By Graham Fishlock

I rode this route on Monday, May 27 under cloudy skies and dry roads. The route includes many of the most beautiful features of the Cowichan Valley. It features many of my favourite roads to cycle: Glendora, Telegraph, Cobble Hill, Wilson, Cameron-Taggert and Richards Trail. The route also includes many of my favourite places to stop: Cobble Hill village, Cowichan Bay, True Grains bakery, Russell Farm and the lovely refurbished Glendora store and cafe. It is like Tuscany in our own back yard including many vineyards.

Most of the route is on very quiet country roads. There are a few short exceptions which require extra care and attention. Tzouhalem Road at the 50 km point is narrow and rough for 3km and can have a lot of traffic. There is only one short section to ride on the Island Highway and that starts just after Russell Farm. Expect high speed traffic and lots of gravel on the shoulder for only several kms. Extra care is also need on the short section on Drinkwater Road. There is no shoulder and a left hand turn requires attention turning onto North Road. And when crossing Allenby Road bridge, just before the finish, the route leads steeply up the inappropriately named Indian Road. There is a paved bike path on the right. It is worth using despite some small branches and leaves.

This is a beautiful route that incorporates beautiful and quiet roads, bucolic country scenes, ocean views and great places to stop for coffee or goodies.