Let's Go Cycling -- Somewhere soon !

BLAZING SADDLES is the place to rent bikes, right near Fisherman's Wharf. Now this is an amazing experience -- we have seen them grow from a tiny kiosk operation to the slick operators they are today. Booking online the night before was easy and in the morning we rode the cable car to the end of the line and everything was ready for us.

At Fisherman's Wharf near the Cable Car terminal.

They make it easy to know where you are going and what to see along the way.

On a huge display board loaded with maps and pictures, staff explained where to ride and what to see along the way. They showed us places to go we would never have thought of - like Mill Valley and Tiberon. Let's do it all, we said!

Our bikes were fitted, maps in place, helmets adjusted and water bottles loaded. Oh, and they handed out tickets for the ferry. If you don't use them, you don't pay. Easy ! Organized ! Fun ! Now this is my kind of company. Within minutes of arrival we were wheeling out the door.

Best Bike Map Holder -- ever !

Kudos to San Francisco's bike planners for the upgrades to the route along the Bay and over the bridge. It's a very easy ride and safe all the way. The new route following the shoreline into Sausalito is fantastic. We splurged and had lunch at Soma's mmmmmm... that was a treat!

The ride to Mill Valley was a great add-on this year. There's some Tall Trees there! And what a cute little town. Just like riding through a movie set. The paved trails out to Tiberon were exciting -- the view of San Francisco amazing! Tiberon is gorgeous -- well worth the extra kms. We raced to catch the last ferry of the day, sailing to Sausalito then to Fisherman's Wharf. Looks like there were a few other people who had the same idea as us. What an amazing ride! If you don't want to go the whole way, try the ride to Sausalito then ferry back to Fisherman's Wharf. It's easy and it's fun!

Beer-o-clock at the Tiberon Ferry Terminal

Two hundred bikes on board that day!

Happy Riding ~ Colleen
Lots of Maps:

Here is the link to MapMyRide Bike The Bridge
- you can download the file or send it to your phone!
mapmyride.com/routes/view/66653646

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/66653646"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Bike the Golden Gate to Sausalito&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location=San Francisco, CA"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in San Francisco, CA&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
And...

Here is the link to the Full Route in MapMyRideMapMyRide

- youcan download the file or send it to your phone!

San Francisco - Sausilito - Mill Valley - Tiburon
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/66655124

Bike the Bridge: Golden Gate to Sausalito and Ferry back Route

View Bike the Bridge - Golden Gate to Sausalito and ferry back in a larger map
Here is the link to the full route in Google Maps:

San Francisco - Sausilito - Mill Valley - Tiburon

View San Francisco Golden Gate in a larger map

Point Roberts Circle

2012-01-26T11:38:00.001-08:00

There's something very satisfying about a circle ride and Point Roberts is perfect for this.
This tiny bit of the seaside USA lies just south of Vancouver -- a quick drive away.

Park just before the border at Diefenbaker Park 5579 1st Avenue, Tsawwassen. Unload the bikes and ride south to the border crossing. Bikes have priority over cars, so head up to the wicket and present your passport.

Once over the border, take a sharp left and backtrack north towards the Canadian border. Between the two border houses, Roosevelt Road is blocked off for cars, but bikes pass easily through the three red poles. It's a wahoo-ing downhill all the way to Boundary Bay with a great view of Mount Baker in the distance. Along the water's edge we explored Bay View Drive and ooed and awed at the summer cabins dotting the shoreline.

Continuing on our ride we found Elm Street, then left on Goodman Drive. Here it is a bit of a climb, but it's not long until the road flattens. Follow Boundary Bay Road until it meets Apa Road and go east to take a small detour to Lily Point Park

Back on the route, go west on Apa Road.
Left on South Beach Road.
Right on Edwards Drive.
Right on Simundson Drive.
Left on Apa Road (again!)
Left Marina Drive.
Left Harbor Seal Drive.
Right Edwards Drive.

Take a meander through Lighthouse Marine Park and be sure to look out in the ocean for whales.
This is one of the best places to whale watch near Vancouver! There is also a great information kiosk in the park. If you decide to camp, there are many camping spots and barbecue pits for a picnic.

After the park, turn Left onto Marine Drive and head north. If you are hungry for lunch there are many places to eat on Gulf Road: Caffee Capanna, Brewsters, The Reef (like a movie set) and the old Breakers which many Vancouverites will remember as the only spot for Sunday drinking in the 70s.

After lunch be sure to stop at the Heron Gallery, Brewsters and Liberty Wines.

Head north again on Marine Drive until it meets the Canadian border. There is a marker here, trails to the water and amazing views of the ferry terminal and the San Juan and Gulf Islands.

Head east on Marine Drive until it meets the border. Although the signs say No Through Road, keep going...bikes can get through No Problem!

Happy Riding ~ Colleen !

Here's the GoogleMap link: http://g.co/maps/8jcr5

View Point Roberts USA in a larger map

Ridgeway Greenway ~ Vancouver BC ~ Art and Cycling

2011-12-08T21:39:00.000-08:00

Look around you as you ride...and look up ! There's art everywhere.

Vancouver's Ridgeway Greenway is a linear exploration of a string of parks, walkways and seating areas, and amazing public art.

Start at the Patterson Skytrain station at Central Park in Burnaby and explore a few of the trails in the park. You could spend alot of time in this park, just meandering at 10km per hour (of course) and seeing the ducks.

Today was Art Exploration Day. With the book Public Art in Vancouver by John Steil and Aileen Stalker, I set out to discover Vancouver's Public Art. This book is a great resource, full of information of each of the pieces. Another great site: Vancouver Public Art website.

At the north west corner of the park there is a small plaza near the overpass with a few pieces of art, then head south along the Terry Fox path to the start of the Ridgeway Greenway at 45th Street.

These pieces are in and near Kensington Park - Knight Street at 34th Avenue

Visiting Mountain View Cemetery

Art along the Ontario Bike Route

Queen Elizabeth Park - the art of gardening and views.

Here's a link to Google Maps...Green pins mark Public Art...more to come!

View Ridgeway Greenway Vancouver + Public Art Dec 2011 in a larger map

Happy Riding and Exploring ! ~ Colleen

BIG WHEELS !

2011-11-10T22:32:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what an
81.5 km ride will do ...

I went shopping
the next day
for
l o n g - o v e r d u e
BIG WHEELS

Here's my
new
bike...

catch me
if you
can !

Overachieving in Surrey ~ 81.5 km

2011-11-10T22:21:00.000-08:00

The posting looked interesting...
ride from the King George Skytrain Station in Surrey
and through Serpentine Fen, Crescent Beach for lunch,
Blackie Spit, White Rock and back.

The kilometers were daunting
-- 70 km was further
than we'd ever ridden...

but
it promised to be
a sunny October day

so off we went . . .

What we didn't plan on
was a strong headwind
a change of return route
making it longer ride (81.5 km)
through Burns Bog
crossing the Alex Fraser and
the Queensborough Bridges
with the buffeting wind
and softening bike tires, oh my!

but WE DID IT !!!!

Thanks to the VBMG group for their patience
with my little bike wheels and
for the fantastic route guidance.

All in all --
a great ride!

Now it's time to get that hybrid with the BIG wheels!

Here it is - link to the full ride

Copenhagenizing...

2011-10-10T01:07:00.000-07:00

no spandex

no gore-tex

no helmets here

in Copenhagen...

Copenhagenize
means....
Boots

Coat

Pants or skirt

A big scarf

and ... off you go

with bikers to the left

and cyclists to the right

dashing around the city

day and night
Here I am on the Copenhagen 'City Bikes' -- great if you can find them.

***HOLD THE PRESS **

Today was a ....

***RAINY ... ***

Make That A Very Rainy Day In Copenhagen

and here is a sample... people dressed as usual

Oblivious

to the

Rain

and Various States

of Acknowledging

it is a

Monsoon:

They look fine,

but you cannot see that

it is POURING RAIN here !!!!!

I saw Ponchos, Rain Capes

and this...the newest Copenhagen fashionista

from Hermes ~: (ps -- c'est moi ! )

Thanks to Copenhagen

for showing us

that it is fine

to get out

and go

and be wet -- who cares !

Here's the tracks from 3 days of riding in Copenhagen...

View Copenhagen 3 days of exploring in a larger map

Round the Ridge ~ Sherry's Ride

2011-09-07T16:25:00.000-07:00

It was fun to follow Sherry on this great route in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

She took us along the Pitt River and Alouette Dykes,

crossed over Maple Ridge and wound us

through NEW bike paths in Pitt Meadows.

We celebrated Sharon's new bike,

a hot September day

and capped it off with lunch

at Stomping Grounds Coffee Shop

and roses at Verde Flowers.

You've got to ride this route!

~ Enjoy!

There's nothing like getting a Brand New bike!

Fraser River Greenway - Pitt Meadows BC

Biking ladies shopping at Verde Florist

And of course it usually involves Lunch at Stomping Grounds

View Round the Ridge ~ Sherry's Ride 2011 in a larger map

Here's the GPS map on GoogleMaps ! http://g.co/maps/f4xgf

Mt. Lehman Roller Coaster

2011-09-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it was worth the wait just to have the most delicious SCONES in the world... at the Clayburn Store on this great ride. (ps - check their website for opening hours). It's 45 km of ups and downs, but mostly downs. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Things to see along the way:
Bradner Store
Corn as high as an elephant's eye
Kiwi growing on vines
Mt. Lehman Winery!
vineyards
Mt. Baker views
Matsqui Trail
Rolling hills
Mountain views
And so much more!

To get there: Take Hwy 1 east, Exit 73 North, right on 264th, Right on 56 Ave, Right on Baynes Street and park along the roadside.

Here's the gps map: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=205869270896603644828.0004abc6365fab28a7ede&msa=0&ll=49.099386,-122.349758&spn=0.129142,0.32856

View Roller Coaster Mt. Lehman Abbotsford BC 2011 in a larger map

Fun!

TipToe Through the Tulips 2011

2011-05-03T23:51:00.000-07:00

laughter

muddy fields

topped tulips!

dandelions

a rainstorm

fields of purple

pink

yellow

tulips

and lunch

in the sun

fun!

Now what was so darn funny?

Here's the map on Google Maps
...great route for tulip meandering: http://g.co/maps/yn8zg

View Tulip Ride La Conner 2011 in a larger map

Hornby Bike Lane!

2010-12-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

Oh wow...

what an

amazing route

safe

easy

and

fun!

Let's Ride, Vancouver!
December 29, 2010

gps fun

2010-08-12T05:37:00.000-07:00

in Montreal
visiting with Kyle
he's heading for a run
wants to take my Garmin GPS
... see how it works

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/run/canada/qc/montreal/975128161661454812">Hi Mom</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-run/canada/qc/montreal">Find more Runs in Montreal, Quebec</a>

All's well that Endos Well - Burnaby Scenic Trail

2010-08-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

maybe the hill was steeper than I thought
and I put on the brakes a little hard
and the back wheel fishtailed
on the loose gravel
but all's well that endo's well
and I survived with a bruised knee
with a big ostrich egg
and a bruised ego
but I got back on
and rode all the way downtown

This is a short connector in one of my favourite places
in Burnaby and part of the TransCanada Trail
It's a bit steep for a beginner
and I guess it was a bit steep for me, too!

Mud Bay to Boundary Bay - All the Way

2010-07-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite rides follows the shore of Mud Bay and wraps around to Boundary Bay. There's always lots to see along the way - herons standing silent waiting for fish, flocks of shorebirds making patterns like fireworks and on this sunny January day we spotted dozens of eagles.

How to Get There:
(the dyke is accessible from many points along the way (check out the Translink Bike Map).
We started at the east end:
- Take Hwy 99 South
- west on Colebrook Rd
- south on 127A Street
- east on Railway Rd
- park in Mud Bay Park Lot
- unload and ride west

It's an easy flat ride on packed gravel all along the dyke. Mount Baker peeks through the clouds to the east and Point Roberts juts into the scene from the west. Vancouver's towers and mountains are to the north. There's a small airport along the way, a golf course, farmers working in the fields and a few new pieces of sculpture.

For lunch we stopped at the Beach Grove cafe and then continued on through Centennial Park to the old USA border stop on 167th for a trip down memory lane.

Here is the link to MapMyRide - you can download the file or send it to your phone!
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16074066

&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/16074066"&amp;amp;gt;Boundary Bay - All the Way&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/?location= Delta, BC"&amp;amp;gt;Find more Cycling Routes / Bike Rides in &amp;amp;amp;nbsp;Delta, BC&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;
And here it is in GoogleMaps:

View DELTA Mud Bay to Boundary Bay in a larger map

Happy Riding! Colleen

bike tags: bike Vancouver, easy biking Vancouver, easy cycling Vancouver, easy bike paths Vancouver, easy rides Vancouver, cycle, bike, paths, easy, kids, children, off-road rides, paths, cycle routes Vancouver, Burnaby, bicycle rides, bicycle paths, scenic bike paths, Vancouver Burnaby, North Vancouver, easy flat, where to ride Vancouver, Metro Vancouver rides cycles paths routes bicycles, easy bike rides in Vancouver, bicycling Vancouver, cycling Vancouver, biking Vancouver,

Coquitlam Hills, Flats and Around Mundy Park

2010-07-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

Some days it's fun to just see where the bike wants to go and this was one of those days.
We started at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody and headed west along Spring Street. We wanted to get up to the Coquitlam plateau and had heard about a trail behind Port Moody Senior High. There's a trail there, but it's not meant for bikes. It was a huge climb and we had to carry our bikes up many flights of stairs. Next time we would take Clarke Road.

We had the Translink Bike Route Map and tried to keep to the suggested bike routes and off the busy roads. The nicest part was along Grover, around Como Lake and east towards Mundy Park. There was a nice surprise - bikes are welcome on the trails in Mundy Park--who knew? We took the circle route around the park and were a bit dismayed when it spit us out onto some side streets. I hope Coquitlam will add a bike lane along the south edge of the park. The park trails are fantastic for beginning riders to explore and they are wide enough to share with walkers and joggers.

We left the park looking to find an interesting route down the hill. We found many connectors at the ends of roads and explored all kinds of new trails. I hope you can find some of them, too !

We topped this great exploring ride off with dinner at The Boathouse, and there's also Pajo's at Rocky Point and many other eats in the Port Moody and Newport area.

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Vancouver's Separated Bike Lanes

2010-05-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

At last!

Thank you to Vancouver Council for taking the leadership to make Separated Bike Lanes happen in Vancouver.

As an avid cyclist who has cycled in cities around the world, I have seen all kinds of bike routes, paths, greenways, marked lanes and shared roadways. I agree that we need separated bike lanes in Vancouver's city core. The cities I've cycled in that have separated lanes are much easier for riding and they are filled with cyclists of all ages and abilities.

The Burrard Bridge Lane and the Dunsmuir Lane are now excellent routes for riding. I can't wait for more to be built. This will encourage people to ride more and make the route safer - not just perceived, but safer from cars that routinely weave into the marked lanes. I would take a young cyclist riding on a separated lane, but would be reluctant to do so on a painted lane.

I hope council puts them in fast and makes them pretty later ... as Third Wave says, "First, put in temporary facilities and then making the facilities permanent when funds become available. This way, many more kilometres of facilities could be implemented each year –perhaps three times or more."

Hooray! Let's go riding, Vancouver! ~ Colleen

Easy Vancouver Rides for Kids and Families and more!

2010-04-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

LINK TO: Let's Go Biking - Easy Vancouver Rides -- letsgobiking.net

Here's a few of my favourites -- click on the ride for descriptions and route maps:

#1 Barnston Island - Surrey

#2Colony Farm - Poco Trail

#3Fort to Fort Trail - Langley BC

#4Stanley Park Circle - Vancouver

#5Seymour Forest - North Vancouver

#6Maple Ridge Dykes

#6APitt Meadows Greenway - Maple Ridge

#7Inlet Trail - Port Moody

#8Steveston - Richmond

#9West Dyke Trail - Richmond

#10Seaside Bike Route - 4 Easy Sections - Vancouver BC

#11Central Valley Greenway - Metro Vancouver

#12Iona Spit Jetty - Richmond BC

#13Railway Trail - Stave and Hayward Lake - Mission BC

#14Valley Trail, Whistler BC

#15Slow Food Rides

#16Myra Canyon - Kettle Valley Railway - Kelowna BC

#17Spirit Trail - North Vancouver

#18BC Parkway 7-11 Trail

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

bike tags: bike Vancouver, easy biking Vancouver, easy cycling Vancouver, easy bike paths Vancouver, easy rides Vancouver, cycle, bike, paths, easy, kids, children, off-road rides, paths, cycle routes Vancouver, Burnaby, bicycle rides, bicycle paths, scenic bike paths, Vancouver Burnaby, North Vancouver, easy flat, where to ride Vancouver, Metro Vancouver rides cycles paths routes bicycles, easy bike rides in Vancouver

Rails to Trails - Inverness to Nobleton Florida

2010-03-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

Wahoo !!!!!! The sun's shining in Florida!

You've got to love these Rails to Trails - easy riding, scenic, covers lots of ground in a short time. Florida has an amazing Rails to Trails network and it's growing all the time.

We spent the day with Francien exploring the route from Inverness to Nobleton. Along the way we saw a land tortoise peeking out of its sandy den, lots of hawks, ospreys and turkey vultures, a pileated woodpecker and Egrets and Ibis. Oh yes - a baby alligator, a red-backed turtle...hmmm memory test!

We learned something about wheel sizes...usually I can't keep up with Francien, but this time I was the 'big wheel' and it made quite a difference. Will have to look into that back home!

Here's where it is in the world...
Happy Riding ! Colleen

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/fl/inverness/651126997444934806">Withlacoochee Rails to Trails Inverness to Nobleton Florida</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/fl/inverness">Find more Bike Rides in Inverness, Florida</a>

Endlessly Finding Art in Vancouver

2010-03-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

There's an amazing Art Show happening around Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics and Paralympics called Endlessly Traversed Landscapes, curated by Natalie Doonan. (See http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/cultural-festivals-and-events/event-listings/endlessly-traversed-landscapes_131958LU.html )

It's subtle and you have to keep your eyes open -- posters on SkyTrains, at bus shelters and billboards dotted throughout the city.

"Oh, now I get it," my friend said. "I wondered what that billboard I saw was all about -- a guy standing beside a car. And there's another one I saw and couldn't figure out what they were selling."

Which brings to mind --

Is it Art if you know about it ... and go looking

or is it Art if you just happen upon it

or is it Art ... if you never see it or hear about it?

... and what is the answer to the meaning of life anyways?

Those and other questions I will leave up to you, but if you want to spot Endlessly Traversed Landscapes before it disappears, then follow the blues with black dots on this Google Map:

Endlessly Finding Art in Vancouver Link:

<http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=110896656053839287322.0004818fd1e8d94e07a12&z=12>

Also posted are sites of City of Vancouver Public Art for the 2010 games and the Vancouver Biennale

and a few other ongoing art installations ...

Have fun searching -- let me know what you find! ~ colleenmacd@gmail.com

Here goes...I'll try to embed the map here...

View Endlessly Finding Art in a larger map

Wahoo! It worked...

Happy Art Finding ~ Colleen

2010 Olympic Event: Art and Cycling Combined

2010-03-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

Art here,

Art there...

Art, Art

-- Everywhere !

Just to change things up a bit we decided to do some urban exploring by bicycle yesterday. The Olympics showed us that transit is fun, so we took our bikes on board the Millenium SkyTrain and headed to downtown Vancouvder. We would cycle out to the Museum of Anthropology and along the way hoped to spot some of the Endlessly Traversed Landscapes Posters and Billboards - - part of the 2010 Cultural Olympiad.
(See http://www.vancouver2010.com/more-2010-information/cultural-festivals-and-events/event-listings/endlessly-traversed-landscapes_131958LU.html )

As good luck would have it, we spotted two billboards right from the SkyTrain:

1. La voie lactée, 1992 (adapted version), Terminal Ave. at Quebec St. / av. Terminal, au coin de la rue Quebec by Genevieve Cadieux
2. Sleep Country, 2008 billboard, Expo Blvd at Abbott St. by Susan Dobson

On Pender Street, at the Go! Temporary Gallery for Permanent Change we looked at the ceiling of umbrella lanterns, a sign for a walking tour with John Atkin, and a circle of logs that I haven't been able to source any information on Google.... let me know if you know?

We headed down a newly separated bike lane with just a line of cones (see how easy it is Vancouver?)
Then down a detour on a real back lane -- now there's an idea for a bike 'lane'...
and passed by a sculpture which I later discovered is part of the Vancouver Biennalle...called Donut #7 by Fletcher Benton. Nice find!

We boarded the Bombardier Train to Granville Island and YES bikes were welcomed !!!
Oh come on Vancouver, let's just buy this train and add it to our Millenium and SkyTrain and Canada Lines. You know we want it. Just think -- I could load my bike in Port Moody and ride down to Vancouver - any old time.

Right outside of Granville Island are these two pieces:

Adad Hannah
1. Aphrodite, 2008 billboard, W.4th Ave. at Hemlock St., entrance to Granville Island 610 cm x 305 cm Courtesy of the artist and Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain 2. Eros, 2008 billboard, W.2nd Ave. at Fir St. 610 cm x 305 cm Courtesy of the artist and Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain

Back on the fantastic Vancouver Seaside Bike Route we passed by three artworks in Vanier Park...

The Stop Michael Zheng (China - USA)

Freezing Water #7 Jun Ren (China)

Gate to the Northwest Passage Alan Chung Hung

Lunch -- of course -- Today at the Watermark at Kitsilano Beach -- watching it snow on the mountains while we were sitting outside and biking in the city. Here's a picture of lunch for you BP and DD ! ha ha...

We then cycled out to the newly renovated Museum of Anthropology at UBC. But that is a blog post in itself. My favourite today was this scene in the exhibit Border Zones: New Art Across Cultures. These tiny boats flow through the galleries and outside the museum.

I was so pleasantly surprised to see an exhibit by Laura Wee Lay Laq...congratulations Laura -- your work is amazing! ( a voice from the past)

A piece of art surprised us as we bicycled through UBC... subtle enough that we were puzzled -- was it really art? And sure enough - there, below the sign was a plaque that read: UBC Art Collection.

...We saw alot of inspiring art all day

and the last piece was...

The Art of Loading a Bike on the Bus

starring Sharon!

So much to see

so little blog space

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Here's MapMyRide:
&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/vancouver/251126842760821080"&amp;amp;gt;Art and Cycling Combined 2010&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/vancouver"&amp;amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Vancouver, British Columbia&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;

bicycle Vancouver, cycling routes Vancouver, cycle path Vancouver, Seaside Bike Route Vancouver, Museum of Anthropology UBC cycling, art and cycling, interesting rides Vancouver BC, Jericho Beach Park, Kits Point.

Translink Metro Vancouver Cycling Map - hot off the press !

2010-03-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

Oh yes -- they just keep getting better!

The 4th Edition of the Metro Vancouver Cycling Map is available now.

The e-version is at http://www.translink.ca/en/Cycling/Cycling-Routes.aspx and it is nice to look at but I hope you will buy a copy to put into your cycling bag. Besides, they are only $3.95 and it helps promote cycling in Vancouver. While you're at it -- pick one up for a friend! Found wherever good maps are sold....

tags: translink map cycling metro vancouver bike routes

Big Ride: Belcarra to Vancouver

2010-03-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

Sunday was sunny and we needed to get downtown, preferrably without a car.

Bus?

What about riding all the way?

Let's do it!

We started on the cycle path through Belcarra Park then along Alderside to the Port Moody Inlet Trail Bike path, stopped for lunch at Divano's in Klahanie then past Rocky Point Park and onto the Barnet Highway.

I hadn't used the Barnet Hwy Bike Lane for awhile and found the cycling sides were cleaner and less broken glass than I'd remembered - a nice surprise. Way to go with the cleanup- Burnaby.

Alongside Kask Bros the Drummond's Walk is a good connector and a welcome break from traffic noise. We followed the Union Street bike route through the cherry blossoms in Westridge, took the pedestrian bridge over Hastings Street and came out at Fell Street.

As it was such a nice day, I decided to follow the TransCanada Trail around the back of Capitol Hill. This is a great ride with views of the north shore mountains and the inlet. The trail is easy, just one short steep section -- hold on tight!

The trail goes underneath the Second Narrows Bridge with a short connector bridge over the railway tunnel. Whoever put this in is a genius -- years ago we used to have to detour around this section. Gradually the routes are getting better and better all the time!

Near New Brighton Park I heard the chatter of eagles and there they were sitting in a tree near the horse sheds of Hastings Park. A passerby saw me taking pictures and asked how I'd spotted them way up there. "Just heard them as I rode," I said. He looked astonished. There are many Eagles nesting in the city -- I hope to hear and see more!

The Port Side Bike Route runs alongside the busy Port of Vancouver and at Wall Street I caught a fantastic winter view of the Lions perched high above North Vancouver.

I veered off the Lakewood Bike Route and explored some of the lanes and streets between Hastings and Powell and was excited to find a "movie back lot" near Pandora and Victoria and a couple of art sightings -- Vancouver is full of great surprises around every corner.

After picking up the bike path again at Glen Drive and riding through Strathcona, Chinatown, and another surprise -- a BIKE LANE on the DUNSMUIR VIADUCT !!!

O Vancouver Bike Planners -- what a fabulous job you are doing!

It was a long ride, but easy easy easy and so flat all the way.

View BIG RIDE Belcarra to Vancouver in a larger map

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Olympic Ride

2010-03-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

It is the warmest February on record
and today's sun begged us to go for an Olympic Ride
to the Richmond O-Zone to check out Heineken House.

We rode over the Granville Street Bridge

and followed the Ontario Street Bike Route

all the way to the Fraser River,

crossed the new cycle bridge alongside the Canada Line.
Whoever has designed these bike routes is a genius -- it was
an easy ride and avoided hills and traffic.

We cruised along the dyke

past new Olympic Legacy Artwork

went around the Richmond Oval

to Minoru Park for the O-Zone.
A quick stop at the Gateway Theatre Art Gallery
and back on the road again we came across a fantastic

Inukshuk made of containers.

The O-Zone wasn't open yet and Heineken House had too long a line
Besides, the sun kept calling, so we rode back out to the dyke

and headed for Steveston

A flock of snow geese flew overhead and we

We followed them to a large school field

covering our heads

hoping not to be splattered

The flock followed us

along the West Dyke Trail towards Steveston

We skirted around Garry Point to see this

fantastic sculpture -- part of the Vancouver Biennalle

Where in the world are we?

At the Sockeye Grill in Steveston

we sat in the sun and thought of the

skiing and boarding events on the mountains north of the city

and here we were basking in a hot February sun

drinking wine and having the BEST seafood salad ever!

The sun set and I realized my bike didn't have night riding lights, so I decided to hop a bus back downtown. (I'd normally take the Canada Line, but it is closed to bike traffic for the Olympic rush).

It was a GREAT ! experience. Translink has a cel-phone help line and a person gave me route directions. Another phone number gave a text message telling which five buses were arriving at the stop.
Make it do-able and we will DO it !

I loaded the bike on the bus bike rack and off we went, arriving downtown safe and sound.

All in all a great day!

Happy Riding!

Colleen

...

Biking . February . Rhododendrons

2010-02-20T09:15:00.000-08:00

O Vancouver !

Olympic Fever !

Biking in February !

Rhododendrons in Bloom !

when you can't bike...write

2009-11-23T22:16:00.000-08:00

Hanging by a wheel,

my bike waits in storage

until the weather changes

from this constant gray

to something more

optimistically blue.

by Sharon Cairney

Roller Coaster and Scones - Mt.Lehman to Clayburn/Abbotsford BC

2009-11-08T17:12:00.001-08:00

We waited for the weather on this one, postponing the trip a week but was it worth it! The sun was shining and we were toasty warm even though it's November.

This is a gentle rolling ride, mostly downhill for the first part then a climb back up to the car. But like the wait for the weather, this one's worth the climb.

Through Bradner we cycled through rolling hills, past the Bradner Store (so glad some of these stores are still around) and discovered a couple of beauties that were as excited to see us as we were to see them. Friendliest pigs around and their big flapping ears made them look like the Flying Nun.

The route winds past the Mt.Lehman winery with it's spectacular backdrop of Mt. Baker. It had been raining for a few days and the air was clear. It felt like we could just reach out and touch the mountain. Where in the world are we? The vineyards of France? Mental note: be sure to see if winery is open on the next ride.

On the hill down towards the Matsqui prairie we came across a lot of crows and wondered what they were doing. We watched for a few minutes and they showed us. They were harvesting hazelnuts from the trees and dropping them onto the road to break open and get at the meat. Smart crows! And that's when we noticed that the road was covered in nut shells. Well, back went on our nutshells (helmets) and we rolled down the hill Wahoo-ing onto the Matsqui Prairie.

We had phoned ahead and knew the Old Clayburn Store was open, so that's where we headed for lunch. Visiting the tiny village of Clayburn is like stepping back in time. We took a small side tour to see the 1909 Village school and Church just down the road from the store. For lunch we had homemade soup (is Grandma cooking?) and Scones with Devonshire Cream! Mmmm...now I know why I like to ride. Where in the world are we? England? (This picture's for you, Bill.)

After lunch we headed north along Bell Road and picked up the Matsqui Trail (part of the TransCanada Trail) along the Fraser River. I was excited as there is alot of new trail built along this stretch and we were able to follow the river until the trail wound up the hill towards Mt. Lehman. This part wears off those scones, so you don't have to feel guilty anymore.

Just outside of the Olund Road we missed the turn off towards Mt. Lehman. We lost our way as the Matsqui Trail came out at Olund Road. We were trying to follow part of the route in this book: Easy Cycling Around Vancouver by Jean and Norman Cousins. This is a GREAT book and I use often when planning a ride. I highly recommend you get a copy! Thank you especially to all the people who have shared their rides through books, blogs, bikely and MapMyRide. We appreciate the time you have taken to research, map and share all these rides.

Happy Riding wherever in the world you are!
Colleen

Here's the map: Remember to click on the box and scroll down to find View Full. You can upload this map to your gps or print it or look at it in Google Earth.

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/abbotsford/951125772929916044">Roller Coaster and Scones - Mt.Lehman to Clayburn</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/abbotsford">Find more Bike Rides in Abbotsford, British Columbia</a>

Here's the ride in Bikely:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/RollerCoaster-and-Scones-Mt-Lehman-to-Clayburn

and here's the alternate MapMyRide following Ride # 27 in Cousins' Easy Cycling Around Vancouver http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/-abbotsford/249125774110348459

Hope you enjoy either route!

Skytrain Trail BC Parkway and 7-11 Cycle Path from New Westminster to Burnaby to Vancouver BC

2009-10-19T20:35:00.000-07:00

Today we parked near the 22nd Street Skytrain station in New Westminster, headed towards the Skytrain and picked up the trail heading west. The trees were at their best today -- brilliant reds and yellows. It felt like a Foliage Fall Tour on the East Coast.

This BC Parkway 7-11 Skytrain Trail is a great urban ride along the old InterUrban train tracks starting in New Westminster, heading into Burnaby and then towards Vancouver. The route is fairly flat and tucks in behind MetroTown Center and alongside Central Park. I really liked peeking into back yards and seeing many interesting collections in yards along the way. There's old stores and my first school - Maywood Elementary along the route.

Some of the 7-11 trail signage seems to have disappeared over the years, but we followed as best we could and reached Commercial Drive in less than an hour. The Drive is a great place to end your path -- head north and find a good spot for lunch. Some of my favourites: The Little Nest on Charles at Commercial is amazing - great food and coffee and lots of parents and kids to watch. Sweet Cherubim makes the best salad and vegie dishes, Brittania Sushi for delicious sashimi and JJ Bean for coffee and a grilled cheese sandwich. If you fit in this tour at dinner-time, I highly recommend Carthage Cafe or Havanas for a good coffee + food + art gallery, or Stella's for beer and mussels. Of course there is so much more on The Drive!

Because the sun came out late today, we linked two routes together and followed the Central Valley Greenway down to False Creek and had lunch at my favourite Mediteranean spot -- Branas Mediterranean Grill at 617 Stamps Landing, right next door to Monks. Lunch here is amazing (as would be dinner!). It's inexpensive and the view is fantastic. Everyone felt like we'd flown to the Mediterranean for lunch. Well, I guess we had sort of flown -- down the pathway! (see details at http://www.colleenrides.com/2009/08/central-valley-greenway.html)

After lunch you can cycle back along the BC Parkway 7-11 Trail and retrace your route. Today my cycle-mates kept saying "but we didn't come this way" -- it all looks different when you're heading in another direction.

Or -- if you've had enough or it's threatening to rain, then just load into the Skytrain Station at Commercial and Broadway and whisk back to the car.

All in all -- a great route. 12.6 km one way or 25 km return, fairly flat and easy

Here's the map in MapMyRide:

and on bikely.com: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Skytrain-Trail-7-11

Happy Riding! Colleen

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/new-westminster-burnaby-vancouver/412125600912520323">Skytrain Trail</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/new-westminster-burnaby-vancouver">Find more Bike Rides in New Westminster Burnaby Vancouver, British Columbia</a>

KSL Sports - Clothing

2009-10-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

When we were in Montreal last spring visiting Kyle and Dom, Katy St. Laurent had just opened her first boutique store for her successful online sport clothing: KSL. The website is www.kslsport.com

Katy is a champion cyclist with a love for sewing and design. Put them together and she has made a fantastic line of sports clothing for cycling, tennis, yoga, cross-country skiing, golf and travel. She has an amazing dress that morphs into a dozen different styles. Katy has expanded her line this Fall. It's easy to order from her as she guarantees an easy return if the items don't fit or ?

She designs clothes with comfort and style both in mind -- I bought these Bianca top and leggings:

The Bianca leggings don't cut mid-calf like other cycling shorts -- these ones have a soft band below the knees. They can be worn alone or under pants for cold days. The waistband is also soft and tall -- on cold days it keeps the draft out and on warmer days can be rolled down, much like a yoga pant. The Bianca top has a hood that can fit under or over a helmet. On a cold day it can snug around the neck like a neckwarmer. Like all of her tops, they are long enough so there's no gap at the back. And there's that well-designed pocket that is one of her trademarks. Best of all, everything is made of the right stretchy-wicky-fabrics we love to wear.

Katy believes we should all 'spread our wings' and achieve our own personal goals. She makes the clothes that make it fun to do that!

Here's a picture of the jacket I bought this fall. What I love about Katy's styles is that they can go from riding into a restaurant and not look too LanceArmstrong-y. Well, I'll have to do something about the helmet!!

Happy Riding -- in KSL clothes!

Colleen

Stop Drop Roll ... Poco to Maple Ridge Dykes

2009-10-15T20:48:00.001-07:00

Rain forecast all week
Lots of rain
90% torrential rain

look out the window
see the sun
check revised forecast
--- sun !

pick up the phone
Spontaneity check
Wanna ride?

grab clothes
load bike
meet at Cornerstone

stop
drop
roll

Wahoo! Look at us
we're cycling on the dykes

Blueberry bushes brilliant red
Salmon thrashing in the Coquitlam River
Cranberries almost ready to harvest

Ride against the wind on the dykes
Tree down

Turn around

A ride squeezed into a week of rain

Here's the map...click on View Full to see it all.
Once you're in MapMyRide you can print it out (I think you need to join somehow.)
It's a 37km ride out and back

This ride is also posted on bikely.com
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Stop-Drop-Roll-Poco-to-Maple-Ridge

Happy Riding! And get out there before winter's here!

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/-port-coquitlam-to-maple-ridge-dykes/523125566476867084">Stop Drop Roll Poco and Maple Ridge Dykes</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/-port-coquitlam-to-maple-ridge-dykes">Find more Bike Rides in Port Coquitlam To Maple Ridge Dykes, British Columbia</a>

Montreal Markets Ride Oct 2009

2009-10-10T13:38:00.001-07:00

A cold October ride

along city streets

through piles of fall leaves

past row houses with winding stairs

along bike paths

church bells ringing

sun shining

people working in their gardens

through Petite Italie

to Jean-Talon Market

lunch in the sun

and lots of fruits and vegies to take home

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/run///437125520698767868">Montreal Markets Ride</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-run//">Find more Runs in , </a>

Bikennale Sunday Oct 4, 2009

2009-10-01T21:34:00.000-07:00

Come and join us Sunday Oct 4, 2009

for MEC's GREAT RIDE:

The Bikennale

Cycling and Art

Together at last

It's a great way to promote more rides and routes in MetroVan

as all proceeds go towards encouraging biking!

More info and registration at: http://www.greatrides.ca/home

View BIKENALLE VANCOUVER 2009 in a larger map

Let's do it again for the next Biennale in 2013

Ladner Circle Tour

2009-10-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

Step back into time in Ladner...

Park at Lions Park 4910 Westminster Avenue then head into town to pick up a sandwich or coffee.
Head west on River Road until you come to the bridge to Westham Island. Head out to the Reifel Bird Sanctuary or continue along the dyke all the way around the edge of the island.

There used to be a good little ramp over the ditch at 34th Street which made for a simpler ride, but it's gone now so I kept going east. It's a bit tricky (and noisy) when you come to the highway, but go under the overpass and cross the train tracks to pick up the bike path on the other side. I found the TransLink Bike Map was really handy today to find the best route.

Here's the map ...

View Ladner Circle in a larger map

Have fun! Enjoy the ducks! Colleen

view full

2009-09-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

Some of you are asking how to see the whole map in MapMyRide

You need to click on view full

~ It's tucked away at the bottom of the MapMyRide box, just scroll down on the little arrows on the right side of the map box until you see view full.

~ Clicking on it takes you to the MapMyRide website where you can zoom in or out and overlay it in Google Maps, etc. It should look like this when you scroll down:

~ and by the way - click on any picture and it will pop up large, too!

~ Have fun - and remember to share your rides on MapMyRide.com or Bikely.com

Campbell Valley Judi Ride 2009

2009-09-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

My GPS had a great ride today in the Fraser Valley with Judi and her gang of do-ers....

She says, "we had a spectacular first day of Fall ride in South Langley in the Campbell Valley.

The Temperature today was close to 30 degrees, The ride was mostly on flat, quiet avenues, some were tree lined with large beautiful homes on acreage, on others we passed horse farm, llama farms, a rabbitery, even saw some goats and a few geese.

We did have to ride up one or two hills - I think it was up 240th for a bit and I would have to look at the map to remember the other one. But mainly flat with a few gentle upward slops. Definitely nothing too strenuous.

The only busy road we had to travel was 16th Ave, but is was

only for a very short duration.

We enjoyed our bag lunch and a wine tasting at Township 7 Vineyards and Winery near the end of our ride. Our host Gail Simpson was a delightful woman who took our photos and plied us with several different wines. All were delicious. We then happily wobbled our way back to our cars at Campbell Valley Park.... We all arrived safely.

Here's the 33.2 km route and the details. And here's the map! As usual, click on VIEW FULL to see it all. I've also posted it here: Bikely Map Link

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/campbell-valley-bc/796125368816931913">Campbell Valley Judi Ride 2009</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/campbell-valley-bc">Find more Bike Rides in Campbell Valley Bc, British Columbia</a>

P is for Perfect! ~ Pitt Polder Ride 2009

2009-09-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

The weather opened up and we headed for today's ride as planned, meeting at the east end of the almost-opened new Pitt River Bridge. We headed north along the dyke to Harris Road, then crossed over the bridge and turned right onto the next dyke then onto McNeil Road, turning north and following Rannie Road all the way to Pitt Lake.

What a view! Mountains all around, cranberry fields on each side of the road and a flat route to the lake. By then our stomachs were growling so we stopped for a sandwich and watched a small yellow float plane head up the lake, then return a short while later. After lunch we headed east along the hard-packed dyke to do a little marsh exploring.

At the end of the gravel road we turned south onto the rough road that follows along the mountainside at the east end of the Addington Marsh.
Puffy white clouds reflected in the water looked just like an old English painting. Where in the World are we?

Herons fished, ducks quacked, wildflowers grew beside the path, starlings flew in formation and a murder of crows chased a hunting hawk. But we didn't have time to stop for long -- we were on the hunt for a new route. And we found it, curving around the marsh and coming out onto Koerner Road then heading south just past the gate.

The trail took us out to Koerner Road and we turned south onto the dirt road. Just when a pit-stop was needed, what popped up? Oh those pesky bladders!

We stopped at Golden Eagle golf course to see if there was a road that way. The beer looked inviting, but it wasn't beer-o-clock yet... so we headed west on Ladner Road, south on Rannie/Neaves to see if we could find a different route back.

And we did ... but what a detour -- just past McNeil we came to the bridge over the Alouette but instead of taking the north dyke, headed over the bridge to the south dyke which turned out to be a labyrinth of pitfalls: rough gravel that churned under our wheels, blackberry vines full of potential tire-popping prickles, a stinging bee and a horseshoe shaped trail that ended up taking us on a long trek eastward again. Unless you like bumps and such, stick to the north dyke!

A kind farmer left a pile of apples for passing horses. We thought that was pretty nice!

It was a LONG ride, full of new sights. When we got back to the car I checked the GPS and it said 29.5 We were all surprised that it was so short a ride, but put it down to meandering. When the map was uploaded to MapMyRide, the route read 47.4 km. I wondered what was wrong with the new Garmin GPS. Sharon figured it out -- the gps was set on miles. ah - ha !

All in all -- a perfect ride. Hope you enjoy it, too!

Here's the map ... at the very bottom, click on VIEW FULL to see it all.

Happy riding ~ Colleen ... + Sherry + Judi + Sharon

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/pitt-meadows/512125324863234614">It's the Pitts</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/pitt-meadows">Find more Bike Rides in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia</a>

Round the Fraser

2009-09-14T22:54:00.000-07:00

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.

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

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/new-westminster-vancouver-richmond/203125299067983074">Round the Fraser</a> <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/new-westminster-vancouver-richmond">Find more Bike Rides in New Westminster Vancouver Richmond, British Columbia</a>

Cycling in the Rain

2009-09-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

Now there's a fashion statement for everyone and here's Josie and I making ours.

My friends Falko and Joris picked up my Biking Burka style rain cape in Hong Kong ~ apparently they are very common in China.
I think it's the perfect accessory for cycling in Vancouver when a sudden rainstorm or a constant drizzle can leave you a little soggy.
Josie's rain jacket is a custom design -- she picked it up at Safeway in Kelowna!!!

Cycle Clothing !!!!

2009-09-07T09:24:00.000-07:00

I'm looking

for cycling clothing

and bike wear

that doesn't look like

Lance Armstrong!

I know you are out there --

designing shorts, jackets,

caps, and great things for

bike clothing like this great jacket

from KSL of Montreal

Katie St.Laurent, a champion cyclist combines a love of biking with her love of sewing and fashion and has created a line of clothing for biking, hiking, and skiing.

Here's her website: http://www.deploietesailes.com/veste_leona.html

(you can use Google's translator to read the French!)

Let me know if you are creating cycling clothing and I'll post a link to

your website...

and probably pick up some clothing, too!

Happy Shopping! Colleen

Great Rides

2009-09-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Now here's some great rides....

Details and registration at http://www.greatrides.ca/home

See you on the Bikennal Oct 4 !

Round Richmond -~ Fish and Chips

2009-09-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Somedays you just know why you ride and this was one of those.

Francien and I started off in Port Moody to take the Westcoast

Express to town. We joined the office commuters riding the rails who seemed oblivious to the views out the windows of the train. Wow -- ocean, mountains, sunshine. How

could the commuters not glance up from their laptops?

We arrived at Waterfront Station and headed towards the new Skytrain to Richmond, got off at Marine Drive and rode the new cycle bridge over the Fraser. Where in the world are we now?

Desperate by then for a coffee, we poked around and finally found one, then headed towards the West Dyke Trail near the marina on Bridgeport. This section of the 'trail' needs a bit of work. The rails there are begging to be a bike path. We rode past the Olympic Speed Skating Oval which is astounding to see -- amazing architecture.

The West Dyke Trail never seizes to amaze -- again, where in the world am I? We watched turtles sunning amongst the lily pads then continued on to Garry Point -- like a glimpse of Cape Cod with its rolling dykes and wildflowers.

Fish and chips called from the seaside port of Steveston as we watched fishing boats come in with their catch.

Just east of the town is the reconstruction of the old Brittania shipyard and a glimpse into the past. The development is low-key and well worth stopping to listen to a few stories.

http://www.steveston.bc.ca/online/britannia.html

Finn Slough seems to be slipping away and there's a petition to sign if you'd like to see this pocket of life preserved. Something I'd like to see for sure -- we need these unique pockets of life.

Looking for a new way back to the skytrain we noticed a trail marked north and found the Shell Road Trail and a connecting trail back to the Bridgeport Station. I wonder what was here before? Was it a railway line? There's something very satisfying about a circle route and this one was amazing. I know there are dozens of trails like this that locals know about and I'd love to discover. Please let us know your local 'routes'. They are gems we love to find.

All in all a GREAT ride -- the Richmond Loop. Hope you can enjoy it one day. Let me know if you do! colleenmacd@gmail.com

The riding part took about 5 hours, including the stop for lunch and the museum, about 38 km all round. Here's the map -- click on FULL VIEW to see the whole thing:

Happy Riding! Colleen

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/richmond-/517125181520735087"&amp;gt;Richmond BC Loop09/01/2009 Route&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt; &amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/richmond-"&amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Richmond , British Columbia&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Central Valley Greenway and lunch in the Mediteranean...

2009-08-26T11:51:00.001-07:00

Today's ride and lunch was on the newest amazing Central Valley Greenway in Vancouver -- a connection of trails all the way from New Westminster to Vancouver along the flattest route available. The pathway starts further east in New Westminster but today Francien and I parked at Hume Park to begin the ride.

The route follows the Brunette River and connects with the park trails along Burnaby Lake. Technically we're not supposed to ride these trails -- the actual Greenway travels along Winston Avenue, but...how can we go along the noisy road when the forest is calling? So, be sure to "walk" your bikes through these trails (wink). Which brings to mind -- how about a cycle path somewhere through this park? The cycle path could follow beside the walking routes, just like the Rocky Point paths in Port Moody. A logical spot is along the gas lines right-of-way. I used to ride this route years ago before the area was made into a park. In those days it was called the Sawdust Trail.

At Sperling Avenue there's a fantastic new cycling bridge that is an easy slope up and down. It's meant to connect the road bike path with the Still Creek section, so if you've done the right thing and followed the road, then you will be able to cross the tracks on this new bridge. I'm still wondering exactly why they put this expensive bridge in...could have just put in caution when crossing the rails signs, just like the ones at Caribou Road and Gilmore...but still it is an amazing bridge.

The Central Valley Greenway is an eclectic route along forested streams, behind businesses, and under the rain canopy of the skytrain. It is a segregated route that weaves through a part of the city that most people don't even know exists. "Where are we?" was Francien's saying throughout the day.
Kudos to the planners of this route -- I particularly like the section between Sperling and Gilmore -- hardpacked and well lit. Where am I here -- somewhere in Holland?Another example of good planning are the wide pathways along Great Northern Way -- this is exactly what we need for a safe mixed user route. Let's see some more of these off-road pathways. There are two art galleries on East 1st Street that are worth a stop -- Elliott Louis Gallery 258 East 1st Avenue and Catriona Jeffries Gallery which is nearby on the back lane. It was Monday, so we didn't expect them to be open, but the Elliott's garage door was open so we enjoyed the exhibit of emerging artists.
Now the important part -- where will we go for lunch? Once we reached Science World we had a choice -- which way should we go? "I know a place," I said, "follow me." We headed west alongside the new Olympic Village and followed the (still fantastic) Seaside Path to Stamps Landing. There, tucked beside Monk McQueen's is a little gem -- Branas Mediteranean Grill.

Sitting on the patio, overlooking the sailboats in the marina and the city in the background, munching into a grilled vegetable panini, it felt like we were in the Mediteranean.  The tomatoes tasted like they were picked right from the vine in the owner's garden -- and they probably were! 

We headed back along Great Northern Way and at Glen Drive boarded the Skytrain for the return. At Braid Station there's a small trail opening that goes alongside the old railroad tracks and winds down to Hume Park and the car!All in all a GREAT ride. More pictures to follow... soon.I am really excited that someone had the vision of putting this route together and actually made it happen! These kinds of routes will help to get more people comfortable with commuting cycling. I hope we are going to have more routes like this in Metro Vancouver. Click on FULL VIEW to see the whole map...Happy Riding! Colleen

&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/metro-vancouver/884125181634232034"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Central Valley Greenway&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/metro-vancouver"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;

Lopez Island and Iceberg lunch

2009-08-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a great ride on Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands.

We rented bikes at the Lopez Bicycle Works on Fisherman Bay Road. The owner said, "In summer I rent bikes and in winter I look for work." Not only are his good fleet of bikes in top repair, you can also buy some of his wife Linda's (delicious) Blackberry Jam and other canned goods.

The ride starts with a big climb, then is an easy trip on rolling hills through farms and along the coast with glimpses of the ocean. We stopped at Shark Reef park and spotted seals perched like anvils lying in the hot summer sun.

"Are we in Nova Scotia?" I asked looking out at the cove at the bottom of Richardson Road. We headed south along the beach and waved to the owner of the Mackaye Harbor Inn -- a bed and breakfast that is high on my list of Favorite Places to Stay.

Agate Beach is another fantastic place. The entrance to Iceberg Point is just past the beach. Park your bikes in the rack and go the rest of the way on foot. Trails criss-cross the park. We followed the trail along the cliff edge out to the very end. There we had our picnic lunch spread out on the rock. Our sandwiches were squished, but I think they taste a bit better that way. Again, it reminded me of similar rocky shores of Nova Scotia.

We took a different route back, zigzaging through more farms. My favorite was the hillside of yarrow -- spectacular. We were exhausted from the heat on the last stretch and were glad to get back to Lopez Village for the promised reward of a ice cream from the Lopez Island Creamery.

We found out later that that day was the hottest day ever recorded. Beer-o'clock on the boat never tasted so good.

Happy Riding! Colleen

Click on FULL VIEW to see the whole map...

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/wa/lopez-island/263124935266173357"&amp;gt;Lopez Island cycling July 2009&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-states/wa/lopez-island"&amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Lopez Island, Washington&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

www.mapmyride.com/route/us/wa/lopez%20island/263124935266173357

Moose Jaw Circle +

2009-07-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Moose Jaw is a great city for riding -- it's flat and there are fantastic trails around the city. Some of the sections need a bit of work and we lost the trail a couple of times, but here is our route (sort of): We rented bikes in Wakamow Park and checked out the park paths and tracks on the hills. We found the TransCanada Trail on the hill south of the park, then headed downtown to see the murals and pick up a trail map at the tourist information booth.

We made a quick stop in Crescent Park at the art gallery, then followed the urban trails and rode along Happy Valley, up to the Exhibition grounds to see the Burrowing Owls, then west along Spring Creek Park, south along Thatcher, then east along Thunder Creek and back to the park.

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

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/sk/-moose-jaw-saskatchewan/658124832115157587

This is the trail map from Moose Jaw Parks and Recreation:

La Tour de Nuit Montreal June 5, 2009

2009-06-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

now here is organization
at it's finest
thousands of people
enjoying a leisurely ride
- at night -
through Montreal streets
and parks
spectators lining the streets
people bbq-ing in their yards
costumes
cheers
laughter
lights on pathways
through the dark spots
blocked off streets
a linear party

every city should have
a night ride like this

Cycling in Turkey May 2009

2009-05-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

Danny + Francien + Ali + Ian + Colleen

(click on pix to see the whole set)

top of the hill

an exhausting climb

looking down
over the bay

our boat awaits

cruise
down
hill

we did it!

Cycling in Turkey was our second trip with Inselhupfen aka Island Hopping !

Ali, our guide put together an amazing week

boating and biking along the south coast of Turkey.

Every day was one adventure after another -- there were many hills to climb,

but the reward of course is always the

downhill scream back to the boat

and beer-o-clock

Here's the link to the amazing cycle and boating tour company:

Inselhupfen = Island Hopping.

We can't wait for our next trip with Inselhupfen !!!!

I like to ride

2009-03-26T12:16:00.001-07:00

and if you do, too

then send me your best rides

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

...thoughts...whatever

colleenmacd@gmail.com

Maps and more!

2009-03-25T09:38:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

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

Vancouver Shores -- Vancouver's Best First Ride

2009-03-24T22:35:00.002-07:00

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

&amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/-vancouver/552123795927859647"&amp;amp;gt;Vancouver Shores...Vancouver\'s Best First Ride&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br /&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/-vancouver"&amp;amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Vancouver, British Columbia&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;gt;

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

2009-03-24T22:35:00.001-07:00

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...

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/vancouver/411123796112740862"&amp;gt;Seaside: Kitsilano to Jericho to UBC and back&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/vancouver"&amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Vancouver, British Columbia&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Port Moody to Belcarra

2009-03-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

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.

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/canada/bc/belcarra-/932833980073"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Port Moody to Belcarra&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/canada/bc/belcarra-"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Find more Bike Rides in Belcarra , British Columbia&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Belcarra Loop

2009-02-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

If you are out in the Belcarra area, this is the route I do in the mornings -- it's a quick ride -- about 45 minutes or so.

another option: start at Port Moody and then do the Belcarra Loop

Phoenix - Union Hills Loop

2006-12-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

A few years back we rode the Union Hills Loop northwest of Phoenix.

Wow.

Wow -- what a ride.

It had rained for a few weeks and the cacti were in bloom

the huge Saguaro cacti stood like guideposts along the way.

Be sure to take along lots of water and snacks -- this ride is far from stores.

ps - if you gps it, please send me a copy? colleenmacd@gmail.com
Thanks!

Happy riding!

Tour de Hrvatska ~ Croatia

2006-09-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

limestone houses
red tile roofs
turquoise water
barren hillsides

villages nestled in valleys
church bells ringing
narrow alleys
rocky fields
lavender growing wild

climb the hills
straight up
higher
hotter
keep going
we re going where...
up there...
stop for water
catch your breath
peddle harder
lower the gears
can't believe I'm climbing this
mountain

reach the summit
WAHOO
and down the other side
cruising
flying
riding
and gliding
down
down
down

watching the boat slip
into the port
tucked into a tiny blue cove

I DID IT !!!!

dinner bell rings
laughter
stories
about the climb
and the descent

looking forward to tomorrow

wish you were here !!!!

(click on any of these pictures to see the whole set in Flickr) c 2006

Go Dutch

2006-07-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

who knew
Holland was
only
one hour away
in Lynden Washington

giant windmill
dutch architecture
wooden shoes
flowers galore

cycling through
raspberry fields
forever
drinking in the scent
as the harvester
picked
raspberries
for
market

fresh blueberries
for lunch

an old farmhouse
kitchen
painted blue !

listening to
calves
lowing
in the fields

a horse
called Ivy

Frankenstein?

and Mount Baker
on the horizon

another great cycle day !

Tiptoe through the Tulips 2006

2006-04-21T22:23:00.000-07:00

Load up bikes
drive to Mt.Vernon
ride west
through
fields and fields
of tulips
red
yellow
tulip heads dancing
in the breeze
cycle to LaConner
lunch with the seagulls
back through the fields
home again

More info about the Skagit Tulip Festival: http://www.tulipfestival.org/

The Art of Cycling 2006

2006-04-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

Jeannette, Francien, Judi and I

started up the hill

at Myrta Hayes pottery studio,

cycled along Alderside Road

to Gay Torlay's amazing studio,

headed up the hill to Tammi Pilon's,

and followed the creek to Maggie White's.

La Mercante made a delicious lunch

and then we explored

around Queen's Street Square,

visited Alison Philpott

at Sheila Francis' renovated heritage office,

and smelled the flowers at Vivio.

We found Glenn Atkinson

at the Perry Roe building,

stopped in at the old City Hall gallery,

the little yellow garage studio

of Martha Melmetis

and the saw the Spirit Bear sculptures

of Ross Agro.

In time for tea and scones

at The Muse,

we enjoyed a Korean concert.

Over the new bridge,

a stop at the Electronic Arts

and back to our cars at the Rec Centre.

Port Moody is now the City of the Art of Cycling.