Here we go!
This year’s route is a bit longer than last year’s, but I know y’all are up for it.
We start in downtown Courtenay at the park just across the street from Gladstone Brewing. There’s a lot of parking either downtown, in the residential areas nearby, or even across the river at the park. From there we head north out of town along the One Spot Trail into Dove Creek. At the end of the trail, we’ll ride past the Christmas Tree Farm and onto Dove Creek Road until we get to the highway.
Head across the highway and up the Strathcona Parkway until the Duncan Bay Main crossing. Turn left and follow the forestry road (be careful, these are working roads and logging trucks HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY), until the gate at Constitution main. From there it’s a short ramble until Wolf Lake where we’ll chill for a hot minute or two.
Next it gets interesting. We go up! This is an out and back hill with some amazing views, no cars and just great vibes. The nice thing about the out and back is when you feel like putting in the towel you can head back down and chill at the lake until the group comes back down. It does get steep, but have no fear. I’ve had to get off and hike every time I’ve been up here, so don’t feel bad!
Then friggen send it all the way back down.
Once we all gather ourselves and dust ourselves off, we’ll head back to the main road and civilization. However, we’re only 1/3 done (ish) at this point. Head back down the hill, across the highway again and this time turn on to South Farnham Road. (Crossed out part because of the road closure on Duncan Bay Main). Eagle-eyed Ramblers will recognize this from last year. We’ll mosey on down past the ruins again, probably stopping for a pic or two at the neato graffito, before heading in to Merville proper. Head on to Headquarters road and race the doggo up the hill, then coast down Merville Road (it just changes names) until we get to the Merville Store.
From there we’re jumping the highway again, heading up Sackville. Keep going up and up the road, then at the very end there’s a tiny hidden trail. Yeet yourself down there and follow the trail until it comes out on Tasman road (we’re going on the down hill way, not the across way. It’ll make sense once we’re out there). Skrrt down Tasman and at the end is a hidden gem of a trail that’ll connect us out to Walden Road.
Let’s ride past the rich people, then turn right on Left (haha) and head towards Coleman road. Next fun bit is Seal Bay. After turning on to Hardy Road, we’ll stop and have a breath at the Seal Bay parking lot. Then it’s the latter half of the forest loop, which should spit us out right on Bates road.
Follow Bates all the way to the end, then do the same for Waveland, and then turn towards the BC Ferries terminal. We’ll turn right towards Little River, and follow the road until Kin Beach. A short punchy climb and we’re back up past the Griffin Pub, then riding past the airport.
Third exit at the traffic circle, then take Knight Road ALL THE WAY to Point Holmes. This is one of the prettiest roads in the Comox Valley, so enjoy this shit. Great place to stop, have a snakky and cool your feet in the ocean.
Once we’re up and going again, take Lazo Road into Comox, do a little jaunt onto Balmoral, then we want to be heading right downtown Comox. It’s a pretty little town with good bike lanes, so no stress. Before dropping down the big hill outta town, you’re gonna wanna turn right onto Glacier View Road, and RIIIDE it all the way to Ryan Road. This is also a great road to ride, so enjoy the twists and turns. Cross Ryan Road and go to the v. end of Back Road. There’s a small park here, go through, then cross the highway to the little Dingwall Doohickey that sticks out. Maybe wait for Marc here, because it makes sense to a local.
Almost done now. Turn onto Headquarters and follow that all the way as it turns into Piercy. Then get back on Condensory and we’re homeward bound. At the end of the road will be beer, burgers and your car!