Tag: USA

Day 1: Vancouver to Porpoise Bay

Day 1: Vancouver – Porpoise Bay Provincial Park

Distance 38.56 miles.
Time: 03:54
Average speed: 9.9 mph.

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Having arrived at Vancouver airport last night, I took the Skytrain into Downtown, before making the foolish decision to try and carry my 27 kg bike box and additional pannier the kilometre to the hotel. By the time I’d got there, I was an exhausted, sweaty, mess and all of the handles on the giant cardboard box had disintegrated, requiring me to drag the box for block after block along the sidewalk.

This morning was a busy one as I had to pick up camping gas amongst other things, and pack up the bike. Considering the problems I had setting up the bike before I left, I was surprised to achieve the perfect set-up on the first attempt! I also managed a whistle-stop march around Vancouver, enjoying some great Waffles at Caffe Artigiano.

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The beginning of the route was lovely using bike paths through Vancouver – along the river and through Stanley Park, even passing some totem poles en route. I took the bridge to West Vancouver, then followed Marine Drive – over some steepening hills – out to Horseshoe bay. The ferry to Gibsons was some time off but I had great fish and chips at the oddly named ‘Troll’s fish and chips’.

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After a nice ferry journey, with views of the Rockies in the background, I realised that there were only 2 hours until sunset, as I struggled up the long steep stretch out of the ferry terminal. Taking a wrong turning down into Roberts Creek didn’t help, and either did arriving at my first intended campsite at 19:50 to find it shut!

8 miles and 40 minutes later I made it to Porpoise Bay and was relieved to find the biker field open, if empty.. Luckily the warden happened along to turn on the showers for me shortly after.

Plan for tomorrow: Start earlier!

US and Canada 2017: Pacific Coast Highway

US and Canada 2017: Pacific Coast Highway

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My Pacific Coast Odyssey

So, the day is finally here! Tomorrow I fly to Vancouver, hoping to cycle down the Pacific Coast to San Diego. The route is around 2000 miles long, and I have 39 days in which to complete it. That would require me to cycle an average of 51 miles a day with no days off the bike. I’m working on the principle that to try and fail is better than to sit at home!

My route travels north out of Vancouver, then crosses onto Vancouver Island to start the journey south. I will then cross into America through the San Juan Islands, continuing south through Washington state, Oregon and, finally, California to reach the Mexican border in San Diego.

Making a hard task harder, It was brought to my attention, yesterday, that a major part of Route 1 – through Big Sur in California – has been closed for the foreseeable future due to landslides and the subsequent demolition of the Pfeiffer- Big Sur bridge. Fortunately, the American Cycling Association (whose maps I’m using) have released route data for an inland detour which only adds around 30 miles to the route.

For the trip I will be using my trusty Thorn Brevet touring bike and Bikehut panniers with a Lomo rack-top dry bag. I have a new Vaude Terralight tent (1.85 kg) to try out and I will be using a Garmin Etrex 20x for navigation.

Wish me luck!