On August 1, 2025, Julie Sikora and I set out on a four-day bike packing expedition along British Columbia’s Coastal Circle Route—an alumni reunion adventure proudly supported by the fund. What began as an ambitious idea quickly became a memorable journey of endurance, connection, and coastal beauty.
Our ride began in Vancouver, where we pedaled to Horseshoe Bay and boarded the ferry to Nanaimo. From there, we cycled north along the coast to Parksville, settling in for our first night of camping. The following morning, we continued up the east coast of Vancouver Island to Little River, catching another ferry to Powell River on the Sunshine Coast.
From Powell River, our group of UBC alumni bike packers rode south to Porpoise Bay near Sechelt. We paused there to celebrate with well-earned snacks and pop, taking in the views and reflecting on how far we had come. We then continued down the coast to Gibsons, where we spent the night before catching the ferry back to Vancouver the next morning.
This reunion ride was truly a test of courage—and leg endurance! The terrain challenged us, but the shared experience made every kilometer worthwhile. Along the way, we connected with fellow cyclists and campers and even enjoyed a few chance encounters with other UBC alumni.
This event was a wonderful reminder that the spirit of community extends far beyond the classroom. Through shared challenge and time in nature, we strengthened old friendships, built new ones, and proudly brought our theme to life: From Classrooms to Campsites.
Submitted by Jesse Martyn, MArch '20
