Inspired by a visit from their Dutch cycling friends, Mario and Els, Debby and Jim suggested a bike ride to the Kinsol Trestle for Tuesday, July 19. Word spread through friends of the Nanaimo and Victoria Cycling Coalitions. Eighteen riders came from Nanaimo, Schooner Cove, and Victoria (as well as Holland!) to participate. The weather was sunny and perfect. Many of the group started at Skutz Falls but others started or ended at Glenora, creating options of 66 k, 45 k, or 32 k rides. The group obviously enjoyed getting together, as there was almost as much talking as their was riding, and some hugging. The ride took up much of the day. We all want to be like John Van Beek when we grow up, our 88 year old friend who did the whole 66 km without complaint! John has been a big promoter of the Vancouver Island Corridor, where the old rail lines would become a recreational trail for cyclists and hikers. This Cowichan Valley rail trail, the Trans Canada Trail, is one of Vancouver Island’s best kept secrets.
The trail is bumpy so we could all do some advocacy work to get it grated more frequently. In it’s present condition, it really is best suited to a bike with shocks. None the less, we all did well and enjoyed the ride. The only person who escaped the photos was Karen.
Tailwinds, Debby K
