Day 11: Victoria - Nanaimo - Victoria - Buckley Bay - Campbell River

Day 11 - 506 km (2,053 km total)

Back and forth day. Coffee hopping in Nanaimo, bikes were serviced, parts arrived in Victoria after we left, nice view point breaks, low gas driving and picking up dinner at a gas station before getting to our B&B.

We had an early morning to make sure we got to Nanaimo to get out bikes serviced and were able to leave at 730am. The view from Malahat summit was, as always, spectacular (and we got to see them 3 times today!).

While we waited on the bikes, we had 3 hours to jump between coffee shops, and this is how the great Nanaimo walking coffee tour was born! We did some trendy places, as well as the Nanaimo Bakery and Cafe which was like grandma's house from the 70s.

Bikes were ready for exactly 1pm. Broken brake levers were replaced, fresh oil inserted, and chains were cleaned and oiled (we are supposed to do that every 200-300 km?!). Tire pressure in Sarahs bike was a bit low, which might explain the feel during turns...

We got a call that the extra CO2 canisters for our airbag vests arrived in Victoria while we were gone, and decided it would be worth going back to pick em up, so off we went!

Made a stop into Mosi once in Victoria for a pick me up, and we're back on the road, Campbell River bound.

We had another "low on gas, nothing nearby is open" moment for the last leg (really need to pay attention to that!) but were able to tank up in Buckley Bay and then enjoyed the most amazing sky on the last hour.

We drove in silence just watching the golden orange and yellow clouds play with greys and blues of the coming night. The sky was alive. I could smell a recent rain and the smell of "fresh". I heard the distant whistle of the wind and the hum of the bike beneath me. And in my sideview mirror, my best friend and wife riding with me. Such a peaceful and amazing finish to the day.