Five intrepid riders gathered at Hatley Park at 9:00 to start the ride to Sooke Basin – Norm T and John did not arrive (Norm could not make the early time and John was late due to equipment forgotten at home). Rusty arrived at Hatley by car and joined Jack, Ian, Dave N. and Hans to set out at 9:05 having shed extra layers due to the warm sunny weather.

A brisk but comfortable pace was set with the usual route followed to Rocky Point Rd. (where John joined briefly to say hello and make his presence known). The five continued down the Goose (John riding roads and hills) and enjoyed the shade of the woods on this section with Hans leading a fast pace down the slope to Matheson Lake parking. Jack then took a slower pace past the Matheson Lake viewpoint and the section overlooking Roche Cove to Gillespie Rd. Beyond that, the trail led to one of the steep gravely dips (which Jack had professed would not be there) which caused some confusion and disarray in the group. But shortly after that, the promised view of Sooke Basin came into site and a cool (almost cold) breeze came off the water and a fog bank could be seen over East Sooke. All agreed that the extra 10 Km was (except for the dip) probably the most scenic and enjoyable section of the Goose trail and especially pleasant on a such a hot sunny day.

The ride back up the slope was also set at a brisk pace (the dip managed in a more orderly fashion) with Jack falling somewhat behind keeping his HR down in the 140’s range. Again the shade was much appreciated. Ian waited a short time for Jack at the Rocky Point Rd. junction and all set off down the hill to My Chosen Coffee. where Norm T. and Bob were waiting (for some time) in the sunshine. John soon joined and all eight riders gathered around one table to enjoy the usual stories and conversation. It appears the 9th rider (Jeff) set out from home to join us at coffee but (being from Victoria) got lost in the West Shore and took some grand circle route that didn’t include the coffee shop.

A good fast pace was set coming back with now eight riders in the group. Traffic on the trail was quite light so the return ride was pleasant and uneventful – riders dropping off as required along the way.

This is a longer ride (Jack 60 Km and Ian and Hans 80 Km +) but very pleasant and doable so could be added for the Summer months in our itinerary of rides. There are a few variations possible that can get to the same coffee shop and time with shorter rides and later starts.

In this week’s bonus section:

Canada loses one its best cyclists

and a reminder to exercise extra caution when on the road.