Blossoms by Bike, Saturday 12th April
Blossom by Iain
Iain writes:-
We gathered at Waterfront Station for this 60km leisurely bike ride, travelling as far east as Renfrew and as far west as Camosun, while for northings and southings it was Burrard Inlet to the Fraser. Definitely shorts weather although as the wind picked up during the day this became less of a certainty. We had sunshine all day, particularly so at Maple Grove Park, the fall back lunch spot. The primary lunch destination was Fraser River Park but the wind was way too strong, sandwiches would have ended up in Hope.
Trout Lake Farmers’ Market was an early stop, a lively place but we’ll put it down for another trip, as we had blossoms to see., For some trees we were too early, for others too late, some were just right. Another early stop was to have a look at a school, with a couple of sloes from second floor to first, didn’t have that at any of the schools we went to. Regrettably access was locked off, otherwise we’d have given it a go. We had a bonus diversion for curry and chai as the Vaisakhi Parade was on Main Street. Great atmosphere. We got some photos, including from a cooperative passer by. We were delayed briefly by a lost wallet that we returned to its owner via what John le Carré might have termed a “drop”. High points for a view were the Arbutus Lookout at Elm and 31st, a new point for many, it really does offer a spectacular city view.
Happy to report no major mechanicals, one chain came off, speedily replaced by a team effort and a ReHook device. The record distance for the day was 82.7 kms, which is what happens when you skip the Seabus and use the bridges.
Numbers diminished during the day as people peeled off to head back to North Van or East Van, leaving a stalwart four to check out the finer points of Faculty on Ontario.
There’ll be other bike rides coming up, namely the new MUP on the way to Iona and also a long bike ride where we’ll try and link the art work that can be found at City and Regional Water Sites. That will take some figuring out. Don’t go away.
See the route here from Iain’s Garmin 1040
