Jordan River Bikepacking
Prior to Covid lockdown, Sara and I went on a bikepacking trip down to Jordan River. It may not have been something technically challenging like some of the other trips we did that year, but it gave us an opportunity to just step out our door, go on an adventure and have fun!
I’ve never really been able to adequately differentiate bikepacking with cycle touring. Some say that bikepacking requires offroading or camping in the backcountry. All I know is that bikepacking allows you to see more and be more in tune with your surrounding than if you were disconnected.
When I planned this trip, I didn’t know if any trails led to Jordan River. There’s a vast logging road system on Vancouver Island. There could potentially be a dirt road that leads to Jordan River. Unfortunately, not the case. My research lead to aerial photos displaying the unfettered destruction happening on the West Coast. It’s particularly frustrating knowing that some of the last old growth forests in BC are under threat of logging. *see below for details.
When we were taking the ferry over to the island it’s just something special that can’t really be put into words. A canvass already painted.
Then when we arrived we found ourselves at the confluence of nature and civility. In just a few short kilometers, we came across oceanfront vistas, idyllic farm fields, lush canopy cover. A far cry from the cacauphony of noise found in the city.
As we made our way along the galloping goose trail and other well maintained bike networks around the Southern Vancouver Island, we eventually made it to the end of the trail network and biked the remainder on the island highway to Jordan River. We were lucky enough to find a spot nestled between a couple trees overlooking the Juan de fuca Straight
Even during the summer solstice, it was still cold so we took a few photos before huddling around our stove for some warmth, food, and to watch the sun set. It’s hypnotic to watch the light ebb away with the person you love.
I've learned to appreciate the simplier things in life as a result of Covid. Cycling rain or shine is a luxury in the grand scheme of things. We're very fortunate to be able to still do most of the activities we could have done prior to Covid, but I have definitely put an emphasis on dialing back my risk tolerance.
*If you want to read more about one of the last old growth forest grove outside a provincial park, you can find out more about it here