Alberni Transition T-2

Last time I had this outsized transition was in 2021 when I left my previous job and Sarah and I took on the great divide mountain bike route. Nothing as epic is (yet) planned but I had a strong desire to kick off this job transition with a solid bikepacking trip - Alberni Bam Bam - modified. Thanks to bikepacking.com for the new route and Georgia for pulling together a stellar group.

I am travelling solo for almost two days before we all meet up between Victoria and Lake Cowichan. Due to some closures due to a high fire risk we modified the route and some of us are starting by following the Cowichan Valley 8 from Victoria.

Starting on my own before I meet my bike gang allows me to settle into the daily groove of bikepacking. It takes a few days until my body remembers that this is what we are doing for a while.

I leave from Ravenna through the streets of Seattle, to catch the Kingston fast ferry, with the bike commuters who are ripping down bike lanes anticipating street lights turning green. My tires and load are outsized compared to theirs. I roll slowly. Bike is heavy. I overpacked food as per norm. It’s my safety blanket.

Bike paths all the way to the ferry. Way to go Seattle. Turned down a one way street but figured it out quickly as I exited through the bushes. Stunning Seattle waterfront in full bloom and empty streets.

There is room for 30 bikes on the Kitsap fast ferry but my bike is lonesome. Only 10 people heading east but a long line of commuters greets us in Kingston.

I grab a coffee before I tackle the highway.

I am out of sorts with highway miles having spent most of my time on dirt roads and trails. Wide shoulder for 30 miles but it’s loud. Does the rumble strip protect me? At least I don’t have to ride on it. So loud. Long blackberry bushes whip me. Cars speeding by. Trucks pulling big loads. Engines reving. Smell of diesel. Clear cuts and regrowth. Overcast skies with low clouds.

I take in Port Gamble and I appreciate taking the well cared for historic homes. Another look where I leaned my bike photo.

When my bike computer directs me to turn off the highway and I see the Olympic Discovery Trail sign, I am ecstatic and it feels like a wonderful reward. Protected paved path all the way to Sequim. I meandered with the trail, took in the views and make my way to the Dungeness Recreation Area, a perfectly positioned campground next to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

I meet fellow bikepackers, Leslie and Bruce. They are also heading to Victoria and plan to bike through the Gulf Islands. I may see them on Hornby Island! I cross path with them as I am eating lunch on the side of the trail and they arrive at camp a little after me.

I can almost see Victoria from the spit. (Fun fact: The spit grows 13 feet per year with all the sediment transport.) The spit and the bluffs are beautiful. I explore. I even shower. My shady camping spot sends me into the tent early. Kindle is my luxury item but I fall asleep quickly.

6.5 miles + 56 miles