends there at around 2:00 p.m.  The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres.  Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop.

Ride Description:

Celebrate the coming of spring and the promise of flowers blooming and join the GVCC for an interesting bicycle tour of public gardens in the Greater Victoria area. The ride begins at Selkirk Station (80 Regatta Landing Location Map) just off the Galloping Goose trail south of the Selkirk Trestle at 10 a.m. and ends there at around 2:00 p.m. The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres. Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop.

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition.
All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights.
There will be rest stops but we recommentd that you bring water and food.
ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)
For further information call the GVCC at 250-480-5155.
All dates, times and routes are subject to change.

Ride Description:

Departs from Selkirk Station (Location Map) at 11:00 a.m., Sunday January 1st, 2012.

Join us for a fun 30K ride on New Year's Day to usher in 2012 and get a good start on all those exercise resolutions.

We will head west on the Galloping Goose to Royal Roads University and return via Esquimalt Lagoon with a stop for lunch at The Six Mile Pub - the oldest pub in BC. The ride will end at Selkirk Station at approximately 3:00 p.m.

The weather forecast is for a high of 8 C for the day with a chance of showers. Pretty nice for January! So bring your rain gear and join us to celebrate the New Year with a ride.

n.b. The later than usual start time!

Route Description:

Cycling route map with elevations and grade charts and detailed route instructions.

Ride Description:

Nature, History and Great views all in one trip. Mostly along flat bike trails. Uphill a bit on the return trip coming out of Esquimalt Lagoon.

Highlights: Waterfall, Castle, Fish Ladder!, Old Growth Forest, Esquimalt Lagoon, Causeway, Historic Fort and Lighthouse, Great views of The Straight of Juan De Fuca.

Bring a picnic lunch.

Ride Description:

Explore some of the waterways and wetlands of Saanich - The Gorge, Colquitz River, Quick's Bottom, Rithet's Bog, Blenkinsop Lake and Swan Lake. Most of the ride is on trails with the occasional road section. Bring your binoculars and your BC bird and plant books as we expect to see lots of wildlife. 

Total riding distance is about 35 K, this trip should take about 4 - 5 hours including a picnic lunch at Quick's Bottom and a hike (2.5 K) around Rithet's Bog - the largest "raised dome peat bog" on Vancouver Island.

Depart from Selkirk Station on Sunday, July 17 at 10:00 am though please come a bit early for registration.

See the complete route at bikely.com.

Route Description:

West side of The Gorge
Cross at Tillicum Bridge
Gorge Road West
Right on Dysart To Cuthbert Holmes Park
Follow trail through Colquitz River system to Lindsay St.
Right on Wilkinson
Left on trail to Quick's Bottom Park
Left on Markham
Left on Mann
Left on Royal OakTrail
Right on Chatterton
Stop at Rithet's Bog
Back to Royal Oak Trail to Lochside Trail
Lochside Trail to Victoria

Ride Description:

DEPART SWARTZ BAY - OCTOBER 2

Ride, drive or bus to Swartz Bay. Depart for Salt Spring Island on the 9 a.m. ferry. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you will be driving to Swartz Bay and have room for additional cyclists and their bikes or if you need a lift and we will try to match you up! There is also the bus. A group of us will be riding to Swartz Bay, departing from Selkirk Station at 6:30 a.m. Return to Swartz Bay from Salt Spring Island on the 5:50 or 7:50 p.m. ferries.

Once on Salt Spring Island there will be lots to do to celebrate the Fall season and the apple harvest:

• Display of HUNDREDS of apples all grown organically on Salt Spring Island
• Tasting of more than 100 apple varieties at just one farm (Apple Luscious). Most others had tasting of their own varieties   
• At least 12 labeled varieties of apple pies baked by the Pie Ladies
• Theatrical performances by Johnny Appleseed, Theodore Trage, the Queen and Captain Apple
• A rich history of apples going back to 1860
• Educational information on organic apple growing
• Apple identification services
• Orchard bee and honey bee experts available
• Apple art by local artists

There is a $10 fee that covers all the different apple tastings.

We are still working on the cycling route. There will be 16 different farms to choose from mostly located at the South end of the island, which is convenient for us. The Festival doesn't publish the names of the participating farms until the day of the Festival, so we will plan a route after visiting Fulford Hall, with a side trip to Ruckle Provincial Park for a picnic lunch.

Salt Spring does have some hills so our hill policy of everyone taking it at their own pace and waiting at the top of the hill for everyone to catch up will be in effect.

Map of route to Luscious Organic Orchards

Ride Description:

Come take a tour to see some scenic murals around Greater Victoria. The ride begins at Selkirk Station (80 Regatta Landing Location Map) just off the Galloping Goose trail south of the Selkirk Trestle at 10 a.m. and ends there at around 2:00 p.m. The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometers. Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop.

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition.
All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights.
There will be rest stops but we recommentd that you bring water and food.
ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)
For further information call the GVCC at 250-480-5155.
All dates, times and routes are subject to change.

Ride Description:

Come take a tour along portions of the new E&N Rail Trail to see some scenic viewpoints around Greater Victoria. The ride begins at the Trans Canada Trail Pavilion at the south end of the Selkirk Trestle on the Galloping Goose trail at 10 a.m. and ends there at around 2:00 p.m.  The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometers.  Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop.

Ride Description:

The route will take us along our beautiful seaside route to explore Cadboro Bay and Telegraph Cove.  We will begin in Cook Street Village, follow Dallas Road and Beach Drive out to Cadboro Bay, ride around Ten Mile Pt. And then have a short stop in Telegraph Cove before heading back.  We will stop for coffee and a snack at a cafe in the Estevan Village area and then head back along the coastal route back to our start.  This is a picturesque route along the ocean.  There will be some hills and the round trip will be roughly 40km.
Depart 10:00 a.m. Sunday, August 7th from Serious Coffee in the Cook Street Village (230 Cook Street). Please come a bit early for registration.

Ride Description:

Under development

Route Description:

• Beacon Hill
• Fairfield Hill/Moss Rocks Park
• Gonzalez Hill and Walbran Park
• Anderson Hill
• Smith Hill
• Mount Tolmie
• High Rock Esquimalt

Ride Description:

Joins us for a ride along the full 55K length of the Galloping Goose to Sooke Potholes Regional Park. The last 10 K is very gently sloping up - this is an old railway line so it is barely noticeable. Great views of the Sooke River, forest and hills and we cross 2 old railway trestles! Camp overnight. Swim in the river. Bring your own camping gear and supplies. Very good water is available at the campsite. We have a volunteer to drive a "sag wagon"...off-load your heaviest/bulkiest gear and ride like the wind! BONUS! This weekend is the full moon! DOUBLE BONUS! It's also the weekend that the Perseid Meteor Shower peaks! ...and the forecast looks like good weather!

Depart from Selkirk Station Bike Shop and Kayak Rental (The Railyards development just south of Selkirk Trestle) 10 a.m. Saturday August 13th. Return on Sunday late afternoon. Please RSVP if you wish to join us to help with our planning, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Route Description:

Galloping Goose Trail to Sooke Potholes and return.

Ride Description:

October 9
Departs From: Sooke Harbour House
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Ride. Learn. Discover. And give fresh-air thanks for the season’s bounty.

Community groups sharing a sustainable live/work/eat locally philosophy are banding together to present the first Sooke Slow Food Cycle (SSFC) on Thanksgiving Sunday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Choose between two routes both beginning at the Sooke Harbour House: The 30km Red Route traces back roads in the farm belt west of Sooke and is intended for mid-level and advanced riders. The gentler Green Route winds along off-road trails heading east through the town core to the Galloping Goose. This latter route is also suitable for walkers, skateboarders and even those on horseback.

Along the way on both routes, drop into 20+ farms, homes, businesses and green spaces for mini-workshops, demos, displays and friendly, practical advice on a wide variety of food, alternative energy and harvest-season themes: urban gardens, backyard chickens, beekeeping, electric bikes, food preservation, foraging, worm composting, edible seaweeds, solar power and more.

Bus schedule links

Route 50 from Victoria to Langford continues to Sooke as route 61. Route 61 from Sooke to Langford continues as Route 50 to Victoria.

Bus Information:
Departures Vistoria
Departures Sooke

Hope to see you there!

Ride Description:

One of the most popular rides the GVCC offers!  Come join in on this easy 20-kilometre night ride and learn about the spirits who live in some of the finest homes and castles of Victoria.  Costumes and decorated bicycles are encouraged.  The ride departs from the fountain at Centennial Square at 6:30 p.m. and ends there at about 9:00 p.m.

Ride Description:

One of the most popular rides the GVCC offers! Come join in on this easy 20-kilometre night ride and learn about the spirits who live in some of the finest homes and castles of Victoria. Costumes and decorated bicycles are encouraged. The ride departs from the fountain at Centennial Square (Location Map) at 6:30 p.m. and ends there at about 9:00 p.m.

See note below regarding night rides.

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition.
All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights.
There will be rest stops but we recommentd that you bring water and food.
ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)
For further information call the GVCC at 250-480-5155.
All dates, times and routes are subject to change.

Ride Description:

For this Sunday we have a leisurely ride planned out to Sydney, to have tea and browse the bookshops for a bit. It's a longer ride, around 55km to get there and back, but very flat. We'll take the Lochside trail, which is always lovely for a chance to chat, and not be in traffic. Meet Sunday, June 12, 10am, at Selkirk Station. Bring your bike and helmet, and water. You can bring a lunch, but we'll be stopping at Mattick's Farm/Red Barn Market, and of course in Sydney. Back by 3pm or later. I'll be leading that ride, medium pace (15-20km/hr). We stop for flowers.

Route Description:

Galloping Goose to Switch Bridge
Lochside Trail to Sydney

Return on same route.

Ride Description:

This Sunday's cycling adventure is as easy as a walk in the park -- Thetis Regional Lake Park -- lakes, forests and hiking trails. A gentle round trip of about 25 km via the Galloping Goose. Bring a picnic lunch or sample the beach vendor fixings. Explore the network of forest trails by foot or bike or relax on the beach and commune with the rays. If you're yearning for the hazy, lazy days of summer, come ride with us.

Depart from Selkirk Station bike shop on Sunday, July 24 at 10:00 am. Please come a bit early for registration.

Ride Description:

Join us for a fun 25K exploration of the Esquimalt peninsula taking in the west shore of The Gorge, an unnamed 19th century fort at McCaulay Point, a little hike at Highrock Park and an investigation of the newest sections of the E & N Rail Trail.

Pack a picnic lunch for the little known Highrock Park:

Highrock Park is the highest point of land in Esquimalt. At 71 metres in elevation, it offers 360 degree views of the Capital Region, downtown Victoria, the Sooke Hills and the Olympic Mountains.

This 7.1 hectare park features glaciated knolls, and native plants such as sword ferns, blue camas and dotted among stands of Gary oaks, arbutus and Douglas fir. Nature appreciation, bird watching, hiking and dog walking are the popular activities in this park.

The forecast is for scattered showers so bring rain gear just in case. Experience has show that the weather is usually a lot better than the forecast and it is best to "just do it" rather than sit at home and wish you had!

Route Description:

Ride Description:

Don your finest for Victoria's first ever Tweed Ride! The Ride will start on the Front Lawn of the most venerable, Fairmont Empress Hotel , at 12 Noon, May 7. From there we stop at W and J Wilson and Sons on Government Street. The owners and English-trained tailors of this Reputable establishment, dating back to the 1860?s, have graciously consented to act as Judges for “The Best Men’s and Ladies Tweed Competition”. For the most part, the Ride will be on level ground or going downhill except for one exception. Registration is open to all ages and that the general speed of the ride is relaxed- this is not a race. At the mid-point of the Ride we’ll park the bikes and have a cup of tea. The Ride will provide the tea service. You just bring your own cup and saucer (and spoon, if you use one). The route will meander through Downtown Victoria, Beacon Hill Park, Fairfield, Rockland, and finish at the Penny Farthing pub in Oak Bay.

For more info and to register visit www.tweedridevictoria.com

Ride Description:

Depart from Centennial Square at 10:00 a.m., Saturday September 24th.

Ride from downtown Victoria to the University of Victoria campus and back by 2 different routes that also take in some Victoria beauty spots. This ride is to familiarize UVIC students with the various bike lanes and trails of Victoria.

We will be meeting some UVIC students at the Student Union Building and then joining the Moving Planet rally for a Climate Change rally from 12:15 to 1:00 p.m. at Centennial Square (See next article).

Contact Recreational Rides for more information.

Route Description:

To Be Announced

Ride Description:

Ride Description:

Discover architecturally significant places of Victoria on an interesting guided tour organized in conjunction with the Architectural Institute of BC and the GVCC. The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square (Location Map) at 10:00 a.m. and ends at the same location at around 2:00 p.m. Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop. The ride is approximately 20 kilometres.

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition.
All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights.
There will be rest stops but we recommentd that you bring water and food.
ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)
For further information call the GVCC at 250-480-5155.
All dates, times and routes are subject to change.

Ride Description:

Beautiful views from 4 little known and rarely visited South Victoria parks plus meadows, wild flowers, Garry Oak Forests, mansions and gardens. Don't let the idea of cycling up hills turn you off! There are only 3 uphill sections and two of those are very gentle. Only one is moderately steep but it is short - less than 200 meters. (Horizontal not vertical!) You will be glad you made the effort once you are "on top"!. The total distance cycled is not great and there will be lots of stops to take in the views and explore. Picnic lunch at Anderson Park.

Route Description:

Start at Moka House on Cook St.
North on Cook St.
Right on Oscar
Right on Fairfield Rd.
Right on Masters Rd.
Stop and walk at Moss Rocks Park
Return to Fairfield Rd.
Right on Fairfield Rd.
Right on Denison Rd.
Stop at Gonzales Hill Regional Park
East on Denison Rd.
Stop at Juan De Fuca Monument in Walbran Park
East on Denison Rd.
Stop and walk at Lookout
East on Denison Rd.
Left on Sunset Ave.
Left on Beach Dr.
Right on Falkland Rd.
Falkland Rd. to Central Ave.
Right on Central Ave.
Right on Island Rd.
Stop for walk and picnic at Anderson Hill Park
Right on Island Rd.
Left on Newport Ave.
Left on McNeil Ave.
McNeil Ave. to Richardson St.
Right on Gonzales Ave.
Left on Rockland Ave.
Stop at Liuetenant Governor's Mansion
Right on Lotbineire Ave.
Left on Richardson
Right on Kipling
Right on Fairfield
Left on Oscar
Left on Cook St.
End at Moka House

Ride Description:

Find out some of Victoria’s cycling jewels and secrets; those places where bikes can go but cars cannot, and participate in Car-Free Sunday!  The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square at 10:00 a.m. and ends at the same location at about 2:00 p.m.  Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop.  The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres.

Ride Description:

Find out some of Victoria's cycling jewels and secrets; those places where bikes can go but cars cannot, and participate in Car Free Sunday! The ride begins at the fountain at Centennial Square (Location Map) at 10:00 a.m. and ends at the same location at about 2:00 p.m. Be sure to bring a lunch for the lunch stop. The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres.

NOTES: Participants are required to wear helmets and bicycles must be in good mechanical condition.
All Night Rides require functioning front and rear lights.
There will be rest stops but we recommentd that you bring water and food.
ALL RIDES ARE BY DONATION (SUGGESTED DONATION $5)
For further information call the GVCC at 250-480-5155.
All dates, times and routes are subject to change.

Ride Description:

Join us for an evening ride on Wednesday, December 21st to celebrate the Winter Solstice.

Meet at Moss Rocks off Fairfield Road for the sunset at 4 p.m. (Location Map).

Bring finger food and a thermos of your favourite hot beverage. Supplies can be bought at Thriftys at the Fairfield Mall just a couple of blocks east of Moss Rocks. There is also an Italian deli and a Starbucks on either side of the liquor store.

After the sunset we will have a leisurely ride through Fairfield and Oak Bay to view the Christmas lights with stops at Gonzalez and Anderson parks for the night time sky views and snacks and drinks.

The ride will end around the fireplace of the Penny Farthing pub in Oak Bay.

The weather forecast is for clear skies with a low for the night of only 0.

So bundle up and come and join us for what should be a magical night!

Ride Description:

Next Sunday something completely different: Winter Wassail at Sea Cider

Join us for what is sure to become a Recreational Rides annual tradition - A visit to Sea Cider to celebrate the traditional ceremony of "Wassailing":
 
In the cider-producing counties in the South West of England (primarily Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire) or South East England (Kent, Sussex and Essex, Suffolk) wassailing refers to a traditional ceremony that involves singing and drinking the health of trees in the hopes that they might better thrive. The purpose of wassailing is to awake the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit in the Autumn.

The outdoing 24K portion of the ride is through gently rolling countryside via the Galloping Goose/Interurban Trails and Wallace Road to the cidery.

From the Sea Cider website:

Join friends, family, and neighbours for this community celebration (free entrance)!

It’s another special Ciderhouse event: come celebrate the apple harvest and set good luck for the new year with this winter festivity.

Eat…
We will be offering delicious winter-inspired foodstuffs for your satiety.

Drink…
Keep warm with complimentary warm Silk Road cider cocktail on arrival. For the teetotalers, designated drivers, and young’uns, we’ll have non-alcoholic mulled cider. Beverage stations will be serving more mulled ciders, coffee, tea, and our ciders!

Be merry!
Tours will be hosted every hour starting at noon, highlighting the history of cider as well as orcharding & cidermaking.

Entertainment throughout the day by Island Thyme Morris Dancers performing a traditional longsword dance, and Quicksbottom Morris Dancers performing a mid-winter Mummers play.

The Blessing of the Orchard & Community Wish Tree will be at 2:00 pm

Cider and food samples are $2 each.

We'll begin our return journey shortly after 2:00 p.m. on the Lochside Trail for the remaining easy (e.g. flat!) 20K back to the Switch Bridge.

So - join us for what is sure to be a memorable ride and a unique experience!

Route Description:

See the complete route map and directions with elevation chart at RideWithGPS.com