The 2023 edition of Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria took place on August 19th. It was a beautiful day and the weather was fantastic for riding.
For those of you who don’t know, Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria presented by Scotiabank is a traffic-controlled, fully supported, mass-participation cycling event in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Riders of all levels and ages are welcome since there are different distances to choose from.
Tour de Victoria 2023 Finish Line Area.
I chose to ride the 100km. Since I mostly run, I figured that the 100km bike ride would be both challenging and interesting for me.
This was also my first time ever participating in a big cycling event (I don’t call it a race because I’m not a fast rider). Biking is a great way for me to switch things up so I’m not just running all the time.
On the morning of the event, I woke up at 6am. I made sure that my bike was mechanically sound and decided to bike to the start line (since it’s only a few km away from my house).
On the way to the start, I stopped for a coffee and a breakfast wrap at Tim Hortons (it was delicious and I wish Tim Hortons would sponsor me…hahaha).
I made it to the start right on time. I started close to the back of the pack because this was my first cycling event and I didn’t want to go fast. I also didn’t want to get in the way of all the fast riders.
The next thing I know, we were off. I definitely kept my distance from other riders because I most certainly didn’t want to cause an accident especially in my first cycling event.
First, we rode through Esquimalt which was relatively flat.
Then, we headed into View Royal and then onto Prospect Lake Road. That’s when the hill climbs started.
When we got to Munn Road, the hills got even bigger. Without a doubt, I should have done more hill training because I did all my biking on the Galloping Goose to prepare for this ride. I definitely went slow up the hills and had to use my entire body weight to pedal.
There were quite a few sharp curves too.
Willis Point Road was a pretty good section where I was able to go a little bit faster. After that, I don’t remember there being too many steep hills. I think Munn Road was definitely the toughest.
Once we crossed the Pat Bay highway, all the big hills were behind us. There were a couple more hills on Ash Road, but nothing like Munn Road. In fact, any hills that I encountered after Munn Road were small in comparison.
Tour de Victoria 100km Elevation Profile
Then, we were on Beach Drive. Beach Drive has so many beautiful houses on it and I loved the ocean views.
When we got to Dallas Road, I was able to see more of the ocean and it was spectacular. Shortly thereafter, we were finishing on Belleville Street.
The finish line festivities were fabulous. I had a delicious burger and sparkling water, which was absolutely wonderful to eat after riding 100km.
I finished the 100km in 5:11:19 which is faster than my goal time of 5:30. Given all the hills, I’m happy with how I did even though it’s nowhere near as fast as some of the first finishers.
If you took part in the event, you can find your result on Startline Timing.
The event was well organized and super fabulous.
I want to give kudos to the volunteers and the organizers.
Hopefully, I will get to ride the 100km again next year and beat my time now that I know the course. 🙂
If you’re thinking about taking part in the Tour de Victoria, you should totally do it. Stay tuned for when they open up the registration again. It was a sold out event this year for a good reason. Don’t miss out on the fun! 🙂
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