Route notes from Stephen Hinde:

The "Half Tofino" takes you from Nanaimo, over the hump to Port Alberni, and along Sproat Lake to the bottom of Sutton Pass. You then turn around, thus missing the narrow, hilly section over to the west coast. After exploring the rural community of Sproat Lake, you will visit Mclean Mill National Historic Site. This is a museum with an operating steam-powered sawmill. If you're really feeling good, you can pay your admission and see the sights, or just enter the courtyard for refreshments from the snack bar (try the chili). Back to the east coast at Qualicum Beach, and up the old highway to Courtenay and onto Comox. Heading north from Comox into pastoral lands, enjoy the rural scenes. (If you visited the museum, you probably won't see much, but you may smell the bucolic delights.) From there, a straightforward return to Nanaimo down the old highway.

6 am start at Shell Gas in North Nanaimo at the corner of Hammond Bay Road and the old Island Highway, near to Woodgrove Mall. Parking is available in the gas station mall, or on the side street (Marlin Way) behind. The long-range weather forecast is very favourable. Book your ride now--route is on the website (minor corrections to last year's route) and RandoPony should be up soon.

Bring sunscreen.

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