June 23 - Bonus Day 1
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Arrived at UBC in Vancouver a little later than expected. The dark conditions made it a bit hard to see signs as I was driving around the campus trying to find the check in location but find it I did with some help from Vernon Outdoors Club friends that were going to drive my van back to Vernon after doing some touring. Thank you Richard and Lois.
It is now 3:30 in the morning of the 23rd. Problem with first days for me is that small bit of adrenaline excitement that just keeps me from getting a good nights sleep at the beginning of new ventures. I did get a chance to meet some of the other riders just after getting organized in my room as well as our driver for the summer(Mark) and the Tour organizer(Bud). Also had a first look at a trip sheet. The one side had a map with the streets we would be riding on labeled while the other side held detailed instructions for each intersection and at what odometer reading we would be needing to make turns (assuming we do not mess up our odometers by taking a wrong turn). Did spend some time organizing what I wanted to have for this 2 day bonus of the ride as we will not have our gear with us in Victoria, just what we decide we want to carry on our bikes. Shall try and get more sleep but I already hear the birds starting to chirp away outside my window.
Today was an optional ride to Victoria. A lot of the riders like to start right at Mile 0 on the Trans Canada Highway as we will be ending at Mile 0 on the other side of the country in St. John's. Tour du Canada does organize a two day option to Victoria that is done before the Tour officially starts with Orientation on June 25th.
Our trip started with a ride from UBC into Richmond towards the bike shuttle service that would take us through the Deas Island Tunnel so we could continue cycling to the ferry.
Paying the toll to the ferryman.
Stowing the bikes.
Grabbing some grub.
View from the ferry.
Once on the island, we had a beautiful scenic ride into downtown Victoria to the Youth Hostel where 22 bikes created a bit of a parking problem but this worked to keep them safe.
Easy dinner at Don Mee's, most dinners will not be this fancy or easy for us over the summer.
The tall ships were in Victoria Harbor. Made some nice shots along with the Government buildings.
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