The Port Alberni/Great Central Stamps Gravel Loop is a new addition to MIVA's gravel routes, offering great scenery, beautiful lakes, and nice gravel roads.
Many of you will remember last year's ride in this area. For 2025, we will follow the same route out from Port Alberni as we did last year, heading up Ash Main to Great Central Lake and Dickson Lake. However, rather than returning down Ash Main after Dickson Lake, we will climb northeast to Spur 11 on the north side of the valley. We then turn south, heading down the valley on the paved Sommers and Beaver Creek Roads with a detour and stop at the Stamp River Provincial Park. After that, there is more descending on Beaver Creek Rd, with some zigzags thrown in to make it interesting, until we arrive back at the vehicles.
The distance is 70km, and the elevation gain is 775m, making this a longer gravel ride suitable for more experienced riders, including those who have ridden the Green Gravel rides and are seeking their next challenge. Plus, since this ride is designed by Eric, there is a water crossing - those of you who rode on this route last year will remember the crossing at Dickson Lake at the 32 km point - it is back again!
The ride will start at 9:00 am, and we will meet and park at The Riverbend Cafe & General Store at 8:50 am. The store is located at the corner of Russell Street and River Road in Port Alberni: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S1wppSXiBhV3T6Xd9. The store is happy for us to meet in their parking lot, but they would prefer that we park on Russell Street, as there are many street parking spaces available there.
Like most MIVA gravel rides, this one takes place in an area with limited vehicle access and 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/51949145