Vancouver… it’s so close, but so far away. I guess it’s not really that difficult for us islanders to get to the big V, but for whatever reason I tend not to go over that much. Maybe it’s my attachment to the UVic rabbits, or the Barb’s Fish and Chips seal, or the Beacon Hill goats – better stop now before you get the impression I have some sort of fixation on domesticated animals, if you can refer the previous examples as such.
This weekend’s excursion only really involved being in Vancouver for part of the day on Sunday. The rest of the weekend involved bike riding – no surprise. Friday was a slightly abbreviated Saanich Peninsula trip and Saturday was a nice 40-50km loop through town and past Prospect Lake. Sunday was to be another ride between 50 and 100km, which had me slightly concerned since: a) I’m never sure what’s going to happen when my weekly riding plan devolves into cramming it all in on the weekend, and b) I suspected that Vince (fellow Seattle-Portland registrant) might have been on some secret training program whereby I would receive a healthy beatdown on unfamiliar roads. Thanks to a restful Saturday evening at Casa di Monkey Tree, I was in acceptable form for the 65km ride we did through Richmond and New Westminster.
Overall, a good time in the big city, although I suppose I could have made due without the maple-twist soft-serve ice cream and the mild pig-out on the return ferry trip. The 5-star, gold-plated accommodation and stellar breakfast at Casa di Monkey Tree (you know who you are) were definitely highlights.
GPS Data: 65.3km – 2h27m – 26.7km/h – GPS route
A 65km road bike ride through parts of Greater Vancouver including New Westminster and Richmond. Click on the map to see detailed information on the Garmin website.
On the way to Vancouver on the Spirit of Vancouver Island and looking towards Salt Spring Island.
I still kind of like ferry trips, but admittedly my opinion probably has a lot to do with the fact that I rarely travel on them. Not sure what this little island's name is near Swartz Bay.
In case you need to know, this is a fair representation of what our ferry looked like. This one was heading in the opposite direction.
Heading down hill on Marine Drive in New Westminster near the start of our ride. Vince likes all things Italian, except my shoes, which are apparently molto blingo.
The stretch along the north side of the Fraser River's north arm is not particularly inspiring in terms of scenery, but thankfully, it only accounted for a fraction of the ride distance.
After some more non-inspiring, but higher speed riding south through Richmond on Railway Avenue, we arrived in Steveston where the scenery and general riding conditions (traffic etc.) improved significantly. This is a marina at the north end of Dyke Road.
View of the Fraser River from Dyke Road in Steveston. Apparently, the public washrooms at this location are large enough to take your bike into if you are worried about theft. I did not experiment to confirm.
Vince and I a bloc on Dyke Road. Ok, more like 3/4 bloc.
Richmond agriculture in action with some north shore mountains in the background.
One of several former waterfront homes in the south end of Richmond. But, where's the water you ask? I do not know, shall be my reply.
More good, south Richmond (Steveston?) road and a hurricane ravaged barn.
North Richmond on River Road passing by a turntable style rail bridge. This stretch of road was particularly satisfying what with a decent tail wind and good scenery.
The infamous rabbit pancake at Casa di Monkey Tree. A keen observer will note that I have drawn stuff on the photo to emphasize the rabbit shape. Do rabbits have claws?
An so ends the day in Vancouver, but not before I bring it to the Pacific Buffet on the ferry ride home. This is round #1. Looks reasonable healthy if I don't say so myself.
Pacific Buffet round #2. The curried prawns were rather good as far as ferry food goes.
Round #3 at the buffet, not really necessary, but I can't cry about it now.
When will it stop? Buffet round #4 - the last one. I avoided the cakes and whatnot, and did not experience any digestive challenges, so I'm calling this buffet trip a win for me.
Nice post….. Bunnies do have claws
Actually, I’m jealous of the shoes, much like the water bottle cages. Nice work with saving the beef for the third course.
The beef was kind of an accident, but avoiding it in round #1 and 2 was not. Thanks again for a good ride and pannekoeken.
Fine eats Kris. Fine eats.
Excellent buffet skills – you might be ready for Pabla’s All You Can Eat
Too funny. That ferry food does look better than most of the fare we find around the rural parts of Forest. JEALOUS!