A Newcastle eye-opener or sundowner - as you like it…
Vancouver Island, North Island, Sayward Valley.
Newcastle eye-opener or sundowner. 40Km/25mi. Difficulty: D3/A3+ 1-2hrs
Route closes with the first autumn snow around November. Opens March to May depending on snow conditions. Start and finish at Sayward Junction
This short route takes the rider from Sayward Junction westwards along Adam River Main (D1/A1) to the start of a climb to the Haihte lake/Newcastle catchment basin and on to M Branch Main before descending towards the village of Sayward and Kelsey Bay with spectacular views across the islands separating Vancouver island from the mainland and the Coastal Mountain range. You also get a high view of the Salmon River valley, contrasting the low lying valley floor to the tall mountains surrounding.
The route will take no more than 2 hours to complete, including stops for photography and wildlife. The degree of difficulty isn’t great, the sustained climb up to the first lake isn’t steep and (slightly) steeper climbs that come later are not long.
Adam River main follows the route of Hwy19 and is the logging lorry route. Beware industrial traffic and in dry times, rock dust.
The climbing begins at 50.31508, -126.04303 and heads in a northwest direction. A sustained but moderate climb. Following the route, the old road (clue comes from the deforested land) twists and turns through what is best described as a mountain upland. Hard, packed gravel gives good traction, even for the most unsuitable tyres in dry conditions, making this a very suitable introductory route to crosscountry riding.
Eventually, as you pass views over Haihte Lake to your left, you join M Branch Main - one of the forest super-highways in the area. M Branch is all downhill now, taking care to avoid picking up speed. You will be rewarded with fine views from height over the islands separating the mainland from Vancouver Island and the wide Salmon River valley.
At the foot of M Branch, you have the choice of following the paved FSR or the paved highway back to Sayward Junction.
And that is that. 40Km, a first route, an early morning eye-opener or a late evening sundowner. Watch out for wildlife and oncoming vehicles.
If you have enjoyed reading this route description, look out for the collection of routes with descriptions I am in the process of preparing.
JDB 9/9/26
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