An Island Adventure
This past Saturday, in collaboration with MAAP, the Diversion crew traded the city streets of Vancouver for a dose of island life. Just a 90-minute ferry ride from Tsawwassen, Salt Spring Island—part of the stunning Gulf Islands chain—offers a landscape rich in farmland, forest, and sweeping ocean views, making it a hidden gem for gravel riders.
A group of 30 early risers met before sunrise to catch the first ferry to Salt Spring, the largest of the Gulf Islands. Known for its creative community, relaxed pace, and agricultural roots, the island has also carved out a reputation for its challenging gravel routes and technical singletrack. Greeted by sunshine and a cool coastal breeze, we knew we were in for something special.
Rolling out from Fulford Harbour, the crew pedaled past farms and thick forest canopies, winding their way toward the coastal roads and stunning ocean vistas. Once inland, the gravel began—and so did the real fun.
The first half of the ride was a mix of tight singletrack and rolling terrain that tested handling skills and had a few riders wishing they’d brought a mountain bike. The challenging climbs were balanced by jaw-dropping views at nearly every turn, pushing the group forward toward the mid-ride refuel in Ganges.
Lunch came courtesy of Francis Bread, a beloved local bakery known for its artisanal sandwiches, coffee, and pastries. It was just what we needed before taking on the crown jewel of the day: the climb up Mt. Maxwell.
The final challenge—Mt. Maxwell—is the highest point on Salt Spring. The recently re-graded gravel climb was long and steady, rewarding every pedal stroke with panoramic views that stretched across the island and out to sea. From there, it was a fast and fun descent back toward Long Harbour to catch the return ferry, tired legs and satisfied smiles all around.
A huge thanks to MAAP and ENROUTE.CC for making this island adventure happen. Stay tuned for more summer rides with MAAP and ENROUTE.CC as we explore the beautiful roads and trails of the West Coast of Canada.
Check out the route on Strava here
DIVERSION GRAVEL ESSENTIALS
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