This took place before social distancing was a thing. If you’re going to ride, make sure you do so responsibly.
Back in November, before the world changed multiple times, I got an Instagram message saying that a few of the guys would be coming up to ride on Salt Spring for the day and were wondering if I could show them around a bit.
During my time on the island, I explored a lot of the roads. While I didn’t get absolutely everywhere, I did manage to find a few interesting places. I asked if they were ready for some climbing, and everyone was on board. We met at around 1 or so at a local pub before heading out on the ride.
I wanted to take them around the north end of the island, so we started out in that direction. The first big Salt Spring feature was “The Dip” which is a steep descent followed quickly by an equally steep climb. From there we took one of the more scenic routes north, down Walker’s Hook Road. Adam got stopped by a flat tire, something about electrical tape not being a great rim strip. We kept going along the water, past where an alleged cult was rumoured to be hanging out, and up a deceptively steep climb onto the main road.
From there we continued north to Southey Point, before heading south again. A bit confusing, I know, but the point was named after a guy named Southey, not anything to do with the direction. Following a route that used to be the race circuit for the BC provincial road championships, we turned off and went up into the Channel Ridge area. Channel Ridge was at one time going to be the next village site on the island, but all that was stopped by a water moratorium, lawsuits ensued and eventually the project ended up at a standstill, with construction equipment and offices now abandoned.
Local kids have gotten a hold of the abandoned mess, and turned it into an apocalyptic space that seems a bit ominous now considering everything. However, there is nothing like riding on abandoned roads.
One of my favourite bits of this area is the abandoned show home that is sitting empty on an island struggling with a housing crisis. It also has one of the best views on the island.
A quick descent back into the real world, we zipped through town and I sent the boys on their way to the ferry. They ended up riding back to Victoria (50 km) in the dark.