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Week #6: Oct 13th - 19th - The Mighty Mt PISE!
We're headed north this week into Saanich, featuring a connector that many probably already know, but ought to be a surprise for some, and then a brand new switchbacking Timed/Challenge segment up the hill by PISE! Plus another little bonus segment that's a handy shortcut if looking for a slightly shorter route out this way.
Segment 6A Name: A Bloodlight Lullaby (aka Swan Lake Creek Connector)
Deets: 1.60km, 9m elevation gain.
This is a new segment, QOM is Claire Townsend with a 3:45 & KOM is Vegan Dave Shishkoff with a 3:43, and the LL is none! (Reminder these really don't matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/40310403
For the uninitiated, this segment starts on that right-hander off Tillicum - you've ridden by it millions of times, but many have never gone up this way! It's half paved, until you cross Mackenzie (surprise!), then a steeper descent with a hard left, and there you find yourself on some fun pathways along Swan Lake Creek. Be mindful, there are often people on the trail. At the end, make a right to Marigold, and you're near the Panama Flats and the Centennial Trail or Colquitz River Trail (same difference!)
The nice thing about this section is it doesn't get muddy, unlike the southern end of the Colquitz Trail, so it's also a nice alterative on wet days. (#ProTip!)
Segment 6B Name(🔥TIMED🔥): Switchback Climb to Mt PISE
Deets: 0.6km, 34m elevation gain.
This is a new segment, QOM is Lynn Cole with a 4:35 & KOM is Fraser Hayes with a 2:26, and LL is none!
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/40310868
You've probably been up this way, but the existing segment is a bit boring, so I conjured up this alternative with a different starting point, and features a little more variety!
Please be careful with the start, I'm not sure how busy this pathway is with students, etc. during the day, but you should have a clear sight to the turn. From there you go up a fairly obvious worn out walking path up the hill on the right, and then you're on the gravel road proper, and should be able to go full gas from here to the top. (I would have started the segment here, but it has to be at least 500m long, so had to extend it..)
I imagine the QOM and KOM will exchange hands a few times!
Segment 6BONUS Name: The Scent of Strawberries - if you go at the right time
Deets: 0.55km, 19m elevation gain.
This is a new segment, QOM is Sofia Donnecke with a 1:58 & KOM is Vegan Dave Shishkoff with a 1:386, and LL is none!
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/40318502
Admittedly this is a pretty boring one, and is more of a utilitarian add-on than anything. The end of the gravel road is often a bit of a bushwack for a couple meters. Credit to Sofia for showing me!
I use this cut-through if I'm in more of a rush, and skips a bunch of the other fun trails (like the one near Quick's Bottom). Sometimes you want to get out this way a bit faster, and this is a nice little shortcut that's still gravel. Also works as an alternative to the Jail Trail (down or up!) if not feeling the jank. Plus it gets you an easy 25pts in the series! 😉
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Updated on the site - as always Suggested Routing for this week: https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge/ |
