Riding in the San Juans

[Connie]

It used to be that you have the ferry fees going up but not coming back down. So, when you plan your trip and if you plan to visit more than one island go to the island that is further up the chain first then make your way back so that when you get off the ferry you won't have to keep paying every time you get back on. I hope that makes sense! I've only riden Lopez because that is suppose to be the flatest island of them all. I didn't have any problems but that was years ago. I'm hoping to do it again this summer. It's much better to walk on the ferry with your bike and leave your car on the mainland. I've also done the kayak tour out of Friday Harbor and we did get to see whales. It was pretty neat! The boats are suppose to keep there distance from the whales. It's illegal to chase them or at least it used to be. I hope you have a wonderful trip!

[Susan Otcenas]

Sorry for the delayed reply.

Thank you ALL for your wonderful advice. So much to see, so little time!

We'll be spending 7 nights in Victoria. I have rides planned 4 of those days, one of which includes a ride to Salt Spring Island.

After Victoria, I have 3 nights/4 days to explore the San Juans. I want to make the most of our time, without feeling "rushed". I'm hoping to visit 2 islands (maybe 3) in that time period. I'll need to end up in Port Angeles, where I'm planning on leaving my truck on the way to Victoria.

I should also mention that we'll be on our tandem (having been to the tandem rally in Victoria) and will be doing much of our riding hauling our panniers. We'll definitely do the B&B thing - no camping! The older I get, the more I appreciate a hot shower and a soft bed at the end of a long day of cycling.

Jesvetmed - thanks for the book reference. I'll go see if I can hunt it down.

Susan - I'll let you know about the maps. It's a long way off yet, so I have plenty of time to dream up cycling routes.....I'll be sure to ask your opinion on some proposed routes, as I get closer to the trip.

Thanks again ladies!

Susan

[Grog]

Cool plan, Susan!

If you want, I think I still have somewhere a route around the Saanich Peninsula that my husband and I did. Around 100 km, lots of rollers and quite nice scenery. We did that route over and over again when we lived there for just a month.

Watch for deer on Saltspring Island. It was introduced by Europeans settlers and has no natural predator. There are LOTS of them and they tend to just jump in front of you at any time.

Have a great trip!!

[jobob]

These are great maps - Lee and I used them when we stayed in Victoria & cycled on Vancouver Island:
http://www.gvcc.bc.ca/touring.shtml

You can view the maps here:
http://www.gvcc.bc.ca/recrides.shtml

Lee & I rode the combined Loops 1 & 2 shown on the Saanich map - it was a great day!

Don't forget to check out Butchart Gardens & the Butterfly Museum.

[Susan Otcenas]

Jobob,

Thanks for the great links!

THe first day of the tandem rally is an organized route to Butchart Gardens, including special admissions rate for rally participants. I noticed on the map that it was close to the Butterfly Gardens, so I'm pretty sure we'll make an "unscheduled" stop there as well.

I'm so excited about this trip. But, it's still 5.5 months away.

Susan

[Dianyla]

Chiming in late to second the recommendation to visit Orcas Island and riding up Mt. Constitution. On a day with good visibility it's stunning.

Also, there's a rather nice hippie-ish clothing optional hotsprings at Doe Bay, on Orcas.