You must consider weight distribution when packing your saddlebags. Luckily I had done most of the packing the night before my early morning departure. Time constraints aren’t fun when trying to get things into your bags; things don’t fit or sit the same way they do with a normal suitcase. At any rate, I managed to grab something to eat and was on my way towards the Mayne ferry landing for the 7:20 to Swartz Bay.
There was another cyclist (a commuter rather than tourist) who made a positive comment about front suspension frames. He was pianist living on Mayne heading for Salt Spring Island for supplies, I think. I was too thrilled about continuing my journey to pay much attention to details (I’ll be more careful in future). That and I couldn’t help replaying the scene in Blazing Saddles when Mel Brooks is dressed like an Indian chief. Poor quality clip for all you heathen who don't know what I'm talking about.
The Lochside Trail is a cycle path, which runs from Swartz Bay to Victoria. 30 km of flat (mostly) paved road for cyclists and pedestrians only (the sound you just heard was the collective inguinal discharge from all the keen cyclists reading this) and the only form of apartheid I support: cars out of cyclists’ way and vice-versa. I managed to cover the 30 km in about 2 hours without putting much effort, so my over packing concern was more of a lack of fitness rather than anything else. I’m still going to forward some things to LA by mail.
Victoria so far has impressed me with its very laid back feel and less modern architecture. I may even prefer Victoria to Vancouver…I’ve got over a week to get a feel for it and confirm this assessment.
Heather, my camping consultant, and I have been to a couple of shops in search of gear. I’m thinking of using a hammock + bivouac set up. It’ll be faster to set up than a tent and more comfortable to sleep on, also, it can double as a lounge chair. I'll be testing it in Tofino.
There was another cyclist (a commuter rather than tourist) who made a positive comment about front suspension frames. He was pianist living on Mayne heading for Salt Spring Island for supplies, I think. I was too thrilled about continuing my journey to pay much attention to details (I’ll be more careful in future). That and I couldn’t help replaying the scene in Blazing Saddles when Mel Brooks is dressed like an Indian chief. Poor quality clip for all you heathen who don't know what I'm talking about.
The Lochside Trail is a cycle path, which runs from Swartz Bay to Victoria. 30 km of flat (mostly) paved road for cyclists and pedestrians only (the sound you just heard was the collective inguinal discharge from all the keen cyclists reading this) and the only form of apartheid I support: cars out of cyclists’ way and vice-versa. I managed to cover the 30 km in about 2 hours without putting much effort, so my over packing concern was more of a lack of fitness rather than anything else. I’m still going to forward some things to LA by mail.
Victoria so far has impressed me with its very laid back feel and less modern architecture. I may even prefer Victoria to Vancouver…I’ve got over a week to get a feel for it and confirm this assessment.
Heather, my camping consultant, and I have been to a couple of shops in search of gear. I’m thinking of using a hammock + bivouac set up. It’ll be faster to set up than a tent and more comfortable to sleep on, also, it can double as a lounge chair. I'll be testing it in Tofino.
Describe the ppl you meet on the way, there must be some good stories. Are you taking photos??
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