Photo: Erin Sparks

Sooke Harbour... Smokin'
Fall Islander 200 ("Old Rails and Trails" route)
Ride date: September 11, 2020
by Stephen Hinde

Erin Sparks completed the Fall Islander 200 today. The route "Old Rails and Trails" uses large sections of old rail lines. 40% of the ride is on the Galloping Goose Trail, originally the CN Rail line from Victoria to Lake Cowichan, a line that includes the Kinsol Trestle visited on the Tour of the Cowichan Valley 200 in July.

Earlier today air quality in Victoria took a turn for the very bad. The smoke from the fires in Washington have pushed the air quality index beyond the end of the scale (10+). As a result, many riders scheduled to ride tomorrow have decided to delay their start until we have cleaner air. Unfortunately for Erin, the ride had already started when the AQI turned high.

At approximately 100km, the Galloping Goose skirts Sooke Harbour. Erin took a photo of what is usually a stunning view with blue water and green hills with the Olympic Mts behind. Not today.