Beach Bike 2018

There is nothing quite like a cool breeze off the ocean on a hot day!  Or dipping your tired toes into the soothing sands of a beach.  Both were welcome on the Beach Bike as we crossed the Saanich Peninsula’s trails and country roads in search of nourishment and views.  We had the pleasure of exploring the country markets of Central and North Saanich providing us with tasty treats and wonderful scents.  The berries are at their peak deliciousness and the lavender exploding in aroma.  Both markets provide a cornacopia of locals goods, veggies, flowers and beverage tastings.  Along with the markets, we had two unique stops adding to the flavours along the trail with welcoming smiles from our hosts and stories to share.  First, we dropped in to Snowden House to sample the delicious flavoured vinegars, a good healthy treat, especially the infused water on a hot day.  And then, an impromptu stop a beautiful private garden, Japanese-style.  A peaceful oasis offering colour and rest on a warm day.

 

 

 

 

Lunch brought to a comfortable deli with fresh paninis and baked goods to die for …. samples all round were devoured and fingers licked. 

However, the purpose of our ride, beaches!  And three special spots were visited in the journey … a hidden gem, a Hollywood star and treasure chest of favourite fragments.  The first, not so hidden, as it lies at the end of Beach Road, is a quiet place for soaking in the sun and watching the boat traffic to and fro.  The second gained world-wide notice as the scene of the crime in the 2016 Gracepoint series.  Its stunning vistas of the San Juan Islands and Mt. Baker beckon many to the take in this Island View.  And our third is the beach to find those smooth coloured flecks of glass.  

 

 

 

 

The best of the day was finishing the ride with everyone’s favourite treat, ice cream!  The cool creamy smooth tastes of Rocky Raspberry, Mango, Tiger Tiger and Rocky Road were devoured by all while reminiscing about the hills, the tumbles, the views and the joy of cycling with a fun group.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ice cream cheers to you! Ride ON!