Victoria Triple Gravel Crown

Good idea? Bad Idea? You be the judge. But if you lament the lack of long, sustained, grueling climbs in Victoria, this may be the challenge for you. The Victoria Triple Gravel Crown or Vic 3 Gr 👑 consists of: climbing the Great Trail to Trail Way, climbing Skirt Mountain to the reservoir, then descending to the bottom of Willis Point Road and climbing up McKenzie Bight Trail.

All these climbs involve gravel trails/roads/paths (to varying degrees) and, depending on the exact connecting route, will combine for approximately 1800m - 2000m of climbing. The order is up to you, the connecting route is up to you; just complete the 3 climbs in one ride!

Vic 3 Gr Crown Route

One potential route tackles the Great Trail first (the biggest and longest climb). After a ripping fast descent, you'll wind along Humpback Road and Goldstream Avenue to approach Skirt Mountain from Leigh Road.

Although Bear Mountain Parkway is paved, a turn-off just after Pinehurst Terrace leads you up a gravel road so you may continue climbing to the summit (and water reservoir) for some terrific views of the area. If you can, plan to ride this when Foxglove is in full bloom for a real treat!

Add the Canada Cup Trail

Caution: The trails at Bear Mountain Resort are only available to pass holders at a fee of $45 per day for non-residents. Yikes! Let's hope Bear Mountain learns how to be good community members.

Another fun descent brings you to Bear Mountain Resort and the beginning of the Canada Cup Trail. This is a Cross-Country Mountain Bike Trail and is fun and challenging if you enjoy technical terrain on a gravel bike. A simple connection from Canada Cup Trail to Finlayson Arm Road could be made through Finlayson Arm Trail but this is not permitted (let's think of ways to get it open!). Instead, use the Valley Trail (gravel road) and Frisbee Trail (and powerlines) to connect to Millstream Road and eventually back to Finlayson Arm Road to hop onto Rowntree Road (gravel) and work your way back to Millstream Road.

Skipping these trails (recommended), continue along Bear Mountain Parkway, after descending Skirt Mountain, turn off onto Hannington Rd and use a short (rarely visited) section of the Canada Cup Trail (public use I beleive) to connect back to a gravel section of Hannington Rd and eventually Millstream Rd. Once on Millstream, head North until Finlayson Arm Rd for some more climbing to get up and over Rowntree Rd - a fun section of gravel!

Finally, work your way along the undulating Millstream Lake and Ross-Durrance Roads to arrive at Willis Point Road where you will descend to sea level and amble along Mark Lane to get to McKenzie Bight - the final climb. McKenzie Bight Trail is the shortest of the climbs but is initially quite punchy and challenging (your legs may be a little tired by this point). But fear not, this will be over soon with only an easy pedal back into town. I highly recommend stopping at Mosi Bakery on West Saanich Rd near Prospect Lake Rd for some needed calories.

Titanium Stem Cap Anodized with Brass finish (Shrubbery not included)

Done!

Hopefully you enjoyed the climbs and feel a sense of accomplishment! If you did, tell your friends and pass this URL around. If you really want to commemorate your achievement, contact Scott at Marley Machine Works on Instagram or Etsy for the opportunity to purchase a custom bespoke, Titanium stem cap for CDN$ 70.00. Scott, a local machinist and cycling enthusiast, is making them available at a special price with a custom "Vic 3 Gr Crown" anodization (many colours to choose from) for riders that can show proof (via Strava) of completing the ride! Otherwise, he'll be happy to sell you a beautiful, alternative stem cap.

FAQs

Is this really a thing?

I don't know. It is if other people do it I guess.

Why did you start this?

I wanted to do some climbing and thought Victoria could use a gravel version of Vancouver's Triple Crown Hill Climb. For some strange reason other riders joined and then people on social media expressed interest...

Hey, I can climb bigger mountains in Cowichan or Comox. Why didn't you use them instead?

Then it wouldn't be the Victoria Triple Gravel Crown.

Why don't you add Observatory Hill or Mt Doug to help increase the elevation?

I thought about it. But those climbs aren't gravel and the number of climbs exceeds three. But feel free to add more. It won't invalidate your accomplishment.

Why would I want to buy a Stem Cap?

Do you really need an excuse to buy a locally made Titanium component for your bike?

How come that Stem Cap isn't free?

There is no entrance fee. I can't possible justify giving these away. I have my own bike addiction so support after all.

When is Foxglove in bloom?

According to GoHiking.ca, Foxglove blooms in early summer. This undoubtedly varies from year to year, but I can confirm there was a full bloom on Skirt Mountain at the end of June 2022.

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