Sport Riding Through Autumn
Wheel Life column - 16 October, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute

Our 7 year old, Raviv, was skeptical about joining the Sunday's sport ride on his trail-a-bike (a half-bike that attaches behind our bicycles). He isn't afraid of riding 40 to 60 kilometres with a bunch of adults, it's just that he prefers pedaling his own small two-wheeler (which is unsuitable for such a ride) rather than being attached to Dad's bike.

With a little bribe ("I'll read the Sunday comics if you'll ride with us") he agreed to come.

The sport rides leave each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. from the Cook Street Village Moka House cafe (345 Cook St.). It's a drop-in event: participants simply show up. Bring a few dollars for snacks and lunch, or picnic food. We work up an appetite. The rides continue through the autumn as long as there is interest. For more information call the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition (GVCC) ride coordinator Brian Collier at 385-0885.

Be prepared for chilly and wet weather when cycling in autumn. Wear layers that can be added or removed as required. Keep your extremities warm with ear warmers, thick socks and warm gloves. We recommend wearing medium-weight tights over cycling shorts. That keeps your leg muscles warm for maximum efficiency and protects your knees from strain. You can peal them off if you get hot.

Carry a light if there is any chance of being out after dark. If you are ever caught unprepared by darkness, bad weather or other problems, you can carry your bike on some local buses or in the trunk of most taxis (ask if this is allowed when you call for the taxi).

There where 8 other cyclists last Sunday. After a brief consultation we decided to ride the Lochside Trail up the Saanich Peninsula. Once under way Raviv was in high spirits, particularly on the downhill stretches. He loves fast riding!

The first part was the most difficult, cycling single-file on busy streets north through town. We joined the trail a little past MacKenzie Boulevard.

The Lochside trail meanders through forests and farmlands, offering something new to see at every curve. It was a delightful brisk ride through the cool autumn air, with trees festooned in their fall colours and fields ready for harvest.

The group made several stops along the way. Raviv had an ice cream cone at Mattick's Farm, we watched model airplanes perform acrobatics, on the way back we stopped for soup and sandwich, and filled a pannier with vegetables at a farmer's market for our Thanksgiving Dinner.

Raviv called the Sunday ride a highlight of his week and wants to go again. Me too!

Today's map shows part of another route often used by the Sunday morning group. We lunch at My Chosen Cafe, or picnic nearby on the sea bluffs at the end of Wootton Road (you can purchase food at the little store across the street from the cafe).