Oak Bay cyclists are invited to join the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition for a spin on the Saanich Peninsula Flavour Trail Saturday.
GVCC hosts the fourth of this year’s nine themed rides that explore a variety of routes through the Capital Region.
On July 25, the focus is the Farm Fresh Flavour Trail, a cycle tour of local farms and markets. The approximately 20-kilometre circle route begins and ends at Saanich Commonwealth Place, with riders leaving at 10 a.m. and returning around 2 p.m.
It’s the first time the Coalition has hosted this particular ride, says Jason Weedmark, one of the ride co-ordinators, who has organized a similar ride for another group.
Appropriate for families, “it’s a very simple ride along Elk Lake towards the Oldfield area,” Weedmark says, noting that once leaders see how many people are participating, they’ll break into several groups and routes so as not to overwhelm the individual destinations with visitors at the same time. He expects around 30 to 40 riders.
Seven stops are planned along the route – Le Coteau Farm, Sun Wing Farm, with their greenhouse-grown vegetables, Dan’s Farm, Phil’s Farm, for raspberries and blueberries, Oldfield Market, Fieldstone Farm, for raspberries and cherries, Skylark Farm and Symphony Vineyards.
“It seems like people really do like the area; Oldfield is always interesting,” he says.
With lots of options for picking up lunch along the route, plus goodies to enjoy at home later, Weedmark recommends participants remember a good set of paniers (bike bags), if possible.
The GVCC’s theme rides are meant for all ages and experience levels. The pace is moderate, depending on the route and safety instructions will be discussed before the ride. The group obeys all traffic laws. All theme rides are by donation (suggested donation $5). For more information, visit www.gvcc.bc.ca