Spring Activities - Road and Trail Rides
Wheel Life column - 22 April, 2000
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Here are a few suggestions for ways to enjoy bicycling during this beautiful Spring season.

Fossil Fuel Free Parade

Today being International Earth Day you can join the Fossil Fuel Free Parade leaving noon from Centennial Square and proceeding down Government Street to the Legislature. It should be quite an event, including all manner of human-powered floats and participants.

Bike to Work Week Commuter Challenge

Of course, even better than participating in an annual parade is to make cycling an increasing portion of your regular travel. If you need inspiration (or want to inspire colleagues), plan to participate in the Bike to Work Week Commuter Challenge, to be held June 5-9. For more information call the Go Green and Bike To Work Week hotline at 413-8000, or stay tuned - we will provide more details in future columns.

Sunday Morning Sport Rides

A 40-60 kilometre sport ride leaves from the Cook Street Village Moka House at 10 am every Sunday morning, sponsored by the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition. Any cyclist who enjoys a moderate-paced ride is welcome. For information call the GVCC hotline at 480-5155.

The ride usually stops at a restaurant for lunch, so bring money or a generous supply of food (cycling = hungry!). Today's map shows part of the route we rode a few weeks ago. It forms a lovely 20-kilometre loop through Colwood and Metchosin, starting at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, with a possible stop at the Olympic View Golf Course clubhouse for lunch (good food, great views), or a quick round if you bring your clubs.

Hartland Mountain Bike Park

The Mount Work/Hartland Park trails, located at the end of Hartland Road in central Saanich just before the regional landfill, is a popular area for mountain biking. It has an extensive trail network that ranges from easy to s-t-e-e-p.

These trails are developed and maintained in a cooperative arrangement between Capital Regional District Parks and the South Island Mountain Bike Society (SIMBS). In addition to behind-the-scenes planning and advocacy, SIMBS sponsors fun and dirty activities.

Beginning trail riders can join Introductory Rides, from 10 am to noonish, the first Sunday of each month. Experienced SIMBS volunteers offer pointers on off-road cycling techniques. All riding abilities and ages are welcome.

Children, age 9 and up can participate in the Youth Ride, from 9:45 am to 12:30 pm on the third Sunday of each month. Parents are welcome to join if they can keep up.

These are non-competitive fun, skill-building rides. They are tailored to the skill level of the riders who show up. Participants need a mountain bike in good working order, a helmet (no helmet, no ride), and a waiver (available pre-ride) signed by a parent/guardian for anyone under 19 years. Bring a bottle of water and snack, and you might want to leave a change of clothes at the parking lot.

SIMBS also organizes trail maintenance workparties, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm the third Sunday of each month. Wear heavy-duty cloths and steel-toed boots if possible (no tights or cycling shoes please!). SIMBS provides tools and instructions, plus lunch and prizes as reward. These activities start from the Hartland parking lot unless instructed otherwise. For more information visit the SIMBS website at http://www.simbs.com/, or call their hotline at 477-2455.

The Parks Department and SIMBS recently closed unauthorized trails and removed unauthorized structures (ladders, catwalks and drops). There has been considerable debate within SIMBS and in the MTB community on this action at the Hartland Discussion Forum at their website. The website also has information on upcoming off-road events, maps and links.

Hammer Fest

Hammer Fest is an upcoming off-road cycling event to be held May 6 & 7, starting at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, near Parksville. It is sponsored by the Arrowsmith Mountain Bike Club.

It is a family event. In addition to servious racing there will be live music, a climbing wall, concessions, Henna tattooing, BMX jumping, a funky bike Olympics and a Bike Expo. Children 6-12 can race a special short track for free, and and all rides will receive a prize. In past years Hammerfest has attracted 200 plus downhill racers and more than 400 cross-country racers making this the largest mountain bike race on Vancouver Island. For more information visit http://www.arrowsmithmtbclub.com or call 250-248-4020