August 16, 2025
Day 1: Vancouver to Cowichan Valley
The day starts off rainy so I ride to downtown Vancouver then fast-forward with the 257 express to Horseshoe Bay.
The vibes are very cheerful as we meet and check out each others' setups. Rallies are really just big tech nerd-outs. On the ferry, we rush portside for the whale sighting. I start scarfing down my croissant ends with pepperoni sticks. Always be eating (ABE).
As we roll out into Nanaimo, it's misting, and we fall into natural pods of three to five. Lots of movement in the first two hours as we settle into our paces. Also, quite a few mechanicals on the road -- Lauren's disk brake rub, Bronwyn's first flat, Michaela's first flat. Once we get out of Nanaimo, it's blue skies and open road.
We stop for our first snack break in Ladysmith, where there's a car show going on. Apparently there's a bylaw that dogs are not permitted on this street!
Then before long, the Cowichan Valley Trail. We're cruising along as a group of seven. Then a stop at Country Grocer in Duncan where I get water, a bag of cucumbers, and a pint of blueberries. Unlike most people, I didn't bring a water filter (weenie behaviour #1), so I've got to get my "city water" in. In the last 10k to the campground, Maddie and I are punching it.
The road dropping into Stolz Pool campground was such a groovy dream. I push away the thought of having to climb back out tomorrow. I had my no-stove dinner (weenie tip #2), and some of Tiff's instant mee goreng. Emma made her own dehydrated curry that she heated up with a jetboil. It's fun to see the variety in people's meals.
The mosquitos are coming out, so I retreat to my tent. Dara's got some battery-powered ambient lighting in the tent. It's a really nice touch. Day 1, done!
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