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.

On the second after after having completed another year around the sun, I set off on a road bike trip to British Columbia's Sunshine Coast and the East side of Vancouver Island.

Riding north to the Blaine border crossing was famiar as I had done this trip a dozen time on various bike rides. The best route for road bikers is head north out of Bellingham on Pacific Highway which parallels I-5, left on Smith Road turning into Hovander Road, riding through Ferndale, picking up Vista Drive, and heading into Blaine on Portal Way. There is a mile long hill deal with on Vista Drive after leaving Ferndale.

I stopped at Starbucks to eat lunch in Blaine which is a recently developed area in downtown offering outdoor seating and a visitor center.

Even though loaded down with gear, my first day from Bellingham to Peace Arch RV Park was relatively easy. Located in South Surrey, the site is situated on 27 acres accommodating RVs mostly and a small number of tents. The vibe is definitely family oriented featuring a playground, library, a pool, clubhouse, barbecues, and outdoors games. The lush green gardens were nicely manicured.