Why do this ride: Cowichan Valley Rail Trail, Cowichan Lake

Difficulty: Straightforward. 

Other notes:  The full route has two different experiences. The first is the Cowichan Valley Rail Trail, which is nicely shaded railway grade without traffic. The second part is the forest service roads around the lake, which can be trafficked, hot and dusty in summer (see picture) and with relatively few glimpses of lake (which could disappoint some expecting it to be more scenic). The two parts can be ridden individually for shorter routes. 

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