Tag Archives: Vancouver

Holiday cycle ride, 12 Dec 2017

Cycle touring,

Steve at the Holiday Light bike ride:
“Unlike previous years, the weather window was clear and dry and spanning several days for the annual ride. We had less overall bikes, but more compliance with my “must have Xmas lights” requirement.

One Santa and 8 tiny reindeer (bikes) made the rounds from Science World to English Bay, and from Lost Lagoon to Canada Place, past the Art Gallery and to St. Paul’s (we even did an extended part to Davie Street). The route is only getting more dense with great sights.

At a combined total of 100,000 lumens, and speakers at higher decibels than ever before, we thrilled onlookers enough so some even looked up from their phones. We also picked up some extra cyclists.

Snacks and merriment were had by all making this one of my favourite holiday traditions. My metrics of success are simple – did we make people smile and laugh? Did we make them yell and wave? Did children look all confused? Yes to all, but I think less so than previous years which makes me realize that it is all that much more important to keep this tradition alive and of course add more lights!”

Holiday Bike Ride, 14 Dec 2014

Cycle touring

Steve v. dashing through the bike lanes, on his one-person open bike:
“It was a perfect night for a sleigh-bell ride by bike around Vancouver’s holiday sights. Twelve of us, most decked out either in bike lights or attire, really rang in the holiday spirit. On our route we hit St. Paul’s, the Robson ice rink, Jack Poole plaza, Canada Place, Lost Lagoon, the West End willow tree, the tree near David Lam park and Olympic Village, plus all the trails and seawall in between.

That wasn’t the best part though. The true meaning of this season was seen in the reactions of others hearing our broadcasted Christmas music coming and then turning to see Santa Claus, Rudolph and more riding their way on a cold winter night, completely decked out in festive wheels and frame lights. We received applause, smiles, comments, compliments, and many camera flashes.

One unexpected highlight was when a carol ship paused under the Granville St. Bridge and cranked up Ave Maria on their fantastic sound system. It reverberated like a cathedral between the buildings and bridge deck. We then heard a voice – Colleen who was scheduled to ride with us yelling from the ship telling us our bikes look awesome!

It truly is better to give than to receive. I want to thank everyone that came for the extra effort they put in. This isn’t just a “pack your bag” callout; people spent money and time to make it more than the sum of the parts for this ride. Happy Holidays everyone!”

Vancouver cycling, 16 Jun 2013

Cycle touring

Keith cycling around town:
“I did a bike trip around the city (with Stuart I.) back in June and I know people are wondering how it went, well I’ll let you know… We biked about 65 km around the city. Originally it was to be only 35 km but we extended it into Richmond as it was only the two of us. As you will see we were slowed down a bit by some of the stops Stuart wanted to make. If you want to know how to balance 3 cases of pizza pops on one side of the bike and 8 litres of canola oil on the other – better call Stuart! We won $13 on the slots.”

Central Valley Greenway cycling 12/09/09

Cycle touring, ,

Su-Laine cycling the Central Valley Greenway:
“Christine and I cycled the new Central Valley Greenway from Science World to New Westminster. Vancouver and Burnaby were easy and pleasant riding. As others have reported, route signage in Burnaby is not always easy to follow. However, the temporary signs that have been put up are very helpful, and overall the ride was easier than I expected. There are a few steep but fairly short hills heading into New Westminster, and closer to downtown New West the only reasonable option at this time is to ride on the narrow sidewalk and try to ignore the horrible traffic noise next to you. A brief detour to check out Burnaby Lake was a highlight.”