The 2025 New Year’s Populaire offers a 50-km loop through Greater Victoria, starting at 10 a.m. on January 1st. Riders will meet at the Tim Hortons across from Reynold’s High School before heading out on a mix of roads and trails.
Route information
The route primarily uses quieter roads, with gravel sections on the Interurban Rail Trail (parallel to West Saanich Road) and the Lochside Trail from Dooley Road to Mattick’s Farm.
According to the organizer, a pre-ride on Dec. 28th confirmed the roads are typical for winter, with some puddles and potholes to avoid. The trails are in good condition overall. Eastbound Wallace Drive between West Saanich Road and Stelly’s Cross Road is open, allowing for a clockwise route this year. While this section still needs repaving, the lack of westbound traffic should make it manageable.
Registration and membership
To participate, riders must have an active membership with the BC Randonneurs Cycling Club. New members who pay for 2024 now will have their membership extended through the end of 2025.
Current 2024 members can also register, as their membership remains valid until midnight on January 1st.
Membership sign-up: Randonneurs membership registration
Event registration: New Year’s Populaire registration
There is no additional event fee beyond the membership.
Further information
If you want to see the route or contact the organizer, you can via the event page, here.
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