Sorry for the late blog, but we were busy getting ready for our next adventure in Vancouver and had to pack up and get ready to go. This is a long post because there was just to much to report!
Yesterday we rode once again with some of the "Sisters." This time we were joined by Deb and Marsha along with the rest of the women we had already ridden with.
We took the Brentwood Bay to Millwood ferry across the Saanich Inlet to explore and ride the Cowichan Valley. While we waited for the ferry we were treated by a display of thousands jellyfish in the water below the pier. I had always thought that jellyfish were a warm water sea creature and was surprised and delighted to see them.
Bicycles usually board the ferry first and we were joined by other cyclists and a tour group with Backroads Bicycles. This is a small ferry and it was a short but scenic crossing. Once again we had great weather, topping out in the 70's with blue skies, sunshine and lots of picture perfect fluffy clouds. An excellent day for a ride.
I was prepared for climbing as I had been forewarned. Once again there was plenty of up, but it was always associated with plenty of down. We tweaked my loaner bike one more time the night before and I felt right at home on the bike even using the Campagnolo shifters. This made riding much easier and the day even better. Just as a side note, Margaret graciously has agreed to let me use this bike during our entire trip and I was able to cancel the rental for the Rockies tour - thanks Margaret!
We did a complete circle of the valley and had spectacular views of vineyards, farms and Mill Bay. We stopped at the Grain Mill Bakery in Cowichan Bay and enjoyed some very yummy leg powering treats and good coffee We sat outside and enjoyed the sunshine and views of the houseboats docked right nearby.
Once again a spectacular ride with delightful company - and these women can ride like the wind up and down those hills! We rode 42 challenging miles with just a tad more than 2700 feet of climbing. Here's the elevation profile for reference. This mileage takes a lot more saddle time than the same mileage riding In Arizona. But it certainly much cooler.
The "Sister's" jersey garners a lot of attention and comments from people. This young woman and fellow spinning instructor asked to have her photo taken with us. It was a great day and I thank the Sisters for coming out to play. Now I truly feel part of the greater "Sisters" collective.
We also had a lovely dinner hosted by Trilogy Bike club friends Ron and Carol Dunlop - great visit! We so busy chatting that I only got a few pictures, including the amazing meal Carol prepared.
Today is a rest day in Vancouver at Patti's house in Richmond. Good to be off the bike for a day!
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Bob's Update. - Arrived in Hamburg, NY
Today I completed the 2400 mile ride from Peoria to Hamburg. The town describes itself as a "village" and now I see why. The small downtown area is very quaint and resembles something out of a movie set. I stopped for lunch at a small roadside market. Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and a small deli counter. I met the owner and he said they were looking forward to all the visiting motorcyclists. The rally begins on Thursday at the Erie County Fairgrounds, one of largest in America. My camping "adventure" begins on Thursday and I promise to take lots of pictures.
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2 comments:
Every good bike ride has ferry ride and lunch at a gas station. You got the ferry ride, where is lunch? Great pictures. Great story. Looking forward to hearing the story in person.
Hey Terry, got the ferry thing going but will stick to small cafe's and bakeries rather than that gas station food you love so well. No roller dogs for me!
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