Does it get any better than riding a bike around Victoria in August? While an impromptu ride and picnic are an excellent way to spend a summer day, there are plenty of events going on if you prefer something a bit more structured.
Be sure to check back, as I'll be updating the list as the month goes on. Know about an upcoming event? Pass it on!
To see future events, visit my calendar.
Guided tour: Bike Ride Back in Time
Cycle back in time with CRD Regional Parks’ naturalists along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail from Sooke Potholes to the northern terminus at Kapoor Regional Park. Learn about the historic area of Leechtown and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this wilderness area. Bring your own bicycle, lunch, water and snacks. Participants must be at least 16 years old.
When: Aug. 9, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Sooke Potholes Regional Park (Sooke)
Tickets: There is no fee, but you must pre-register as space is limited. Call 250-478-3344 by Aug. 8.
For more information: CRD Events, 250-478-3344
Logan’s Bike Run
The Free-B Film Fest is showing the ’70s sci-fi classic Logan’s Run in Beacon Hill Park. We thought this was the perfect opportunity to have some fun, ride with friends, catch a free movie, and collect socks for the Dandelion Society.
When: Aug. 9. Meet at Logan’s at 7 p.m., ride at 8:30 p.m., movie at 9 p.m.
Where: Meet at Logan’s Pub, 1821 Cook St.
Tickets: Bring a pair of clean, new socks to donate to the Dandelion Society and get 50 per cent off an entree, plus a chance to win prizes.
For more information: Logan’s Bike Run
Trans-Form speaker series: Building Momentum
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition and Capital Regional District present Trans-Form: Building Momentum with Dr. Meghan Winters and Dr. Denver Nixon.
How do we encourage more people to travel by bike? Speakers will dispel cycling safety myths and explore how driving, walking and cycling shape our experience of moving through our environment.
The Trans-Form Speaker Series is sparking a dialogue in the capital region focused on city-building, vibrant public spaces, accessible mobility, health, urban design, and livability.
When: Aug. 14, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson St.
Tickets: By donation
For more information: gvcc.bc.ca/trans-form-speaker-series-building-momentum
Integrate Bike Tour
Join us for an incredible bike tour of art spaces surrounding the downtown core! Expert facilitators with lead you to amazing locations with events for you and your family! The tour will end at 3 p.m. at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria for an amazing show and free entrance to the gallery.
When: Aug. 16, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Meet at the HQ, 1501 Douglas St.
Tickets: Free, bring your own bike
For more information: integratearts.ca/events
GVCC theme ride: Heritage Tour
Tour heritage houses and buildings with commentary about the properties provided by the Hallmark Heritage Society. The ride is approximately 20 easy kilometres within the Fernwood area. Be sure to bring a lunch!
When: Aug. 17, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Ride starts and ends at the Belfry Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Ave.
Tickets: Suggested donation $5
For more information: gvcc.bc.ca/theme-rides
Decision-Makers: Ride the Vancouver Facilities Tour
Take a trip to Vancouver to explore the city’s bicycle network. There will be frequent stops to observe and discuss infrastructure, successes, and challenges with City of Vancouver staff.
When: Aug. 19
Where: Departing Beaver Lake at 7 a.m. bound for Vancouver
Tickets: $195, includes transportation, bike rental and bruch. Early-bird rate of $180 expires Aug. 11.
For more information: civicinfo.bc.ca/event/2014/vancouverbikeride.php
Webinar: Transform Bicycling and Walking Outside the Urban Context
Bring your lunch and join us for this engaging and informative webinar, Transform Bicycling & Walking Outside the Urban Context.
When: Aug. 20, 12 - 1 p.m.
Where: CRD - Parks, 490 Atkins Ave., Langford. Please note that if you are unable to join us at this location, you may register and attend the webinar from any location – please visit APBP for more information on costs and registration.
Tickets: Free, please RSVP to [email protected]
For more information: civicinfo.bc.ca/302e.asp?eventid=4075
Big Font fundraising concert
One night only — Aug. 22 — you can experience the majesty of the band Big Font, made up of former Tour de Rock riders Ed Bain, Andy Dunstan, Bill Fry, Jack Knox and Alex Yelovatz. All proceeds support Tour de Rock and the Canadian Cancer Society.
When: Aug. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Trek Bikes store, 338 Catherine St.
Tickets: $20, includes entrance, a beverage and a burger. You can pick up tickets in advance from the Trek Bikes store at 338 Catherine St. or contact Times Colonist reporter Katie DeRosa at [email protected] to pick them up at the Times Colonist building.
For more information: One night only to see international cover band sensation: Big Font!
Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria
Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria is a supported mass-participation cycling event for riders of all fitness levels. Riders can pedal 45, 105 or 150 kilometres. The event is produced by the Ryder's Cycling Society of Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting cycling across the country.
When: Aug. 24
Where: Participants start at the Inner Harbour, in Langford and in Sidney, depending on the distance they are riding. The finish line is near the legislature on Belleville Street.
Tickets: Registration is $97 for the 45-km route and $200 for the 105- and 200-km routes. The event is free to watch.
For more information: tourdevictoria.com
The Great Gatsbowl
Enjoy a night of 1920s-style lawn bowling, cocktails and prizes to support the Canadian Cancer Society. Hosted by Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock riders Katie DeRosa (Times Colonist) and Chandler Grieve (CTV).
Prizes will be available for the best-dressed team, the team who raises the most for the Canadian Cancer Society (donation forms will be provided upon registration) and of course, the lawn bowling champions.
Cocktails will be on offer from the magical mixologists at Little Jumbo. Hors d'oeuvres and light snacks will be available thanks to a generous donation from Thrifty’s.
When: Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club, 720 Belleville St.
Tickets: $25 per person, teams of four, must 19+ to register. To register, contact Alissa Laurin at 250-414-6586 or email [email protected]
For more information: Great Gatsbowl
