Let's Go Biking !

Easy Cycling Near Vancouver - the birth of a Blog

Family cycling on Pender Island.

This blog started when the Macmillan family asked,
"Are there any places in Vancouver
where we can we take our kids biking?"

Looking through all the maps and books
collected over the years and thinking
of my favourite places to ride in Vancouver,
I started this blog to share rides with them
and their very young children.

Now their kids are growing up and
they are able to peddle on their own
and go greater distances...
and this blog is growing up with them, too!

As we discover more places to ride
we'll add them to the blog.
I hope you find some of these rides fun
and enjoy exploring our routes.

Maybe you will find new ways to describe them
or discover new places to ride
and share them with us
so we can go on them, too!

Here's a few of my favourite rides

for little ones to little old ladies
and everything in-between!
Happy Riding ~ Colleen

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#1 Barnston Island - Surrey, BC

Distance: 9.7km

Difficulty: easy, flat

Surface and Traffic: flat paved road with few cars after the ferry off-loads
Highlights: river and mountain views, farmland, small island

Eats: no stores or services, bring a picnic
Description: Here's an EASY ride that has the extra added bonus of a ferry ride, too! It's really a barge pushed by a tugboat, so that makes it all the better!

Park on the Surrey side and ride on and off the ferry -- there's not much parking on the island.

Barnston is probably the easiest family ride there is - a great starter. No traffic -- just simple on road riding around a tiny island with nice views of farms and the river. It's 9.7 km but very easy with a flat paved surface and little or no traffic.

How to Get there:

Take Hwy 1 east over the Port Mann Bridge,

Exit at 176th St.

North on 176th

Right on 104th Avenue until you see the ferry

Park and ride bikes onto the ferry

From Maple Ridge:
Over the Golden Ears bridge, follow the signs for #1W
Stay on Golden Ears way (go under the highway)
Right at Fraser Hwy (#15/176)
Right at 104
(Thanks Carmen Hebert !)

Map: on bikely.com

Barnston Island Family Ride

Cue Sheet:

Park and ride onto the ferry

On the island, turn right

Circle the island
Stop for lunch at the park

Load onto the ferry

Option: The Fort-to-Fort trail ((ride #3) is nearby if you want to extend this ride.

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Barnston Island with Mason and Blake

Your Turn! The Hebert Family's

Adventure on Barnston Island:

We did (well, attempted) Barnston Island yesterday. We managed to get on the ferry and about half way around, having so much fun, then BOTH of Blake's tires blew!! He kept falling and we didn't know why, then we noticed his tires. Ricky pulled about 7 or 8 very large blackberry prickles from them!! Never thought a blackberry prickle would pop a tire... let alone two!!

So, then the adventure started. I had to double Mason back on my bike, while Blake rode Mason's bike and Ricky carried Blake's bike over his shoulders while riding his own bike! We are definitely going back to do it again, though. It's so neat and so flat! What a cute little place. Can't believe I had never been there before!

Lessons learned:
- don't go on a day that is so scorching hot!
- bring a bike patch kit (we brought a pump, but that didn't help us)
- bring bandaids and some kleenex for the wounded

OH, and it took us about 10-15 minutes to get there. Over the Golden Ears bridge, follow the signs for #1W, stay on Golden Ears way (go under the highway) and turn Right at Fraser Hwy (#15/176), and turn Right at 104.

When can we go again?

o o 0 0 o o 0 0 o o 0 0 o o 0 0 o o 0 0 o o 0 0

Your Turn!
Did you try one of the rides?

Do you have a ride your family enjoys?

Big or small, we'll share them all!

Please send pictures and a short description

email: kidsbikevancouver@gmail.com
Together we can gather those rides ~
Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Ride Your Bike to School

Now that the weather is warmer and the sun is shining... how about riding your bike to school?

Here's a link to route maps to Vancouver schools:
ODOS ... One Day One School
The url is: http://vancouver.ca/oneday/takeaction/atschool/MoreODOSSchools.htm

Lots more information about biking in Vancouver on this City of Vancouver link
http://vancouver.ca/oneday/takeaction/onMove/bike.htm

#2 Colony Farm ~ Port Coquitlam

Distance: up to you – lots of trails to explore

Difficulty: easy

Surface and traffic: hard packed trails, no cars!

Description: It's amazing how far from the city it feels in the fields of Colony Farm in Port Coquitlam. On a sunny day, the mountains are absolutely amazing. These trails have a bit of loose rock, but if that isn't a problem for your riders, then the whole family can enjoy exploring these great trails along the Coquitlam River. If you are lucky you will see herons, ducks, hawks, etc. The km is up to you - go as far as you feel like and explore these great pathways. All in all -- an easy ride!

Highlights: feels like miles away from the city, river, birds, wildlife, community gardens.

Eats – Bring a picnic or head north and follow the Poco Trail to 'downtown' Poco for lunch.

How to Get there: From Lougheed Hwy turn south on Shaughnessy and first right west on Lions Way.
Park at Lions Park.
The bike path follows the Coquitlam River.
Head south.

Map: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/PoCo-Trail-to-Colony-Farmo Colony Farm

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

Cue Sheet: From Lions Park follow the paved bike path along the Coquitlam River.
Continute under the Kingsway Avenue Bridge

Ride past the soccer fields

Take the underpass beneath the Red Bridge at Pitt River Road

Enter the Kwikwetlem First Nations pathway through yellow gate
At the Colony Farm fields turn right and follow the trail

Return via same route or explore more trails within the park (see next map)

Once you are in the park, there are many paths to explore. Cross the wooden bridge over the Coquitlam River to visit
the community gardens. Here's the GVRD Park Map: www.metrovancouver.org/about/maps/Maps/Colonyfarmmap.pdf

Option:

- If you want to bike ride just in the park without starting in Port Coquitlam Town Center then take exit 44 off Hwy 1 and follow #7 Lougheed Hwy to Colony Farm Road. Kwikwetlem First Nations runs an excellent tour and rental facility at this entrance. For more information: www.colonyfarmbiketours.com/

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Corrections, suggestions and comments appreciated kidsbikevancouver@gmail.com

#3 Fort-to-Fort Trail ~ Langley BC

Distance: 6km each way, 12 km return

Difficulty: easy

Surface and Traffic: hard packed trail, some undulating hills, nothing too difficult - a couple of "slow-down-here-hills", separated trail -- no traffic

How to Get there:

google maps: GVRD Derby Reach Park, or Fort Langley BC

From Hwy 1 take exit 58

North on 200^th Street

Right on 96 Avenue

Left on 208^th Street,

right on Allard Crescent

watch for entrance signs to Derby Reach Park

Park in lot

Highlights: bike path, views, wildlife, Fort Langley Townsite and Museum, shops

Eats: many at Fort Langley Townsite

Sleeps: local B&Bs, hotels in Langley

Description: Sometimes there's the perfect ride -- this one is short, perfect for a family ride and the views are spectacular! The trail meanders gently through farm fields along the Fraser River. From Derby Reach to Fort Langley it is 6km each way, 12km return. There are a few undulating hills and the route is all packed trail composite, so it's a good ride for a confident rider. And it’s one of my favourites. Start at Derby Reach Park just off Allard Crescent and ride east into the town of Langley for lunch or an ice-cream!

2012 update: Here's the newest tracks from the Golden Ears Bridge to Fort Langley. Since the Albion Ferry is no longer, the TCT - TransCanada Trail has been re-routed from the bridge along this great stretch of Langley. We rode it just as they were laying the last bit of gravel and were we Excited !!!!!! You can park along 208th Street or at Derby Reach if need be and do as much of the trail as you like. This section is 12km one way. Another great example of GVRD planning and implementing great new rides! Many Thanks and Enjoy!

View TCT Golden Ears to Fort Langley in a larger map

Map: This is the GVRD map of just the Fort-to-Fort, you can download a larger one from their website:

http://www.itsmysite.com/cgi-bin/itsmy/go.exe?page=2&domain=1&webdir=fortlangley2

Cue Sheet:

Park at GVRD Derby Reach Park

Head east on the campground road beside the river with the campsites lining the shores.

At end of campsites, follow the posted signs for the Fort-to-Fort Trail

At Fort Langley, explore the townsite and maybe have an ice-cream!

Options: bring a tent and stay for the weekend at Derby Reach Park.

Many good rides nearby – refer to the Translink Bike Map:

http://www.translink.ca/en/cycling/cycling-routes.aspx

Another extension: Brae Island - part of MetroVancouver Parks is just over the bridge from Fort Langley. I'll explore it this spring but in the meantime ~ here's a link to Brae Island Map.

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Corrections, suggestions and comments appreciated kidsbikevancouver@gmail.com

Art reflects the history of the Derby Reach area....

#4 Stanley Park Seawall ~ Vancouver BC

The Stanley Park Seawall is Vancouver's most famous ride and there are dozens of people riding this fantastic route most days, especially on weekends. Once the kids are confident on their bikes
and good with edges, this is a great ride.

Distance: 9km

Difficulty: easy, flat

Surface and Traffic: paved off-road marked cycle path, can be busy with cyclists and pedestrians, especially on weekends. No railing on edge, may not be suitable for wobbly beginning riders.

How to Get there: google Stanley Park Vancouver

From Georgia Street, follow the signs to Stanley Park entrance

Once inside the park, turn right and head east.

Park in first lot, unload and purchase a parking ticket.

Highlights: lots for kids to see and do in Stanley Park! Wildlife, scenery, totem poles, lighthouse and so much more!

Eats – many concession stands open on weekends, mid-week bring a picnic - lots of picnic areas

Bike repair – at Denman and Georgia Streets.

Map: Link to Bikely Route: Stanley Park Circle map

Cue Sheet: After entering the park, head in a clockwise direction and follow the bike path around the park seawall. It is well-signed.

At Second Beach, head east along Lost Lagoon and back to the parking lot.

Options:

1. Many trails crisscross the park, consider taking these paths. Link to Vancouver Parks Board/Stanley Park map

2. Add this route onto the Seaside Bike Route to English Bay Link to Seaside Bike Route

3. Take Seaside Route to Coal Harbour and continue on the Trans Canada Trail along Burrard Inlet

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Corrections, suggestions and comments appreciated kidsbikevancouver@gmail.com

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CYCLING CYCLING CYCLING: Metro Vancouver Cycling Map - hot off the press !

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

This is handy for planning routes, but I hope you will buy a copy to put into your cycling bag.
A real bargain at only $3.95 and it helps promote cycling in Vancouver. Found wherever good maps are sold.... or contact the VACC:

tags: translink map cycling metro vancouver bike routes
Happy Riding ~ Colleen

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#5 Seymour Demonstration Forest - North Vancouver

This is an amazing car-free ride in a GVRD park in the North Shore Mountains -- enjoy a meandering undulating road through the tall forested trees. This is a great ride to do on a hot summer's day... you will be nice and cool in the shade of hundred-year-old hemlock trees.

Distance: 12 km to the dam site, 24 km roundtrip

Difficulty: easy, but undulating hills can tire out beginners

Surface and Traffic: no cars, paved 90% of the way, the last 1km was on hard packed easy trail to the dam.

How to Get there:
To get there, go over the Second Narrows bridge and take the second exit north to Capilano College - Lillooet Road.
Go past Capilano College, a cemetery and then follow the signs to the Seymour Demonstration Forest at the north end of Lillooet Road in North Vancouver, BC.
Web: www.gvrd.bc.ca

Highlights: car free ride through the tall trees of the North Shore Forest

Eats: take snacks or picnic, no food services here!

View #5 Seymour Forest Ride in a larger map

Cue Sheet:
Park at the lot near the water treatment plant.

Head north west to the park entrance round-about.

Follow the road north (not a path).

Roadway is paved, wide enough for 2 cars.

From Seymour Dam, return back via same route or...

Option 1: Take the Old Growth Trail, an easy hard-packed dirt path alongside the Seymour River. At the dam, return via same route or roadway.

Option 2: on return, follow the signs east to the Seymour River and return via the boardwalk trails (see map available at car parking lot kiosk).

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Corrections, suggestions and comments appreciated kidsbikevancouver@gmail.com
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#6 Maple Ridge Dykes

Maple Ridge is amazing for cycling -- very flat and very scenic. They are updating their cycle paths all the time and making it very biking-friendly for families. This ride is a short and easy one from Harris Road to 128 Ave at Laity. It's just a little segment of the many kilometres you can explore in and around Maple Ridge.

Distance: 7km one way, 14 km return
Difficulty: easy
Surface and Traffic: unpaved dyke, hard packed surface

Highlights: herons, eagles, boats, mountains

Eats: bring a picnic for this ride, or stop in at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club.

How to Get there: From the Lougheed Hwy in Maple Ridge, turn north on Harris Road.

There’s a parking lot where Harris crosses the Alouette River.

Head east along the south dyke, travelling towards 128 Ave at Laity.

*Across the street from the Harris Road parking lot,
there’s a hobby farm with a hog and chickens
for the kids to feed and they even sell feed!

Map:

Maple Ridge Dyke Harris Road to Laity Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

Cue Sheet:
- From Harris Road parking lot head east on the south dyke.
- Travel east past McKechnie Road and past Sharpe Road
- Where the dyke ends at 128 Avenue near Laity Street turn back and follow same route back to the parking lot.

Option: To make a circle route on the return:

- at Neaves Road, head north along this often busy road

- at the North Alouette River pick up the North Dyke trail

- head west to Harris road

- cross the bridge, and back to the car.

Happy Riding ~ Colleen

Corrections, suggestions and comments appreciated kidsbikevancouver@gmail.com

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#6a Maple Ridge ~ Pitt Meadows Greenway

Along the Fraser River in Pitt Meadows BC there is an amazing new village - Osprey Village and a great new string of trails which are part of the TransCanada Trail and the Pitt Meadows Greenway.

This is a great place to ride -- it has it all... a dyke trail, trails through the woods and a place to have lunch at Stomping Grounds and buy a bouquet of flowers at Verde!

There are many options for starting:
1. From the Pitt River Bridge head south along the dykes trail
2. Start at Bonson Road
You can park at Bonson Road and head west, or start at Baynes Road and head east. Both make a great starting point. There are benches to sit and look at the view of the Fraser River, the new Golden Ears Bridge with Mount Baker peeking from behind and there's even an airport nearby to watch planes and helicopters land, oh my!

Here's a map of the route along the river:

View Pitt Meadows Greenway - Maple Ridge in a larger map

If you want to add onto the trip, head west past Baynes Road to the Pitt Meadows Airport which also has a place for a snack and coffee. And if you really want to make a day of it, you can do the full circle of Maple Ridge. (see ride #30)

Eagles waiting for lunch.

Happy Riding! ~ Colleen

Corrections, suggestions and comments appreciated: kidsbikevancouver@gmail.com

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