Another grand ride through remote backroads on the North Island. I didn't really start from Sayward, but from Sayward junction (where I left my car) along the North Island Highway, about 65 kms north of Campbell River. The scenic village of Sayward, along with Kelsey Bay Harbour, with camping, services and restaurants, is 10kms east off the highway, along the east Island coast. Lunch break along NE shores of remote Vernon Lake, south of Woss, on the 2nd day of my ride. As you can see, the weather was totally cooperating. I went for a short lunchtime swim. Check out the route map at the bottom of the page. This ride was a 3 day loop. Day 1, I headed SW from Sayward following the White River u
Affectionately known as 'The Rock', Texada is the largest of the Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia. It's 50kms long and 10kms wide, aligned with the nearby rugged Sunshine Coast. It's accessible via a 20 minute ferry hop from Powell River to Blubber Bay, originally a base for whaling. There's daily flights into the small airport. Coming from Courtenay, I took a 630 ferry to Powell River in time for a relaxed 830 connection on to Texada. I was riding by 9am. With a population of over 1,000, and 3 ferry connections to get there from Vancouver, Texada is no bustling hub. Traffic is limited ... in other words, perfect for cycle tourists. Fabulous oceanside at Shingle Beach Campground Texada
