Here's a ride we did many years ago and wanted to try again -- Round the Fraser River.
We started off a bit awkward as I couldn't seem to get us off Marine Way, so instead of following my GPS map, maybe start off a little further west near the Waste to Energy Plant at 5150 Riverbend or at the bottom of Tillicum at the entrance to Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park.
We started off a bit awkward as I couldn't seem to get us off Marine Way, so instead of following my GPS map, maybe start off a little further west near the Waste to Energy Plant at 5150 Riverbend or at the bottom of Tillicum at the entrance to Burnaby Fraser Foreshore Park.
The area is changing rapidly with new warehouses going up and roads opening or closing. Hopefully in the future there will be an easy connector along the riverfront all the way from the Quay. (we can always hope).
The trails along this part are not meant for cyclists, so you know the rule -- get off the bike when people frown at you! Hopefully Burnaby will revisit this policy as they are eliminating a nice group of park users who would rather meander through the park than plod along the road. 
There's a new connector along the river that joins the Fraser Foreshore route to the Vancouver parkway. And they have divided pathways -- almost heaven. And anyways, we all know how to share a trail, right? (check out who's on the wrong trail here--):
This riverside route is flat, the view of tugs and barges is spectacular and with the crunch of fall leaves under the tires...well...I know -- back to the ride.
Our goal was to ride the new cycle path on the Skytrain, so once we were out of the parks we found the bike route along Kerr Street -- one of the GREAT bike routes that Vancouver is busy implementing (hooray). Whoever was instrumental in making this pathway along the skytrain happen -- I think you are a genius! The surface is easy, the slope is easy and the view is fantastic. Thankyou.
Once over the bridge we headed east along River Road. There's one little tricky spot, but well worth finding it. Just before the lumber mill (yes -- those are logs rolling down the conveyor belt!) you will need to find a small opening in the fence and follow the route under the belt and out the other side. This is an excellent example of creative routing and sharing the space.
We continued along River Road and stopped at the Casino for a quick re-fuel (well it was beer-o-clock), then crossed over the Queensborough Bridge and back to our car. You could also get to the start of the route by Skytrain to the 22nd Street station or maybe one east of that!
All in all a great 33 km ride. Here's the map -- click on Full View to see it all.
Happy Riding ~ Colleen
