Massey Tunnel Richmond Dykes
Wet map fiasco, image by Maya
Tamsin writes:-
Eight intrepid cyclists met early Saturday morning, no-one wanting to be the one who wimped out due to the rain, which we were assured would ease off. Louise and Tamsin remained secretive about the route, saying only that we were heading south. Guesses were put forward for Steveston and Iona but the route remained a mystery tour. Perhaps due to the rain and chill, we set off at a good pace and arrived at our intended mystery – the Massey Tunnel bike shuttle bus – an hour early!! Hmm, so maybe we should have put a Plan B in place. Huddled under a tree Tamsin and Louise consulted an increasingly soggy map, and quickly created one. However this was equally quickly discarded for Plan C after we decided even a short section on the highway would be miserable in the rain and spray.
Retracing our steps (wheels?) a short distance we headed out onto quieter roads and along the dykes – well the group had suggested Steveston earlier! The rain had not eased off so a suggestion of coffee was readily approved and the Google-gods were on our side directing us to Sanctuary café – a wonderful bike café that was willing to welcome eight very wet riders, and even set up an instant bike rack outside for us. After hot drinks and sugary snacks, and a little drier, we ventured back out. It was even ‘nearly not raining’ (British optimism!) Following the dykes around the coastline, under gradually clearing skies, we made our way back across the Canada Line bridge, where Adrienne’s water bottle made a successful bid for freedom, and met a watery demise :(
Back at the seabus terminal, after a re-routed but successful 65km ride we waved goodbye to a few tired riders whilst the rest of us finished the trip with a beer/wine and nibbles overlooking Coal Harbour. We are an ‘eating club with a hiking (or biking) disorder’ after all. Thank you to everyone who braved the rain for our magical mystery tour!
See the route here from Iain’s Garmin Edge 800
