Saanich Inlet Bike Ride
Wheel Life column - 1 April, 2000
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

After our long and arduous Canadian winter it sure feels great to get out of the igloo and ride a bike. Today's recommended route is a family favorite. It explores the lovely maritime valley between the Saanich Peninsula and the Malahat.

Prior to commencing such a ride, bicycles require minor modifications to provide necessary buoyancy. First, large cross-section tires are required, such as a 185/70-14 or even a 225/75-15. Second, jettison unnecessary ballast, including locks and water bottles, but retain fenders to help stay dry.

Riding this route is a pleasure, once you are underway. It is flat, provided there is no chop, and there's lots to see and do along the way. If you are lucky enough to have a tailwind, hoist a sail (an old cycling jersey will do).

Interesting wildlife abounds in this area, including buffleheads, mergansers and grebes, and if you are lucky, the shy Cadborosaurus. Our children enjoy chasing the birds and fishes, and occasionally race a cetacean, but be sure not to get too close when they are in poor humour: ocra bites can be serious.

Lunch can be grazed on route. May we suggest a succulent sea salad featuring sea lettuce garnished with sea cucumbers? Sea pens are always a treat, although vegetarians will want to stick with seaweed. Escargot is available for those with sophisticated palettes, and phytoplankton can be strained trough your teeth.

For desert how about a siliceous sponge cake or a slice of mud pie?

On this route it is important to follow the rules of the road: pass to starboard (left) except when approaching a non-power vessel, or upwind of a sailboat. Violators will be keelhauled.

Often when cycling this route we stop at Butchart Gardens. Our children very much enjoy the flowers, particularly the irises, which they say are as tasty as the roses in Beacon Hill Park.

Later, back at Goldstream Park, you can snack on berries or salmon in season, if the birds have not devoured them first.

Such are the pleasures of cycling in our region.