This is a cycling tour from Vancouver to Powell River, then over to Courtenay, down to Denman and Hornby Islands, and eventually to Nanaimo, and a ferry crossing back to Vancouver.

We were fortunate to have a car support team, and only had to carry what we needed for the day, a bit of food and water. In fact, with the number of towns and stores along the way, we didn't require to carry very much.

We cycled approx 300 kms over 9 days, but took 2 days off, and also had 1 short 20 km day. Our support team carried our tents, sleeping bags, clothes and food, which made our cycling quite easy-going.

Day 1: took the 9:35 am ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Langdale, and actually got driven to the top of the hill at Gibsons, approx 2 kms long, and 185 m up from sea level (in fact, the highest point of the tour). We cycled initially to Sechelt, approx 27 kms, bought lunch in a deli and ate it on the beach at Snickett Park, heading north out of Sechelt. Continued on for another 35 kms to Kleindale, with stop for ice cream at Madeira Park, where we met our support team who drove us to campsite at Irvine's Landing. Not our longest day, but our toughest, due to long uphills in the sun, especially the long one between Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay. Found out the next day that the hill can be avoided by taking Redroofs Road, along the coast, but it apparently does have its share of ups and downs. Total cycling: 62 kms.

Day 2: Technically Irvines Landing to Earl's Cove, but in fact cycled from top of the hill outside Irvines Landing to Egmont, and then back to Ruby Lake. Total: 42 kms. Were met by support team at Ruby Lake, had a swim, then drove back to Egmont, and hiked approx 45 minutes (each way) to Skookumchuck Narrows, a must-see. For details, go to: http://www.trailpeak.com/index.jsp?cat=hike&con=trail&val=224

Day 3: Were driven to Earl's Cove ferry terminal for ferry ride to Saltery Bay, then cycled 35 kms to Powell River and camped at Willingdon Beach campsite. Highly recommended, but make sure you reserve in advance. Some hilly streches along this road.

Day 4: Spent the day at Powell River. In fact, wanted to be driven to Lund, 30 kms north at end of Highway 101, but rain started approx 1/2 way to Lund, and pouring rain at Lund, so had coffee and pastry in the bakery and drove back towards Powell River. Got on bikes approx 10 kms north of Powell River and cycled back. Stopped in Historic Townsite, and visited the museum in old postmaster's house. Was informed of trail back to Willingdon Beach along the ocean, and got a flat tire cycling along this trail. Fortunately, was only approx 2 kms from camp site, so walked bike back, and then had tire repaired in town. Was told tire was punctured by a blackberry thorn (^%$#@).

Day 5: Took noon ferry from Powell River to Little River (Comox/Courtenay) on Vancouver Island, and cycled approx 20 kms only to friends' home, where we crashed that night. Allowed us to avoid the rain.

Day 6: A sunny day, perfect to cycle south to Denman Island, caught the 11 am ferry onto the island and set up camp at Fillongley Provincial Park. Pretty campground on the beach, but Denman is borrrrrring. Best to proceed to Hornby Island, where there is much more life, and great swimming beaches at Tribune Bay, as well as much better appointed campgrounds (Fillongley has no tap or hot water, no shower, etc...). Distance cycled: 35 kms.

Day 7: No cycling today: drove to Hornby Island, hiked around beautiful Helliwell Provincial Park, had lunch at the Co-op Centre, then went to Tribune Bay to bathe in the ocean and spend time on the beach.

Day 8: Our longest day, but not as difficult as Day 1, as this trip was not as hilly as the first. Started by cycling around Denman Island, caught the 10:40 am ferry off Denman, and then set off south to Parksville, with ice cream stop just south of Bowser. Stayed at cycling partner's father in law's home in Parksville, but Parksville area has many campsites. Total distance cycled: 67 kms.

Day 9: Left Parksville at 8 am, and arrived at Nanaimo Ferry Terminal @ 9:45 am, well in advance of the 10:40 ferry. Much of this trip along the shoulder of a 4 lane highway, so not all that pleasant, but in north Nanaimo, got on the E&N Trail, which parallels the old E&N railroad line. Don't miss the tunnel under the highway, immediately south of Montrose Ave. It's the easiest route to the ferry terminal, and avoids crossing the highway above ground.

Trip done over 9 days, can probably be done in 5 or 6. In fact, we met one cyclist who was travelling from Denman Island to the Nanaimo Ferry terminal in 1 day (nearly 100 kms).