July brings blue skies, warm temperatures — and lots of bike-related events! Be sure to check back, I'll be updating the list as the month goes on. Know about an upcoming event? Pass it on!
Trans-Form speaker series: As Easy as Riding a Bike
The Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition presents the first instalment in its Trans-Form speaker series. Chris and Melissa Bruntlett, of Vancouver’s Modacity, will present several short films and a slideshow about the joys of biking in the city, the “everyday act of pleasurable (and sustainable) mobility.”
When: July 11, 7 - 9 p.m.
Where: St. Ann’s Academy Auditorium, 835 Humboldt St.
Tickets: Suggested donation of $5
For more information: gvcc.bc.ca/july-11-presentation-as-easy-as-riding-a-bike
Theatre SKAM’s Bike Ride
Theatre SKAM’s annual summer project Bike Ride is an outdoor live performance festival event that is suitable for the whole family (read about it here). Bike Ride is a series of short shows presented along a four-kilometre stretch of the Galloping Goose Trail. Audiences ride bikes from show to show.
When: July 12-13 and 19-20, 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. (last tours depart at 6:30)
Where: Cecilia Ravine Park (475 Burnside Rd. East)
Tickets: Adults (13+), $15 in advance, $20 on site; children (12 and under), free; two-day passes $25. Advance tickets are available at TicketRocket.org or by calling 250-590-6291.
For more information: skam.ca/bike-ride
GVCC theme ride: Magical Historical Tour
An easy 20-kilometre tour led by historian John Adams, offering a spell-binding look at Victoria’s past. Be sure to bring a lunch!
When: July 12, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Ride starts and ends at Centennial Square, by Victoria City Hall
Tickets: Suggested donation $5
For more information: gvcc.bc.ca/theme-rides
HarbourCats Bike to the Park Day
Hey baseball fans! The July 12 game is Bike to the Park day. Grab the family, jump on your bikes and pedal down to Royal Athletic Park for the 1:05pm start as the HarbourCats take on the Medford Rogues. $5 admission for anyone who comes on a bike. Secure bike area inside the park for bike storage.
When: July 12, 1:05 p.m.
Where: Royal Athletic Park, Caledonia Avenue at Cook Street, Victoria
Tickets: $5 admission to the game if you arrive on a bike (regular $9.50-$14.50)
For more information: facebook.com/HarbourCats
Gather for an urban street event on Rockland Avenue Greenway
The Greater Victoria Placemaking Network, an informal group of citizens dedicating to improving our shared public spaces, meets to discuss how to create great public spaces in Greater Victoria. There is no set agenda, but discussion is expected to touch on making the closed stretch of Rockland, near Christ Church Cathedral, a better space. Bring refreshments, chairs, games, hockey sticks, music, food.
When: July 12, 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Square, Quadra Street at Rockland Avenue, by Christ Church Cathedral
Tickets: None
For more information: meetup.com/Greater-Victoria-Placemaking-Network
Salmon Fest – Rock the Boat
Salmon barbeque by donation to the Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock, which raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
When: July 19, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Thrifty Foods, Hillside Avenue (Hillside mall)
For more information: tourderock.ca/upcoming-events
Taste for the Tour
Join us at the Bay Street Armoury in the Curry Room for the Cops for Cancer inaugural whiskey tasting. Sample the Macallan and Highland Park with brand ambassador Dan Volway. Includes appetizers before and after the whiskey tasting.
When: July 25, 6-10 p.m.
Where: Bay Street Armoury, 713 Bay St. (between Blanshard and Douglas)
Tickets: $50, available at the Oak Bay police station, 1703 Monterey Ave.
For more information: [email protected] or [email protected]
2014 Tour Disaster
The 2014 Tour Disaster is designed to demonstrate the important role cyclists can play in an emergency response. After an earthquake in Victoria, cyclists may be able to access roads, pathways and bridges that vehicles can't, to help move people, information and materials from one location to another.
Part cycling rally, part emergency exercise, the 2014 Tour Disaster will have cyclists work their way through a series of tasks that could be required following a community-wide emergency. Tasks will include moving supplies and information, searching for lost individuals, and conducting damage assessments within a local neighbourhood – all while navigating through a simulated damaged or congested transportation system.
When: July 26
Where: Victoria
Registration is limited to 50 cyclists. A pre-registration form is available here [opens PDF]. Contact Victoria Emergency Management Agency at [email protected]
250-920-3373.
For more information: victoria.ca/EN/main/departments/emergency-preparedness/2014-tour-disaster.html
GVCC theme ride: Architectural Tour
Come and learn about architecture in our city in a 20-kilometre tour lead by architects and designers. Be sure to bring a lunch! Presented by the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition and Architectural Institute of British Columbia.
When: July 26, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Ride starts and ends at Centennial Square, by Victoria City Hall
Tickets: Suggested donation $5
For more information: gvcc.bc.ca/theme-rides
