It's go time!! Season 6 -- GRAVEL EDITION -- starts now!!

Welcome to all our new riders - just letting you know that every Sunday night I send out an update with a little news, weekly results (more-so on the Challenge weeks), prize draws, and a few arguably entertaining other tidbits. 😂

Note that the rules and scoring are slightly different for the Gravel edition, please do head to the event page, and scroll down and familiarize yourself with it! There are some minor changes from 2023, the biggest is that non-challenge/timed segments are worth 30pts instead of 50pts. And note that some of the bonuses/curses are still in effect each week, such as the Early Bird!

I'll keep it short tonight, but this week we're headed north into Saanich via the Panama Flats and over through Layritz/Camosun/PISE - many already have their routes through here, but this will be new to a bunch, and a welcome new collection of trails! Keep an eye on the navigation, part of the challenge is simply staying on course so the segment registers. 😉

Also, don't forget for each Season you need to sign up! It's live on the event page as usual: https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge/

I'm really looking forward to another eventful season, and have fun everyone!!!

Week #1 - Sept 2nd - Sept 8th - Panama Flats & Skirtin' Interurban

Welcome to the second season of our Gravel Edition! We're starting off heading north into Saanich, passing through the Panama Flats and connectors, into Lyritz and then beyond. Many may already be familiar with a version of these routings, but for some they'll be a new treat, and for all they're a great way to warm up the gravel legs!

These are longer segments, but a reminder they're not timed. Part of the trick will be simply following the course!

Segment 1A Name: Goose to Layritz - connecting the dusts
Deets: 5.84km, 45m elevation gain.
This is an new segment, QOM & KOM are irrelevant!
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/37662506

Here's a lovely set of connectors, starting just off the Goose across Interurban, unfortunately you cross Interurban again (be very careful at this crossing!), but once you get into the Panama Flats it's pretty quiet again. There's a short jaunt up Wilkinson as well, but worth it for that descent into Quick's Bottom (where there's another little extension option, but left it off for this.) We end up at Lyritz Park, where there are many different directions you head off in!

In this case, however, just keep going straight onto the gravel road to get to the next segment. ;)

Segment 1B Name: Fat Tire Interurban Bypass
Deets: 2.77km, 52m elevation gain.
This is an new segment, QOM & KOM are irrelevant!
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/37662581

We're keeping it rolling north, headed to the Interurban/West Saanich intersection. We continue through Layritz/PISE along the main trail there (the Dogwalkers trail is quite fun, although unsanctioned!), and we end with a stretch on pavement. It may seem like a bit of an awkward spot to stop the segment, but will make more sense next week!

Happy riding!! 🚵‍♀️

Updated on the site: as always Routing for this week: https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge/

There it is, we're off!!

I'm still sorting out the prizes for the season, I've got some exciting new event supporters, along with many of our regulars, but keep an eye on our FB and/or IG account during the week for an update on what the draw prizes this week will be. Yeehaw!!

Safe and speedy riding all! 🚲

- Dave

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