About the Cowichan Valley Grape Escape

Celebrate British Columbia's newest wine region by bike! Hundreds of cyclists enjoy a carefree weekend in the beautiful Cowichan Valley. Come experience its wine, cuisine, art, and breathtaking scenery and pedal towards a cure for multiple sclerosis.

The MS Bike Tour ~ Cowichan Valley Grape Escape makes beautiful Shawnigan Lake School the centre of the event.  The tour begins Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.  Cyclists choose the length of route they are comfortable with and which points of interest they want to visit.  On Sunday cyclists head out at 9:00 a.m. to explore the regions' farms, cidery, and wine estates.  There are different routes of varying lengths to suit every comfort level.  Choose the best route for you. 

Please note the routes will be changing for 2012 with the change in event venue.  The 2011 route maps are below to give you a sense of route options and the types of points of interest that will be available to you. 2012 maps will be posted as soon as they are confirmed in February.

2011 Saturday Route Options      
 
2011 Saturday Century Ride (100km) Route    

2011 Sunday Route Options

*Thank you to Davenport Maps for putting these together for us.*

Century Ride

 
Looking for a new cycling challenge at the Cowichan Valley Grape Escape? This 100 km route offers experienced riders a chance to challenge themselves and see new countryside in the Valley.  This route is available on Day 1, Saturday, of the event.

Interested? Here are the details:

  • Riders please sign up for the 100km route option by contacting Sukhi before the event so we can share route specific information with you pre-event
  • As this is a much longer ride we suggest that riders interested in this option be able to maintain an average speed of 20 km/hr over a 6 hr period
  • There are three check points on the route that we ask all riders to visit
  • A light lunch will be available at one of the Check Points
  • To keep on pace Century Ride participants will not be stopping at any of the Points of Interest on the regular route
  • The route will be well signed and riders will be given a route map and cue sheet to help navigate

 

When deciding if this route is right for you please consider your riding ability, fitness and experience with completing a ride of this length. There will be route support and guide cyclists to support the Century Ride Group as needed.  For questions or to sign up for the Century Ride, please contact Sukhi at 250.388.6496 ext. 245 or email sukhi.tomana@mssociety.ca

 

MS Bike Tour Includes
 

Saturday

  • Snacks and refreshments before heading out on the route
  • Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments at rest stops along the route
  • Beverage tent featuring Merridale Cidery Cider & Craig Street Brew Pub
  • Wine & Cheese tasting after the ride with Enrico Winery and Hilary's Artisan Cheese
  • Saturday Night Festivities
  • Gourmet Dinner by Shawnigan Lake School Head Chef 
  • Silent & Live Auctions
  • Music and Dancing
  • Accomodation in the Shawnigan Lake School dormitories (first come first serve) or camping on site at the School.
Sunday

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