Rise Early for a Magic Bike Ride
Wheel Life column - 17 June, 2000
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Here's a great way to start your morning: head out early for a sunrise bikeride through the countryside. Before 8:00 am you'll have the roads practically to yourself and the world in its quiet, pristine state.

You'll see the dawn bringing colour, warmth and life to forests and fields. It's a magic time shared by you, your bike and the earth. After a couple hours of riding, stop at a cafe for a hearty breakfast, go home for a shower, and then climb back into bed for a late-morning nap.

You need to be properly prepared for a ride like this. Bring snacks and plenty to drink, tools for basic repairs, and layers of clothing. Gloves, a rain jacket and tights will keep you warm and comfortable even if the weather cold and damp. You may also want to bring a camera to record the breathtaking views you'll see along the way.

Today's recommended bike ride through the beautiful landscape of the Highlands is an ideal route for a morning ride. This is a challenging but highly rewarding ride suitable for experienced cyclists. It includes a winding climb up narrow Ross-Durrance Road followed by a steep, steady descent down Willis Point Road. There isn't much traffic and there are no services along the way. If you feel really hearty, stop for a refreshing swim at Peace, Durrance or Thetis lakes.

This route was recommended to us by Francis van Loon, President of the British Columbia Cycling Coalition (BCCC), an umbrella organization for provincial advocates of transportation cycling. Francis is a tireless proponent of cycling, who has served as president of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition before moving to the provincial level.

One of van Loon's favorite cycling events recently was bestowing flowers, a framed certificate of recognition and a BCCC water bottle to Harry Lali, Minister of Transportation and Highways (MoTH). Lali pushed through new provincial cycling policy and instated a MoTH cycling co-coordinator position. He is also in the process of developing a provincial Cycling Advisory Committee.

Van Loon said, "I believe Minister Lali was tickled pink with the presentation. This is a BCCC moment and we are very proud of it." Minister Lali also made a proclamation in the Legislature to declare June as Bike Month in BC and introduced representatives of BCCC member-organizations. For more information contact the BCCC website at http://www.bccc.bc.ca or your local bicycle organization.