Sunday Road Ride- Meeting at Rock City Cycles 9:00am
These rides are meant to be a friendly group ride, but can sometimes get spicy. Groups will form according to approximate average moving speeds, subject to the numbers and types of riders in attendance. We ask that riders join the group best suited to their needs for the day, but if riding down a group (ie on a rest day) that they ride with or behind the slowest rider. Don't push the pace of a slower group!
Riders are expected to be prepared for longer rides, carrying supplies for basic mechanicals, fuel and hydration. Please load or study the route ahead of time. Rides may have a formal ride leader (subject to availability of volunteers) but every participant is expected to look out for other riders so that the experience is as safe and fun as possible for all.
C group will be no-drop with moving average of 20-22km/h. This group will generally work to stick together at the speed of the slowest rider.
B (23-25 km/h) group will re-group after hills and at intersections so that the group can stay together.
B+/A group averages 26-28km/h. There will be some re-grouping after hills, but can be spicy depending on the group.
Check out the routes below, and if you have questions feel free to ask in the discord #sunday-road-ride channel in the MIVA Club Rides section.
The ride requires MIVA membership.
If you are new to MIVA and/or group riding, please check out our Tuesday Development rides first.
Horne Lake/Cook Creek Gravel Loop
Sunday, July 6, 2025
9:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Horne Lake/Cook Creek Gravel Loop is an outstanding gravel ride with great scenery, beautiful lakes and generally nice gravel roads.
We start in Qualicum BAY (not Beach) and ride up the Big Qualicum River trail from the fish hatchery. Then we ride along the shore of Horne Lake, past the Horne Lake Caves and up to the Beaufort East Woodlands area. At the 35 km point, we head off the main logging road and head southeast, parallel to the Island Highway, but in the bush, eventually connecting to Cochrane Road and back to Qualicum Bay.
Now, as many of you will remember, there is a river crossing at Nile Creek at around 46 km. The bridge over the creek has been removed, but there is a place for a river ford 100 meters downstream where we will wade across, usually barefoot. This is an excellent time of year to do this ride, as the rivers aren’t running high. Just be prepared to get your feet wet!
The distance is 56.72km and the elevation gain is 743m, so this is a longer, medium technical gravel ride suitable for more experienced riders, including riders who have ridden the Green Gravel rides and are looking for their next challenge. The ride typically lasts a full day, with stops for snacks, photos, and other breaks.
We will meet and park at the Welcome to Lighthouse Country sign (see https://maps.app.goo.gl/XrwzCdeH9UviAdGJA) at 9:20 am and start riding at 9:30 am. At the sign is a large pullout with room for parking on the right side of the road as you drive north on the Old Island Highway. It is just past (north) of Kenmuir Road.
A gravel bike with minimum 35mm tires is required for this ride. Like most MIVA gravel rides, this one is in an area with limited vehicle access or cell service. Riders are expected to be prepared for a six-hour ride, carrying supplies for basic mechanical needs, food, and lots of hydration.
This ride requires MIVA membership, or you can try two MIVA events with signed waivers. Waivers can be found on the "About Us" page: either print, sign and bring along, or fill it out and email to miva.board@gmail.com
RidewithGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44053028
Parking location
Tyler Ferrying Someone's Bike Across Nile Creek (Might have been my bike!)
Ian Crossing Nile Creek