The naturally flowing, cool mountain water of the Sooke River carves out the unique "potholes" swimming area, miles away from the crowds and the city life. This is the starting point of a cycling adventure that will lead you through the wilderness of the Sooke Hills, down the mountain to the Sooke Harbour basin, through beautiful Roche Cove, serene Matheson Lake and along several kilometers of rolling country farmlands above the beaches that surround idyllic Metchosin. Stopping for photographs and simply being "out there" is what this tour is all about. From the mountains to the seashore, enjoy a day on the trails Victoria's West Shore locals have come to treasure and love. Ride: easy; distance: approx. 50 kms. (Included: Hybird bike, helmet, water bottle, maps, one-way shuttle service)

For our self-guided rides we take riders in our van with all the riding equipment necessary, out to a preferred drop-off location along the Galloping Goose Trail system. Riders are then fitted for the bikes and given final instructions for their self-guided ride back to Victoria. These rides are a great way to see the countryside of Greater Victoria and at your own pace.

Sooke Pot Holes Self Guided Bicycle Adventure in Victoria Length: apx 50 kms  Prices - including tax Our Adult Retail Rate: $78.95 Our Adult Internet Rate: $73.95 Savings: $5.00 Time: Leave daily at 10:00am - May 15th to October 15th  Summary: Tour does not include hotel pick up; central meeting location in Victoria will be specified on your E-Ticket. Rates are in US dollars and include taxes. This tour requires a minimum of 4 people. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-848-0742. ** You will receive an E-Ticket for your tour/activity. We attempt to provide your E-Ticket within 72 hours (if your tour/activity is in less than 10 days). If your tour/activity is within the next 72 hours, your E-Ticket will be processed as quickly as possible. You will need to print your E-Ticket at www.reserve123.com/tickets; you must have your E-Ticket, or you will be charged again with no refund. There is a $3.95 processing fee per order. This is a flat fee regardless of the number of tickets or tours purchased on an order.

Idyllic, naturally spectacular, and officially proclaimed "The Cycling Capital of Canada", Victoria is now known as more than just the "City of Gardens". Conde Nast Traveler rates Vancouver Island as the "#1 most beautiful Temperate Zone Island in the world", and you can explore it on two wheels with programs designed by knowledgeable local experts.

General Information

Upon your arrival you will be outfitted with a state of the art hybrid or mountain bike tailored to your adventure. We believe there is no better way to see Victoria and the Gulf Islands than to do it on our custom mountain bikes made here in Canada by Rocky Mountain.
We will supply the most up-to-date equipment available for our cycling adventure, and will try to accommodate minor customization requirements. Helmets are mandatory equipment and are the law in most areas. Bring your own saddle/seat if you have a particular preference. Arrangements can be made at the time of booking for adaptation, pick-up and storage prior to your arrival. Additional service charges may apply.
If you wish to bring your own bicycle you may, however road bikes are not recommended for our back roads and we will not be responsible for the shipping or handling of your personal equipment. It is best to check with us before you decide to bring your own bike.
We love our Rocky Mountains, and for our tour packages we draw upon three exceptional bikes by our favorite Canadian cycle company.

Weather and Temperatures:

Victoria is a coastal city located on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, approximately 154 km northwest of Seattle, Washington, and approximately 65 km southeast of Vancouver BC. Boasting the mildest climate in Canada due to the warmer Pacific Ocean currents, we are mild at any time of the year. Light to heavy rain will occur in the fall and spring (but rain is usually our friend here and is brief in peak season), however we are normally dry and warm in the summer. Mediterranean style climates are often found in the Gulf Islands in the summer, where hot and dry is the rule, not the exception.
Thus, Victoria, being closer to the open ocean entrances, is more so subject to sudden changing conditions. This is the norm for a coastal environment; however, with the US Olympic Mountain Range to our south, we experience a rain shadow that sees more rain fall north or east of us than on us. This is the main reason for the difference in weather patterns as opposed to Seattle or Vancouver, and even as close to us as central Vancouver Island.
Winds during the summer months are predominantly from the southwest during the summer months; easterly in the winter. Afternoon thermals on the Victoria waterfront during the summer are very predictable.
Terrain:

Our converted rail-trails are mainly flat with no more than a 3% grade anywhere on the trail. However this is not the norm for Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands! Be prepared for some vigorous but enjoyable, and mostly moderate, hills. We cannot stress enough the importance of some pre-tour conditioning before your rides.
Although short and sweet, we are a mountainous area, and light workout hill climbs are inevitable.

What to bring:

Extra clothing like socks, shirts and riding shorts. A light rain-resistant jacket and pull over pants for the summer and heavy rain gear for the winter. If you are caught in a short burst of rain, breathable quick dry clothing is ideal.

What NOT to bring:

Unless you plan to stick specifically to the main highway or some of the main thoroughfares, leave your road bikes at home! Roads are rough in some areas, especially in the Gulf Island's, where roads are narrow, old and in disrepair. Often off-road trails are attractive and lead to many exciting destinations. Road bikes are not recommended; however good hybrids are perfect. MTB trail bikes are good, but may be too much in some instances unless cross-terrain tires are used. Winter jackets and heavy clothing is not necessary, but bring something to keep warm at night when the sun goes down and the sea cools the air...refreshing! Fleece vests are ideal!

Medical:

It is imperative to have a medical and physical assessment before any long distance ride or tour. Guides will have specific medical information (which should be supplied by each client at the time of initial registration), and it should be verified that this information is included with the guides' trip notes prior to departure. All medications are to be kept on your person. Please, feel free to let your guide know if there is anything he or she should be aware of prior to departure. Guides are not responsible for the administration of your medication. Although trained in first aid, your guide may be the only person you will have to care for you until professional assistance arrives. They are not licensed or authorized to administer drugs under any circumstances.

Basic Equipment (High quality bikes, helmets and locks) are included in price.

Tour does not include hotel pick up; central meeting location in Victoria will be specified on your E-Ticket. Rates are in US dollars and include taxes. This tour requires a minimum of 4 people. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-848-0742.