Cycling on Gabriola

Maybe it's time to dust off that bike seat and head to Gabriola Island for a ride!
It's the perfect day trip, just walk on the ferry with your bike and head down North Road when you get here, this changes to South road in the Silva Bay area.   There are lots of side roads to go down and explore and a few hills to conquer along the way, the loop usually takes 1hr and 15 minutes to an hour and a half.  We've been doing lots of laps and zigzag paths around the island as training for our upcoming "Ride to Conquer Cancer" ride from Vancouver to Seattle on June 16/17.  On the May long weekend,we were lucky to have our teammates from Nanaimo and Mike (owner of North Road Sports) join us for a 30km loop around the island.

For more bike routes on Gabriola, search for routes on Mapmyride .

Submitted by: Tina Lynch

A walk in the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve.

This is a beautiful park located just off of North Road (near Degnen Road) on Gabriola Island.  The single trail loops through part of the 65-acre reserve, taking you through the lush forest, on small bridges and stepping across the river on large stones. 
I've gone with my kids many times and it takes us about 30-40 minutes, we do stop along the way to take a look at things as we go (and there is also a geo-cache located in these woods), so you may find it quicker.  You are asked to go by foot only and stay on the trail in this park, due to the delicate ecosystem.
Here is a link to Randy Young's website, he has mapped out a lot of Gabriola's amazing trails and his website is a fantastic resource if you want to explore the trails on the Island.
Submitted by: Tina Lynch

Syttende Mai ! Happy Constitution Day Norway.

Today, May 17th is Norwegian Constitution Day, a national holiday back in Norway.  We don't take the day off here in Canada, but we will make some time today to celebrate with some other Norwegians living on Gabriola. 
The photo above is the cake that my mom made to celebrate, they call it a Kransekake which is a traditional cake made mainly of almonds, icing sugar and eggs. 
It's a great day with lots of festivities in Norway, the most important is the parade which includes everyone from young children to the elderly, most dressed in the traditional outfits.
Hope you enjoy the day!

Gabriola - New Rebate Program for rainwater Harvesting!

The RDN has announced a new rebate program for rainwater harvesting, starting today. Up to $750 per system, with a $10,000 budget for Gabriola! Applications are first come, first serve for approved designs.

For more information, please visit the Rainwater Connection Facebook page or the RDN website at http://www.rdn.bc.ca/cms.asp?wpID=2500.


Rainwater Connection is available to help you design and install a system and apply for your grant.