Both events follow the Cowichan Valley Trail, an established section of “The Great Trail,” built along a former rail bed. Featured highlights of the route: crossing several historic rail bridges including the Kinsol Trestle, traversing rural Cowichan countryside and experiencing the lush, green canopy of the Cowichan River Provincial Park. Encouraging participants along the way will be volunteers at strategically located rest stops to provide food and beverage recharging, access to portable toilets, and basic medical attention as may be needed. The steady, gentle rising grade of the Cowichan Valley Trail from Shawnigan Lake to Cowichan Lake provides a rewarding near-wilderness challenge and experience.