June 3, 2025
“Ferry”Tale Ride
Victoria to Sidney to Tsawassen First Nation
| Heart | 0 | Comment | 0 | Link |
We had a really lovely ride today , first on the Galloping Goose Trail, then on the Lochside Trail. We rolled at about 11am since we were only riding 21 flat miles to catch the 3:00 ferry from Sidney to Tsawassen.
After a bit of urban riding, the route alternated between rural roads and paved and hard-packed gravel multiuse trail. It took us through very nice and upscale waterfront neighborhoods, wetlands and farmlands.
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
| Heart | 1 | Comment | 0 | Link |
Once we were in Sidney, we navigated to the far side of town. The main highway dead-ends here at “Lands End.” Jim and I followed the signage for pedestrians while Amber followed her Garmin and ended up on the car route but it didn’t matter; we all ended up at the one and only restaurant at the Ferry Terminal for a quick lunch prior to boarding.
We were waiting to board when the ferry came in and unloaded. The ship was huge with 2 levels for vehicles. At the lower level, where the pedestrians and bikes board, the ship unloaded mostly semi-trucks with multiple trailers, fully loaded. Once the ship was empty, we loaded first and rode to the front of the lower level where there were slanted bike racks along the sides. We left the bikes there and went upstairs to find seats looking out the front.
Once we were underway, I explored the ship. Inside it had a large food operation and a well-stocked duty free touristy store. Outside I went up 2 more levels, walked along the sides, went to a really nice warm sundeck on the stern, (no wind here since the ship’s bulk blocks it,) and got as close to the bridge as I could.
We were waiting down in the lower level, right beside a huge Semi, as the ship approached the Tsawassen Ferry Terminal. The door slid open, and we could see how they lined up the ship with the dock and secured it. Once that was done, we disembarked first, before they released the vehicles behind us.
We rode out of the terminal and down a long, 2.5 mile causeway, on a 4-foot shoulder while first huge trucks, then cars wizzed by us at 65 mph. It was a little hairy, to say the least. The remaining 2 miles of our route to our hotel was through nice residential areas.
The Tsawassen Inn is quite nice. Amber and Rich have a suite, while we are in the handicap room. It isn’t a suite but it has extra wide passages and a big bathroom with a walk-in shower. The restaurant next door is excellent as well.
We are crossing back over the border to the US tomorrow. Everyone is a bit nervous about it. We’ve heard lot’s of stories about the mistreatment of people there, regardless of whether they are a citizen or not. I hope these are hyperbole; I guess we’ll see.
Today's ride: 25 miles (40 km)
Total: 105 miles (169 km)
| Rate this entry's writing | Heart | 6 |
| Comment on this entry | Comment | 2 |
I think bicycle riders are treated nicely at borders. I hope that is still true. Of course, we are gambling Jacinto's American passport meets muster on our return. Mine too, for that matter.
4 days ago
1 day ago