VicPop Pre-ride Report
by Steve Mahovlic

3 enthusiastic rain riders appeared March 29 for the 50 km pre-ride. Weather was overcast with steady drizzle. The 50 takes you north from the Velox club through Gordon head and past Mount Doug Park where riders will have their photos taken as they top the first climb of the day. At the lights you continue along Royal Oak to Emily Carr, where you have a short Chatterton Way to Quadra. TAKE THE CROSSWALK to the South sidewalk of Quadra. The four yellow posts are the indicator you are at the Dieppe Cul de Sac starting the Douglas Road bicycle route. The pedestrian overpass will take you to Baxter and the route through Glanford and Marigold neighborhoods. Upon reaching the Galloping Goose you will start to mingle with Victoria Populaire Riders doing 100 km.

13 riders showed up for the 100 km pre-ride March 22nd. Weather was overcast with sunny breaks. This route takes you north from the Velox club through Gordon head and past Mount Doug Park where riders will have their photos taken as they top the first climb of the day. At the lights you turn up the coast along Cordova Bay. Past Matticks the ride winds through Central Saanich farmlands, entering the Lochside trail at "Heritage Acres". Once you reach Sidney you will continue north across from Save On at the 7/11. You may want to stop and refresh yourself at any of the many small coffee shops. Just beyond McDonald Park the route takes the overpass to Wain Road and Tatlow.

Upon reaching West Saanich road the southward journey begins. The Deep Cove Market offers a complete grocery and coffee shop. After passing Pat Bay and Brentwood Bay, the Wallace shortcut will take you back to West Saanich and Interurban. A quick ride on the Wilkinson/Helmcken bicycle lane connects you to Watkiss way and the Galloping Goose Trail.

At this point both rides come together. A Sharp Right on Atkins takes you back to Six Mile, then the Old Island Hwy and into View Royal for a windy, scenic passage. Take special care on the narrow roads. Remember there is a secret control on both the 50 and 100.

The ride then partially circumnavigates Esquimalt with a stop at Cottage Pirouette. You will climb out of Esquimalt and cross the Blue Bridge. Take care watching for diversions due to construction. Once across the bridge you will hug the coastline until Arbutus where you make your way back to Velox. Be very aware of parked cars, especially on Dallas Road.

Enjoy the Day,
The VicPop Crew

March 29, 2015