Coal City Cycles Gravel Ride
9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
This week we'll be meeting at Coal City Cycles due to the continuing wildfire situation.
These are friendly, non-competitive, no-drop rides, meaning we'll regroup to make sure no one gets left behind. Routes can involve varied terrain ranging from gravel roads, single and double track, and occasionally some hike-a-bike sections. They are intermediate skill level and are best enjoyed on a gravel bike with tires 38mm or larger.
Rides can include remote areas without vehicle access or cell service. Riders are expected to be prepared for longer rides, carrying supplies for basic mechanicals, fuel and hydration.
These rides are limited to club members.
Timberland Lake and Mindy’s Bridge
9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Starting and ending across from the airport in Cassidy, this gravel ride takes us to some beautiful lakes and bridges. We will begin by riding over a hidden little wooden bridge at the end of Angus Road to Spruston Road (FYI, the bridge is called the Haslam Creek Bridge on Google Maps, but it is not shown on most other maps). We then have a paved road climb up Spruston Rd toward McKay Lake. Just before the Spruston Horse Staging Area, we hit gravel and cut across to the beautiful Timberland Lake. There is a short hike-a-bike diversion to a stunning viewpoint and swimming spot on the west shore of Timberland Lake. If the sun is out, swimming is a possibility, so plan accordingly.
There is a slightly tricky section at the 9.5km mark on an old paved(!) trail overlooking McKay Lake, where a very deep trench has been dug to deactivate the road. Look carefully, and you'll see a decent walking path going very slightly down the bank to the right of the trench. You will need to carry your bike for approximately 100m here. Riding to Mindy's Bridge, a spectacular suspension bridge over Haslam Creek, also involves some technical single-track trail, but it is only 500m, so walking this section is also an option. We’ll then ride Bush Main to Ladysmith and return on a mixture of paved and gravel roads on the west side of the highway.
We'll be meeting on Vowel Rd near the Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses https://maps.app.goo.gl/oWXutK85fT4dPA6a9, across the highway from Cassidy Airport. Recommended parking is on the side of the road at the Hall of the Jehovah's Witnesses. For anyone looking for a longer ride, you're welcome to ride to the starting point from Nanaimo.
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 three-hour ride, carrying supplies for basic mechanical needs, food, and lots of hydration.
This ride requires an MIVA membership, or you can try two MIVA events with a signed waiver. Waivers can be found on the "About Us" page: either print, sign and bring along, or fill it out and email it to miva.board@gmail.com