I like to ride

and if you do, too

then send me your best rides

...ideas...suggestions...pictures

...thoughts...whatever

colleenmacd@gmail.com

Maps and more!

Vancouver Cycling Map
This is the best map of bike paths in Metro Vancouver.
It is available at most bike/map/bookstores/drugstores/etc
in Vancouver.

Translink Bike Map -- online
http://www.translink.bc.ca/files/pdf/cyclemap/cyclemap_front.pdf


Want to find the best route on an Interactive Map of Vancouver?
Here’s the information in the Buzzer…
http://buzzer.translink.ca/index.php/2009/03/plan-your-cycling-trips-with-ubcs-online-map-tool/   And here’s the tool:   http://www.cyclevancouver.ubc.ca/

Bike Shops in Vancouver core:

Reckless Cycle on Davie   www.rektek.com
lots of shops near Stanley Park - Denman and Georgia

Bike and Bus

Gone too far?
Here's a great way to get back home!

Vancouver Shores -- Vancouver's Best First Ride

Here's the first ride I think every visitor to Vancouver will enjoy. Start/stop at the Bayshore Inn at the north end of Denman Street. You can park near there and start right in on the shoreline bike path, or really, anywhere along the route works just fine.

If you only have time for a short ride, just do the park loop. Remember - you must start at Lost Lagoon and head NE as the bike path is a one-way counter-clockwise around the park.

Another option -- take any of the Harbour Ferries across False Creek to make an interesting sidetrip.

It's on MapMyRide. Click on FULL VIEW to see the whole map...

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/ca/bc/vancouver/552123795927859647



If you have more time (and energy) add on the Seaside Bike Path to Jericho and UBC. (see next ride)

Seaside: Kitsilano to Jericho to UBC and back

Great views of the city and mountains. Add onto the Stanley Park and False Creek ride to make one great long day ride, or start near Granville Island and spend more time exploring UBC.

Here is the map... click on FULL VIEW to see the whole map...

Port Moody to Belcarra

Belcarra's TALL trees

Starting at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody, follow the easy and safe Shoreline Trail around the end of Burrard Inlet. There's lots of history here -- old pilings from the mill and lots of birds and ducks (my favourites).

As you pass Old Orchard Park (yes, it used to be an orchard), head out onto Alderside Road which joins up with Ioco Road. Continue west along this narrow and busy stretch. At the Ioco Church turn north and climb the first big hill, veering left where the road splits for the next hill. That's it for hills for awhile.

At the entrance to White Pine Beach, turn right and follow the road to the parking lots. You can go all the way around the lots and come back to the beach, but I usually turn left against the traffic (there's never traffic) and catch a bit of the lake view.

Gate to Bowser Avenue Trail

 There are two yellow gates just north of the stairs leading down to the concession stand. Go through the larger of these two gates -- the one with the dog walk sign. This is the old Bowser Road (love the connection there) and ride west all the way past Sasamat Camp. There's lots of loose gravel and big rocks on this road (it hasn't been grated in years), but continue on -- it will be worth it. Don't forget to look at the lake from time to time. And yes, if it's a hot day I recommend a swim. This is one of the nicest swimming lakes around MetroVan.

Trail between 3477 and 3484

Turn left on Senkler and then right on Bedwell Bay Road. There are two choices along here:

1. The one I usually take is a small trail between 3477 and 3484. It's steep and has loose gravel so I walk the bike until it levels out.

2. The route for road bikes is to continue up the hill to Kelly Avenue and coast down with the most fantastic view up Indian Arm.

Looking up the fjord from Marine Avenue

Turn left on Marine Avenue and ride west, through the yellow posts onto a connecting trail for the two sections of Marine. At the yellow park gate, go through and where the trail splits, take the left trail beside the tennis courts. You can go up onto the road or turn right and head west along the trail towards Belcarra Park. You may have to walk a bit along here -- a few bumps and gravel. It's just a short connection, but you do get a bridge and a creek!

Once you're in Belcarra, ride around a bit and then head back to Belcarra Park for the return trip. Behind the concession stand, find the start of the Springboard Bike Trail.

Catching crabs on the Belcarra Dock

Seastars on the Belcarra wharf

Follow the trail up the hill, through the Emily Carr Forest, past Woodhaven Swamp, cross the road and coast down towards Thermal Road. Stay right at the stop sign and climb your last hill (it's a big one), past White Pine entrance and back to Ioco. Your route back is along the same one that brought you out.

Woodhaven Swamp

Eagle's Nest near Woodhaven Swamp

Just before you get back to Rocky Point, head into Klahanie and have a coffee at Divanos. Mmmmm....my favourite!

Here is the route ... click on FULL VIEW to see the whole map...

                                         Happy Riding! Colleen.

PS: Pack a picnic lunch for this one, or better yet, stop at Divanos in Klahanie and pick up a sandwich.