A few of our routes pass through sections that are fun to ride with a little more pep in your step, and with an eye towards a little more competition. These sections can be ridden as Free Zones or normally, but it's important for the ride leader to make it clear which rules will apply if there is any doubt. Generally B, B+, and A groups will ride these as Free Zones.
In Free Zones, the usual rotation pattern of the Peloton is reversed. A lead rider will not pull off to the left to drop back and let the group pass... instead they hold their position, and if they're getting tired they just slow down (gradually). Following riders may pass by pulling out to the left when it's safe to do so.
Shoulder checks to confirm the path is clear are mandatory before passing, as is letting the rider in front know you're moving. This should prevent one rider from pulling out into the path of another passing rider.
Panorama Hill
Start: Roundabout at Willingdon and East Saanich.
Finish: Last bus stop at the top of the hill.
Hazards: Stop signs at McTavish and Panorama Rec Center. Obey all traffic laws, stop for all stop signs.
Note: There is a Strava segment corresponding to this climb, that ends just past the bus stop... If you want to capture that segment, roll past the bus stop, and turn into the first driveway on the right, and come back on the sidewalk to the bus pullout.
Brookleigh
Start: On Brookleigh after turning off Oldfield.
Finish: Stop Sign at the T-intersection at the end.
Hazards: Sharp descending right turn just after the initial climb. Twisty blind corners until past the boat ramp.
Note: Not all riding groups outside of TNRG adhere to this, but it is our convention that we don't do any passing in the twisty sections. Shuffle the group order if necessary right after turning on Brookleigh off of Oldfield, but from there hold positions until past the boat ramp and back onto straighter road with better sight lines. One oncoming car (or cycling group) could ruin your day if you get too close to the centerline.
Tulista
Start: Crosswalk at Weiler
Finish: Before the roundabout at Ocean
Hazards: There are a couple of driveways on the West side but the East side is quite clear. Pedestrians crossing at Weiler and other bikes in the bike lane.
Reminders about Free Zones
- Stay to the right and others will pass you on the left when you slow down (or when they speed up).
- Do not pass to the right of another bike in a free zone.
- Do not lead out or start passing other riders before the free zone.
- Communicate! "On your left", "passing", "car", "deer", etc. especially if something unexpected or non-standard is happening.
- (especially on Brookleigh!) Stay to the right of the road centerline.