Parking: there is limited parking at start location. There is a big public parking area at park nearby on Marigold between Interurban and Carey Rd

This route has had to be changed substantially because of the ongoing construction on the Malahat—-the main route north out of Victoria. The route now is diverted to Port Renfrew after leaving Jim’s home in Victoria. After Port Renfrew, riders climb up over a ridge before dropping down to Lake Cowichan. From there the route follows a well known path to Chemainus, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, Courtenay, and Comox. After Campbell River, the route traverses Strathcona Park before reaching Gold River. With a few diversions, the route largely returns to Victoria along the same roads. This includes avoiding the Malahat and returning to Victoria via “the back door” otherwise known as Port Renfrew.

While this route has many beautiful, scenic sections of mountains, farmland and ocean, it does have large remote sections. These remote sections include 45 kms on either side of Port Renfrew and the 90 km each way between Campbell River and Gold River. These sections have little or no cell phone reception or food services. All other areas have plenty of food services and accommodations available. All riders need to be comfortable in remote areas and be prepared for mountain weather and lack of food services in these remote areas.

This can be a challenging route but also beautiful and varied. There is no scheduled support at the controls.