Try this cycling loop on Denman Island

By Keith and Heather Nicol

May can be a great month for cycling in the Comox Valley with trees in bloom and temperatures that are perfect for cycling. So on May 8 , 15 cyclists from the Evergreen Cycling Club headed to nearby Denman Island to cycle an easy to do loop. Note that although the distances are not too long – cycling on Denman like many Gulf Islands is hilly. In our group most people used e bikes which of course tended to flattened the hills but 5 people were on peddle bikes so got a chance to use their low gears. Denman has no shoulders for cycling but the lack of traffic –especially  this time of year makes it a relaxing place to cycle. 

We caught the 10 am ferry from Buckley Bay and soon were presented with our first steep hill just a few meters after we off loaded from the ferry. We turned right on Lacon Road to avoid the main traffic artery of Denman Road. Next we took Mcfarlane Road to East Road which took us back toward Fillongley Park where we had a perfect lunch spot overlooking the ocean.  From there most cyclists took at loop which included Pickles Road to Northwest Road but I headed back directly back to catch an earlier ferry to get ready for guests arriving from Newfoundland. My loop was about 22 km and the larger loop would be closer to 30 km.  Bikes are a great way to explore the islands like Denman and the Evergreen Club usually does trips to Quadra and Hornby as well. 

The Evergreen Cycling Club welcomes cyclists over 55 years of age and for more information contact: ejkimball62@gmail.com   They head out on their bikes twice a week through the year weather permitting.