Oscuro,
My wife and I just got back last night from our tour on VI and the Gulf. Our second day of the trip (July 23) we took the GG to Sooke and stayed at the Sooke River Campgrounds and know exactly which downhills you're talking about. If I remember correctly there were two such downhills just before Sooke and one of them crossed the highway. Very hazardous especially with weight on the rear end of a bike. Had to work to keep the bike under control on the downhill. So sorry for your loss but glad you made it out alive.

BTW We also brought our LHTs with us