The Winter GravelQuest Archives — Dec 8th 2025 – Jan 25th Feb 8th 2026!
Find the archives of the very first Winter GravelQuest series below!
Defending Vancouver Island Wildlife
The Island is a unique place, and the wildlife communities we find here are our original residents, and are in need of our protection! From cutting down forests, to housing encroaching on wilderness areas to climate change, things are pretty rough for them.
This event I’d like to highlight The Fur-Bearers, one of Canada’s oldest wildlife protection charities, that advocates for wildlife on the Island and across all of Canada.
As well each week our email update will include a short section from them, highlighting some neat info on fur-bearers, wildlife and peaceful co-existence.
Six of the species featured in our Wildlife Icons are considered fur-bearers, and make up our Categories for the event. The Fur-Bearers works to protect fur-bearing animals through conservation, advocacy, research and education. Part of the ‘chip-ins’ will go towards them, and consider becoming a member to support their work as well!
GravelQuest Wildlife Icon Credit
A huge thank-you to Segment Challenge speedster and artist (who’s also contributed some of the coolest prizes we’ve had with offers to draw portraits) Louis Fernet-Leclair who generously created the icons for the series – thank you Louis!!
Week #1: Dec 8th – Dec 14th – Granville & Hastings (Gravel Style!)
Those who’ve been around know that I’m strangely entertained that we have a ‘Granville & Hastings’ intersection in Strawberry Vale, and on the road we’ve made use of these ‘country roads’, and we’ll be passing through this week as well!
The two segments are a couple handy connectors – coming from the Colquitz River Trail just past the Panama Flats, taking us over to Prospect Lake Rd, where you’ve got a number of fun options. And of course if you’re out that way, it’s a fairly fast way to bail from that area and get over to the Panama Flats.
Reminder these aren’t timed segments, so no need to go for fast times, unless you’re so inclined anyway!
Segment 1A Name: The Strawberry Knob
Deets: 0.37km, 19m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Sofia Donnecke with an 1:20 & KOM is Bryce Molder with a 55s, and the LL is Claire Townsend with 4 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/28094254
We’ve got a pretty short one, and a little up and down – I’ve only ridden this a handful of times, but I believe the start will be fairly mucky as well! One could ride Hastings, but this way avoids some elevation, and of course keeps us off the road.
Once out of the park, I recommend crossing over to Herbert, then over to Hastings, although if you head south there’s a pretty neat and surprisingly steep road climb if that’s your jam!
Segment 1B Name: charlton to prospect connector
Deets: 0.25km, 0m elevation gain. (Not true, definitely some climbing!)
This is an existing segment, QOM is Sofia Donnecke with a 55s & KOM is Bryce Molder with a 40s, and the LL is Alex Roudenko with 6 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/8998090
Another short one, it’s a bit tricky to spot off Charlton, partway down the hill, note that it’s a bit past the creek. The trail is also a bit of a climb up to Prospect Lake Rd, but nothing crazy at all, just don’t go out too hard at the start.
Suggested Routing
A lot more road than I normally feature, but at least we’re avoiding more trail repetition for now!
As mentioned, you’ll probably want to ride the Colquitz trail, and head west on Roy, and then stick to Roy all the way to the end, where it connects to Strawberry Knoll Park.
Once on Hastings, carry on and make a right on Granville (note the intersection!😂) and then around the corner on Charlton you’ll find the second segment.
Over on Prospect, you’ve got several options – if you head right, you’ll continue along Prospect, and can head into the powerlines and the ‘long way’ to Francis King, or on the east side there’s Hector Connector, Calvert Park and of course Viaduct, if you wanted to head back east.
Alternatively if you head over to and up Munn, you can head into Francis-King via Panhandle and the other fun trails in there. Or carry on up Munn and head into Hartland or Thetis.
Choose this direction to mix things up a bit heading out of town, or if you’re leaving any of those areas, you can get over to the Colquitz trail a fair bit faster.
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Extra Tip: Strava for some dumb reason doesn’t let you save Segments as Routes. But here’s a website where you can enter the segment, and download the GPX file so you can ride it as a route: https://www.doogal.co.uk/SegmentExplorer (Thanks Spencer for the tip!!) Also, if you’re ever trying to find out when you rode a specific road, Find That Ride is an amazing website: https://www.findthatride.com/activitymap
ISLAND WILDLIFE CORNER
Each week we’ll feature a little highlight about island wildlife, thanks to The Fur-Bearers! Consider becoming a member and supporting their work, and check out their socials for lots of great posts about wildlife, advocacy and peaceful co-existence.
Week 1 – Raccoons
Rascals of both urban areas and the forests!
Raccoons are excellent climbers and are one of the few mammals that can descend vertical tree trunks headfirst.
Their dark mask around their eyes isn’t just for show. It deflects the sun’s glare and helps enhance their night vision.
They are very smart and curious. Their little hands can open latches, lids, jars, boxes, and turn door knobs.
Raccoons den up in winter but don’t truly hibernate, they rely on their fat stores for energy.
They don’t ‘wash’ their food. They have poor eyesight, so when they dip their food in water, it helps them feel their food, so they can identify what it is, their hands are very sensitive.
Week #2: Dec 15th – Dec 21st – The Many Trails of Thetis
We’re back in Thetis this week, one segment pretty much everyone has done…but it gets us to a fun little route through the park that many many not have ridden before, taking us a little ‘off the beaten path’ once more. (And will hook up with some other treats in a future week!)
Segment 2A Name: Heading In
Deets: 0.55km, 27m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Lindsay Pedal with an 1:45 & KOM is Connor Leov with a 1:07, and the LL is Grant Perkins with 12 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/26084738
I’m not quite sure where this one begins and finishes, but pretty sure it’s just before where Bellamy used to be really muddy, and leads up that mean old climb with the rock face, and finishes just as you start to descent and connect with Phelps. The main purpose of this segment this week is to get you to 2B. A token segment this week! 😁
Segment 2B Name: Outta Bellamy
Deets: 1.19km, 28m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Lara Lobo 🐺 with a 4:13 & KOM is Markus K with a 3:07, and the LL is Grant Perkins with 8 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/31923591
Here comes the fun stuff! This is a new segment/route option for me, and have only ridden it once, but it navigates nicely along pathways and light singletrack (shouldn’t be any walking for anyone!)
After the 2A segment, typically you’d make a sharp left onto Phelps’s, but instead go right a short way, and there you’ll find access to the Fairedge trail, which connects with Lighthouse and concludes on Bellamy Rd at Gourman.
From there it looks like you can continue down Gourman and reconnect with Phelps (near the ‘regular’ end, then continue around the corner to somewhere like the Phelp’s Connector). Or if you know my ‘Paw Patrol’ route, you can do it in reverse (we did this last season of the Gravel Segment Challenge as well) and enjoy the connectors across Millstream to Florence Lake to Langford Lake, if looking for a longer expedition. (See the Suggested Routing section for the segment for that.) Or simply reverse course and head back the way you came!
Suggested Routing
Getting to the Bellamy trail in Thetis is fairly straight-forward, you can simply take the Goose to Highland Rd, and take the ‘left hander’ at the top, which pretty much takes you directly to the first segment, or the segments from last week also get you out this way fairly quick (and avoid a bit more tarmac).
Once you’re done the segments, as mentioned, you can revisit the segments from the last season of the Gravel Edition of the Segment Challenge, see Week #5 here: https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge-season-9-segment-archives/ (Sorry the page is a bit wonky, still lots to tidy up from the website upgrade!)
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Extra Tip: Strava for some dumb reason doesn’t let you save Segments as Routes. But here’s a website where you can enter the segment, and download the GPX file so you can ride it as a route: https://www.doogal.co.uk/SegmentExplorer (Thanks Spencer for the tip!!) Also, if you’re ever trying to find out when you rode a specific road, Find That Ride is an amazing website: https://www.findthatride.com/activitymap
ISLAND WILDLIFE CORNER
Each week we’ll feature a little highlight about island wildlife, thanks to The Fur-Bearers! Consider becoming a member and supporting their work, and check out their socials for lots of great posts about wildlife, advocacy and peaceful co-existence.
Week 2 – River Otters
Crafty creatures found on land and rivers and oceans!
Built to swim! Otters have small muscles around their nostrils and ears that act like natural seals. When they dive, these muscles tighten and close the openings, which keeps water out. When they surface, the muscles relax and the openings return to normal allowing breathing.
They are indicators of healthy ecosystems. Otters rely on clean water and abundant fish. When otters are present, it is usually a good sign of a healthy environment!
Their families are highly social. Mothers raise their young in dens near the water. They teach pups how to swim, hunt, and slide. Play is a natural part of how otters learn and bond.
Otters use tools and teamwork. They can use stones to open shellfish and often hunt cooperatively.
Their whiskers do the work! They have whiskers so sensitive they can detect tiny movements made by fish in murky water.
Photo credit: Critter Care Wildlife Society
Week #3: Dec 22nd – Jan 4th – The Bear and the Lily
And now for something new and exciting! Segments this week involve a bit of Bear Mtn, as well as neat trail along Lily Creek near Jordie Lunn Park.
There’s a much bigger distance between the segments this week, but if you’ve been around, you’ll know a few great connectors (or check the Suggested Routing section as always!)
Also note we’ll run these segments two weeks, until Jan 4th, to accommodate the holiday trips and Festive 500 riding. So you can ride this week, or next week, or both! We’ll still do 8 different weeks, but will extend into Feb now.
Segment 3A Name: bare tracks
Deets: 0.36km, 0m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Claire Townsend with an 0:52 & KOM is Vinko Poldrugovac with a 0:43, and the LL is Jennifer Ward with 1 effort! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/19376785
This will be a new trail for most, I see only 12 in the group have ridden it so far! It’s a lovely little trail, mostly downhill, and a bit of an alternative to my ‘Paw Patrol’ routing.
The closest trail to connect to this, coincidentally, is the 2B segment from last week. 🤯 When you exit on Bellamy, head down to Goldie, and there’s a another little connector that spits you out on Millstream, and then head up to Bear Mtn. It’s just a couple minutes up the hill, but a delightful descent Setchfield.
If you want to keep the connectors going, just a wee bit down Setchfield on the right is another connector that takes you over to Shaw, but most roads lead to Florence Lake. 😉
Segment 3B Name: Lunn to Luxton
Deets: 0.65km, 5m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Claire Townsend with a 3:11 & KOM is Nicolas Parlee with a 2:13, and the LL is Nicolas Parlee with 2 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/35971552
This one’s another treat! Even fewer people have ridden this one than the 3A segment – and it’s a fantastic trail that runs alongside Lily Creek, and is apparently also a disc golf course. The trail is pretty much straight, which seems boring, but it has a bunch of fun little ups and downs.
⚠ Very important: accessing this trail depends on when you’re riding, please pay attention closely! ⚠
If you’re riding on a weekend or holiday, you can access it off Parkdale – many are familiar with this route to get to Jordie Lunn, there’s the round-about, and at the end of Parkdale on the right you jump onto the trails that cross over. Instead of going right, you go…straight! This is a construction company’s property however, and should not be accessed during business hours (ie when the gate is open.) If the gate is closed, you can cruise down this dirt road, and hit the head of the trail on the other side of their lot. Also note that there’s an automated voice when you get in there, it’s a bit of a surprise!
Otherwise, if riding during business hours, or you don’t want to go through this property, you’ll want to make this an ‘out and back’. Cruise down Sooke Road (off Glen Lake Rd) to Ronald, and you will find the ‘end’ of the trail there – congrats, you get to enjoy it both ways!! Not the worst thing. 😉
When done, the Goose is just a couple minutes away – head out Chan Pl, and directly across the road (careful crossing!) is the Luxton Fairgrounds, and the Goose is just on the other side, and can continue your ride from there!
Suggested Routing
As mentioned, the closest trail to 3A is from last week, but if you want to make a longer ride of it, you can also exit Thetis from further north, like Stewart Mtn Rd, and then just cruise down Millstream, and even detour through the Bear Mtn trails via Hannington. Get creative!
As mentioned on the 3A segment, work your way down to Florence Lake, and then you can follow the ‘reverse Paw Patrol’ loop highlighted last week that we did in the Fall Gravel Challenge (see Week #5 here: https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge-season-9-segment-archives/ ). That basically involves going around Florence, down Leigh Rd, the Goldstream and can loop around Langford Lake if looking for a longer ride, or take Leigh down to Leigh Pl, and cross over to Glen Lake Rd, which takes you to the roundabout, and Parkdale Rd where you can access 3B. Lotsa options.
If you want to continue looping through the West Shore, check out my ride from a few weeks ago, there’s a bunch more neat connectors (but avoid some of the out-and-backs!) here: https://www.strava.com/activities/16604031050
Reminder you have two weeks for these segments!
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Extra Tip: Strava for some dumb reason doesn’t let you save Segments as Routes. But here’s a website where you can enter the segment, and download the GPX file so you can ride it as a route: https://www.doogal.co.uk/SegmentExplorer (Thanks Spencer for the tip!!) Also, if you’re ever trying to find out when you rode a specific road, Find That Ride is an amazing website: https://www.findthatride.com/activitymap
ISLAND WILDLIFE CORNER
Each week we’ll feature a little highlight about island wildlife, thanks to The Fur-Bearers! Consider becoming a member and supporting their work, and check out their socials for lots of great posts about wildlife, advocacy and peaceful co-existence.
Week 3 – Black Bears
Since we’re headed up Bear Mountain, let’s talk about black bears! Unfortunately probably not too many of them left on Bear Mountain now.
Black bears are not always black. They can be brown, cinnamon, blond, or even bluish white here on the coast. Colour alone does not reliably tell you the species!
They are excellent climbers at almost any age. Black bears use trees to escape danger, rest, and reach food.
Most of their diet is plant based. Around 85% of a black bear’s diet comes from fruit, roots, grasses and nuts. Meat, including fish and insects, is a small and opportunistic part of what they eat.
Their poop matters! Seeds and compost all-in-one! Bears poop often contains intact seeds, which “when dropped” can help regenerate plants and trees across large forest areas.
Photo credit: Black bear family, John E. Marriott
Week #4: Jan 8th – 14th – Esqploring Esquimalt
This week we’re checking out a suggestion from Nina S, and headed into Esquimalt! Highrock Park is our first destination, and I see only a handful of people from the ATR group have been up there, so most of us will be experiencing something new! (Including myself!)
It was tricky finding a new second gravel segment in or near Esquimalt, at least that legally allows bikes, but found another segment in Cuthbert Park that approaches from the south, so hopefully a little something interesting for many as well!
Segment 4A Name: To the top of Highrock Park
Deets: 0.45km, 42m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Ann Campbell with an 2:20 & KOM is Benoit Detering with a 1:31, and the LL is Steve Hurschler with 2 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/8477968
This is a new one for me, I checked out some potential road segments around Highrock Park in the summer, but never went into the park.
⚠ Esquimalt is decidedly gravel unfriendly! Turns out this is a no-bike part, sorry folks!
The segment starts on Matheson Ave, just off Lampson, which is just off the E&N. Starts on the road, and just wind your way up!
Looks like there’s a few trails in there if feeling adventurous, plus a second segment here if feeling inspired: https://www.strava.com/segments/7214121
Segment 4B Name: colquitz the first
Deets: 0.95km, 12m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Erin Jalilian with a 2:L241 & KOM is Reckless Ricky I with a 2:00, and the LL is Laura Ockenden with 6 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/12088298
We’ve been through Cuthbert Holmes Park every season, so all should be fairly familiar – this segment starts sort of on the south-west side, and cruises across a scenic bridge, and ends up over on Burnside where you can get on the Goose, or continue up the Colquitz!
Suggested Routing
As mentioned 4A is just off the E&N, and 4B is just off the Goose…but connecting these is a lot more challenging…you can take Tillicum up or down, there’s bike lanes the whole way, or circle around the E&N and Goose…but I’ll leave it to you this week to figure out if you’re going to link these up! 😁
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Extra Tip: Strava for some dumb reason doesn’t let you save Segments as Routes. But here’s a website where you can enter the segment, and download the GPX file so you can ride it as a route: https://www.doogal.co.uk/SegmentExplorer (Thanks Spencer for the tip!!) Also, if you’re ever trying to find out when you rode a specific road, Find That Ride is an amazing website: https://www.findthatride.com/activitymap
ISLAND WILDLIFE CORNER
Each week we’ll feature a little highlight about island wildlife, thanks to The Fur-Bearers! Consider becoming a member and supporting their work, and check out their socials for lots of great posts about wildlife, advocacy and peaceful co-existence.
Week 4 – Cougars
Watch out – there was a cougar siting in Esquimalt last week! They probably won’t be too interested in us boney and sinew-y cyclists tho!
What’s in a name? Cougars are also called mountain lions, panthers and pumas. They’re all the same animal. Their scientific name is Puma concolor.
Puma Island? Vancouver Island is home to one of the largest populations of cougars, and they help to keep the deer population in check. Deer are their favourite food.
I’m gonna pounce! Their hind legs are longer than their front, making them excellent runners, jumpers and climbers.
Kill and cache! A cougar will commonly drag their kill to a hidden spot and cover it with leaves, soil, or snow. They’ll return over several days to eat.
What’s that meow? Unlike lions and tigers, cougars cannot roar. Their throat structure limits them to sounds like chirps, whistles and growls. Do yourself a favour and watch this, that sound ain’t no bird! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=351qXG1tSNE
Week #5: Jan 12th – 18th – You Can’t Spell Gravel Without Grave!
Another requested area, and at least the high ground will be less likely to flood!
This is a bit of a revisit of Season 6, and we’re headed to Royal Oak/Broadmead reusing the Donwood to Rithet’s segment, and then passing through the lovely Royal Oak cemetery up to the Wesley Reservoir on a brand new segment featuring a bit more trail and a sneaky way into the cemetery. Lots of neat little connectors, I’m confident it’ll be a fun revisit for many, and some new trails for the rest! Plus a couple sets of stairs. 😉
Segment 5A Name: Donwood Scramble to Rithet’s
Deets: 1.51km, 24m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Claire Townsend with an 5:05 & KOM is Julian Cameron with a 4:33, and the LL is Carey Newman with 9 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/37792219
The Donwood Park exit is off Lochside just north of Blenkinsop Lake, and features some stairs that will likely be a hike for all. (Just a few times of the year this is rideable by the very best of us!)
It’s all riding after that, and some lovely cut-throughs high up in Royal Oak, finishing by Rithet’s Bog.
Segment 5B Name: Riding yourself into an early grave 🐱👤
Deets: 1.59km, 93m elevation gain.
This is a new, QOM is Ann Campbell with an 11:12 & KOM is Vegan Dave Shishkoff with a 7:44, and the LL is no one! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/40765798
The reservoir was a request, so here we go! We did a similar segment in Season 6 where we entered the main entrance of the cemetery, but I’ve since found a way to avoid a bunch of time on the road with a nifty trail that’s a back-way into the park (see what I did with the title?)
There are some stairs to go up, but the other direction (left, down) has some annoying sets of rocks, so this is the more fun option, IMO! After the singletrack you’re into the cemetery for part of the climb, then you get to work your way up through more singletrack to the reservoir; good climbs & good times!
Suggested Routing
Easy enough to start, 5A is just off Lochside. When you’re at the end, the ‘legal’ option is to cruise along Shadywood and Carolwood to Royal Oak Dr, but if you don’t mind bending the rules, you can also head a short way down the Rolston Trail, and make the first right over to Sunnywood. But this option clearly isn’t condoned by the series.
After the reservoir you can double back down, or continue down the road and take a shortcut into the south end of Elk Lake across the highway.
Or if you want to keep going, we’ve also featured this series of connectors that starts with more singletrack headed west and downwards, tho there’s one steeper rock drop that’s best walked this time of the year, but the rest of the trail is pretty friendly, and then the rest of this route which takes you all the way over to Sayward, where you can cross to Elk Lake or drop down to Lochside again. Enjoy the view at the end of Del Monte as well! Here’s that extra segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/37792258
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Extra Tip: Strava for some dumb reason doesn’t let you save Segments as Routes. But here’s a website where you can enter the segment, and download the GPX file so you can ride it as a route: https://www.doogal.co.uk/SegmentExplorer (Thanks Spencer for the tip!!) Also, if you’re ever trying to find out when you rode a specific road, Find That Ride is an amazing website: https://www.findthatride.com/activitymap
ISLAND WILDLIFE CORNER
Each week we’ll feature a little highlight about island wildlife, thanks to The Fur-Bearers! Consider becoming a member and supporting their work, and check out their socials for lots of great posts about wildlife, advocacy and peaceful co-existence.
Week 5 – Human-Wildlife Coexistence: Show you care
Below are 3 practical tips for being a good neighbour to the animals who call Vancouver Island home:
1. Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife can contribute to malnutrition, spread disease and fundamentally change an animals natural behaviours. Instead, plant native flowers, plants and trees. Feed the ecosystem, not wildlife.
2. Wild animals need lots of space. Approaching them, trying to capture or pet them, or letting your dog and cat roam unrestricted can cause wildlife stress and lead to big problems. Respect nature, keep your distance.
3. Pay attention to seasonal changes. Wild animals are especially busy when the seasons change. They search for food, breed, raise their young, search for habitat and cross busy streets. Be patient and expect wildlife. They live here too!
Think you know everything about wildlife coexistence already? Test your knowledge with the “Coexistence Challenge” by The Fur-Bearers: https://thefurbearers.com/blog/coexistence-challenge-test-your-knowledge/
Week #6: Jan 19th – 25th – A Whole Lotta Glendale Trail
This week we’re headed back to PISE for a couple segments that I intended to run a couple weeks ago! The first is a nice long winder, bit of a ‘tour de Layritz’ highlighting a bunch of the best stuff there! It also runs through Quick’s Bottom, which has been pretty flooded the last few weeks, but with a rain-free week, and no rain in the forecast this week, I’m going to take advantage of this!
And we’ll also welcome our first TIMED segment of the series! It’s a re-run of a short little kicker we did in Season 6 (https://abouttheride.ca/victoria-segment-challenge-season-6-segment-archives/), but if you’re feeling like putting a bit of mustard on it, this is your week!
Segment 6A Name: A Quick ride with Your Mom
Deets: 3.28km, 68m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is no one so far & KOM is Aidan Currie with a 10:01, and the LL is Jason Gammon with 3 efforts! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/33892489
Discovered this one by accident, just out looping around with Dave B last July, and when I uploaded my ride, saw I got a random 4th🏆! But despite the silly name, it’s a fantastic route through this area.
It starts at Wilkinson with a fun downhill, then the long way through Quick’s Bottom (likely to be mucky!) Double-back up Markham, then a right-hander into some fun singletrack. Note this section has a few techy spots, but nothing crazy.
Once you’re out of the woods, there’s a bit of a downhill, into a looser rocky climb, then downhill over to the Glendale Trail. Unfortunately this segment goes up the Dogwalker’s Trail – if you’d rather not ride this, stick to the Glendale Trail, and at the top you can make the right-hander and enjoy this fun flowy singletrack descent to finish off the segment! (If the segment doesn’t register, will still give credit of course.)
🔥TIMED🔥 Segment 6B Name: Out of the blue, and into the black
Deets: 0.64km, 15m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Sofia Donnecke with a 1:43 & KOM is Jimmy OK with a 1:37, and the LL is Zev Fisher with 7 efforts!
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/37907280
We’ve got a rematch from Season 6 – it starts off on Glendale a bit fast and to a tricky corner, and then you’ve got a grind up some loose rocky terrain, and finishes with some twisty singletrack! When I did it last time, I went first, and was getting kicked around on the gravel, and Sophia, who started behind me, went FLYING by me! I was on thinner tires, so looking forward to giving it a go with bigger tires…tho my Jan fitness vs Oct fitness will be a factor!
Watch the very end of the segment, you come out into a fairly open field, and there may be some construction activity, so do be careful at the very end. And don’t be afraid to pre-ride it, you continue up past where you come out on 6A, and the singletrack is a different left hander!
As a timed segment, there’s a few bonus points up for grabs, with 5pts for the top rider in each category, then 4pts & 3pts for 2nd & 3rd, and all others will get 2pts, so not too much on the line, but a chance to get the heartrate up if you’re feeling it!
Suggested Routing
We’ve been out this way a number of times! If coming from Switch Bridge, easiest is to get over to the Panama Flats, and then just carry along the Colquitz/Centennial trails to Wilkinson.
If you’re curious to see a slightly different route, on the last portion of the Colquitz trail where it runs parallel to Lindsay St, continue straight on the road along Casa Linda Dr, then make a left on Viaduct (!!) to the end, and there’s a cut-through to Wilkinson, right where the 6A segment starts. Honestly the main trail is much more enjoyable, but this is something a little different (and cuts out that annoying climb on Wilkinson!)
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Extra Tip: Strava for some dumb reason doesn’t let you save Segments as Routes. But here’s a website where you can enter the segment, and download the GPX file so you can ride it as a route: https://www.doogal.co.uk/SegmentExplorer (Thanks Spencer for the tip!!) Also, if you’re ever trying to find out when you rode a specific road, Find That Ride is an amazing website: https://www.findthatride.com/activitymap
ISLAND WILDLIFE CORNER
Each week we’ll feature a little highlight about island wildlife, thanks to The Fur-Bearers! Consider becoming a member and supporting their work, and check out their socials for lots of great posts about wildlife, advocacy and peaceful co-existence.
Week 6 – Four Facts About Vancouver Island’s wolves!
1 – Yes, there are wolves on Vancouver Island. Wolves can be found throughout Vancouver Island, particularly on the west coast (Tofino & Ucluelet) and in the north island (Cape Scott).
2 – Sea wolf! Vancouver Island’s wolves belong to the coastal or sea wolf group of the grey wolf (Canis lupus). They are adapted to the island’s forest and shoreline environments and differ in behaviour and diet from inland wolves.
3 – Don’t touch or feed them! In addition to being an offense under BC’s Wildlife Act, feeding and baiting wolves for photos and videos, can cause all sorts of other issues. A new documentary, coming soon, talks about this very issue! https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-93-all-points-west/clip/16164268-new-documentary-aims-help-co-exist-wolves
4 – Takaya is Vancouver Island’s most famous wolf. Takaya was a lone coastal wolf who lived in isolation on Discovery Island (near Victoria) from about 2012 until 2020. His story captured the hearts of British Columbians everywhere. He died on March 24, 2020 after being shot by police in Sooke following a human encounter. Learn more about Takaya’s legacy: https://takayaslegacy.com/
Week #7: Jan 26th – Feb 1st – AKA Wallace to Wallace?
For our second-to-last week we’re headed the furthest north we’ve gone with gravel segments, featuring a fun mix of surfaces near Brentwood Bay with a handy gravel shortcut, plus a fun trail that runs parallel to Benvenuto.
Segment 7A Name: Stelly’s to Benvenuto – a la groade
Deets: 2.34km, 24m elevation gain.
This is a new segment, QOM is Cristin Schlossberger with a 5:56 & KOM is Rob Britton with a 5:27, and the LL is none! (Reminder these really don’t matter.)
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/40835340
Some may already be familiar with the first part of this segment, I believe it’s been in the TS Cross Fondo, or if you’ve ridden gravel out this way, may have hit it. We extend it a bit with an extra little bit of ‘groad’.
Things start on Willow Way, which is off Wallace just across from Stelly’s school, and head straight south then west to W Saanich, and across to another little gravel section that cuts over to Benvenuto. Benvenuto is one of my least favourite roads, but at least somewhat tolerable on a gravel bike!
Segment 7B Name: Benvenuto Bypass
Deets: 0.58km, 15m elevation gain.
This is an existing segment, QOM is Cass Purdon with a 51s & KOM is Colin Fowlow with a 53s, and the LL is Steve Young with 6 efforts!
Link: https://www.strava.com/segments/36067157
As mentioned, Benvenuto is a pretty gross road, but thankfully there’s a lovely little trail running parallel to the road that’s surprisingly fun!
Getting here is easy, after 7A just make a right on Benvenuto up the hill a bit, and watch for that first road on the right.
Suggested Routing
It’s a bit of a haul getting out here; my recommendation to make it a loop would be something like taking Lochside out to Island View, then jump on the road and cruise up to Stelly’s, and carry on over to Wallace and you’re there!
There’s the Centennial Trail you can take all the way to Wallace as well, and then double back a bit, or you can cruise out to Beaver/Elk Lake, and that little Bear Hill cut-through, and Oldfield across to Seabrook to Stelly’s (there’s a little gravel cut-through between those roads), and head left there. There’s a few options!
Once finished, cruise Wallace over to the Centennial Trail and gravel your way back that way, or of course there’s the Caldecote trail (where you hit W Saanich, see this one, but reverse the direction: https://www.strava.com/segments/8861466), that’ll take you over to Beaver/Elk Lake via Old West Saanich and Brookhaven. If unfamiliar, there’s a bit of road in there, but not for too far!
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Extra Tip: Strava for some dumb reason doesn’t let you save Segments as Routes. But here’s a website where you can enter the segment, and download the GPX file so you can ride it as a route: https://www.doogal.co.uk/SegmentExplorer (Thanks Spencer for the tip!!) Also, if you’re ever trying to find out when you rode a specific road, Find That Ride is an amazing website: https://www.findthatride.com/activitymap
ISLAND WILDLIFE CORNER
Each week we’ll feature a little highlight about island wildlife, thanks to The Fur-Bearers! Consider becoming a member and supporting their work, and check out their socials for lots of great posts about wildlife, advocacy and peaceful co-existence.
Week 7 – Three Facts About Harbour Seals!
Whose little face pops up now and then in the water off the coast? It’s likely a harbour seal.
1 Harbour seals live year round on Vancouver Island.
There are about 18 seal species that can be found all over the globe, but it is the harbour seal that is most commonly found in the waters around Vancouver Island.
2. Harbour seals can “feel” fish moving through the water.
Their long whiskers aren’t just for show! They are extremely sensitive and help detect fish, even when their visibility is poor.
3. Abandoned seal pups may not need ‘saving’
If you find a seal pup alone on the beach, don’t panic. Oftentimes their mother’s are getting food, leaving them temporarily alone. Never touch or try to pick up a seal pup. Always keep your distance. If the pup is injured or in danger, keep people and dogs away and call the Marine Mammal Rescue Society (MMRS) – 604-258-SEAL (7325).
Happy riding!! 🚵♀️
Extra Tip: Strava for some dumb reason doesn’t let you save Segments as Routes. But here’s a website where you can enter the segment, and download the GPX file so you can ride it as a route: https://www.doogal.co.uk/SegmentExplorer (Thanks Spencer for the tip!!) Also, if you’re ever trying to find out when you rode a specific road, Find That Ride is an amazing website: https://www.findthatride.com/activitymap
ISLAND WILDLIFE CORNER
Each week we’ll feature a little highlight about island wildlife, thanks to The Fur-Bearers! Consider becoming a member and supporting their work, and check out their socials for lots of great posts about wildlife, advocacy and peaceful co-existence.
Week 8 – Three Ways to Help Vancouver Island Wildlife
More coexistence tips, which allow our communities to live more peacefully with their communities!
1 – Secure Attractants
Keep garbage, compost, bird seed, pet food, and fruit trees managed. Research shows that unsecured attractants are a leading – and preventable cause – of problems for wildlife like black bears and raccoons.
2 – Give Wildlife Space and Stop Feeding
Do not feed wild animals and keep dogs leashed in natural areas. Feeding changes animal behaviour, increases disease transmission, and often leads to animals being labeled as dangerous. Giving space allows animals to forage naturally and reduces stress, especially for seals, deer, and bears.
3 – Support Habitat Protection and Coexistence Programs
Volunteer, donate, or advocate for land protection, wildlife corridors, and local coexistence programs. Also, please support the island’s wildlife rehabilitation centres including Wild Arc, North Island Wildlife Centre, and MARS wildlife rescue.
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