Resources
Researching new routes and planning new adventures is often an enjoyable task, with the promise of the next amazing ride starting to come into focus. But the more trails you ride and further your explorations push you, the more you'll venture into low-to-no information areas.
Here are some resources to help you get the most information for your next big outing in and around Victoria.
Tools and Information
Plotaroute.com - One of many route planning applications (web based) that can be used to design cycling routes. Plotaroute is a powerful tool and reasonably intuitive (with video tutorials when it is not) and the free tier contains many useful features and map details. Importantly, it is easy to export a route to a file format compatible with GPS navigation cycling computers (i.e. .fit for Garmin). Other powerful tools include: Komoot, Ride with GPS, Strava (paid members only), and Garmin Connect Courses.
TrailForks - A fantastic tool for discovering trails that are not visible on map layers - either too new or unsanctioned. Most blue trails should be rideable for an experienced gravel rider so many of the trails will be relevant when planning gravel routes. However, take into consideration that there can be a wide discrepency between trail difficutly amoung the various bike parks.
Strava Heatmaps - Strava members (even free account holders) have access to the very useful Strava Heatmap: a global footprint showing where other cyclists have ridden before. This is helpful when trying to determine if a trail is cycleable. But don't use this exclusively! There are plenty of rideable trails in the CRD that show no or very low heatmap activity.
GravelMap - A seeminlgy global, community driven resource of gravel segments (paths or roads). The site is a bit slow and clunky but can be a good resource when exploring possible routes away from home.
TripReport - A new tool (currently under development) from a local rider that shows gravel paths, roads, and other important features (i.e. campsites, restaurants, etc.) on a map. Similar to GravelMap but with a more engaging and richer interface and focused on Southwest BC.
CRD Water Supply Area - This large, natural area is a mystery (little information available) and not meant for recreational use. Stay out and help keep the water supply safe and clean! But it's good to know where the boundaries are so you don't innocently plan a route and find yourself blocked by a red gate!
Gravel Cycling Clubs
Planning gravel routes is great, but big bike rides with other people are even better. Victoria has an excellent cycling community and gravel is a growing part of it.
Tripleshot Cycling is Victoria's largest cycling club, boasting over 300 members participating in road, gravel and mountain bike rides. The club is well organized and uses Spond (web + mobile app) to help organize daily/weekly rides and numerous special events.
Victoria Wheelers, established over 50 years ago, is Victoria's oldest cycling club and offers a spirited Saturday road ride and now a Sunday morning gravel ride too.
Highlands Athletics Club is a new club offering gravel rides with a focus on fun. Rides seem to be organized / promoted solely through social media.
Other Resources
About The Ride is a site from local cycling enthusiast, Dave, covering a wide variety of topics on road, gravel, and cyclocross in Victoria (and Vancouver Island). Check out the popular Victoria Segment Challenge while you are there!