Click Map for Route | Several years ago, Debbe and I attempted to cycle through Vacouver on the way to the Horsezhoe Bay ferry. It was not a good route abd we ended up taking the Skytrain to the??? ferry. This time mapped out a route that avoids downtown and big city streets. The first rhird of the trip involves taking the Boundary Bay-Dyke Trail (hard packed gravel) followed by pastoral country/farm roads which are lightly traveled by cars. The second third of the route involves crossing the the Alex Frazier Bridge and avoiding big roads through Richmond. This includes a scenic river road that eventually passes by the Ikea store and a Starbucks (12571 Bridgeport Rd. #104, Richmond). This is a welcome stop since there are no cafes or eateries along the route until arriving in the Ikea area. No matter which routing one follows, the Frazier River must be crossed. Named after Alex Frazier, a former BC Minister of Transportation, the bridge is the height of a 50-story building and is 2.5 miles long. The bridge was the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world when it opened in 1986. By car it is impressive...by bike it is daunting. Not to worry, there is a narrow cycleway bounded by railings with busy traffic on one side and the Frazier River on the other. The third leg is marked by long run on SW Marine Dr. which has traffic but also a well marked cycling shoulder. The route goes through a densely wooded ecological reserve, the St. Georges Trail. It is a trail used for hiking in the Mount Fromme area. Better for mountain bikes, it is doable with a touring bike -- walking might be needed. This section of the route is serene and a welcome respite from the city hustle-bustle of the city. |
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Alex Frazier Bfidge
The Galley Patio a d Grill (Jericho Beach)
Recommended eateries on 4th Ave. (15-minute walk)