Get Out and Ride!
“Once you start cycling, the city opens up for you. No longer are you fighting it, hot and frustrated; no longer are you at the mercy of bus drivers, roadworks, decisions made by others and over which you have no control. Believe me, once you've tasted this freedom, you're hooked.” - Deborah Moggach You’ve heard it said a million times, I’m sure, and you’ll hear it a million more if you stick around. British Columbia is an amazing place, and as our home, we often wax poetic on its merits. But even those of us who are surrounded by the natural beauty of the place can sometimes use a push to get out and ride in it. For beginners, new converts, or the recently returned to a velocipede lifestyle, here are some of the best places and rides that make BC, and Vancouver, a great place to put rubber to pavement.
1. Seawall
Seems like a no-brainer, right? If you haven’t experienced the seawall by bike, definitely put it on the list. There are few things more fun than enjoying a pedal by the seaside. Pack a picnic, bring some beverages, and set out for a lovely day. Stop at Third Beach for a swim, lounge in the sand at Sunset with a book, or make your way along the new Point Grey bikeway to Jericho. Looking for a new adventure? Check out the New West Quay!
Staff Pick: Section. 8 / Section. 8 Mixte - It’s got everything you need for your next Sunday Funday – a rack for carrying your favourite food and beverages, fenders in case of afternoon showers, and a comfortable upright position for easy riding.
2. Commuting
Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t deny the bike routes of Vancouver offer endless commuting possibilities for those that may not be completely comfortable playing leapfrog with the 99 on Broadway or tag with the cars on Main Street. Test them out on the weekend and see how quick you can zip to work. Or pick one you’ve never been on before and follow it along to explore new neighbourhoods.
Staff Pick: Ocho - With eight speeds that easily shift even when you’re not pedaling, this bike gets you where you need to go in no time.
3. Touring
If the open road is calling your name, take a trip to the ferry for further adventures. Either hop on the ferry to the Sunshine Coast and take a cycle touring pedal up to Sechelt or any number of the provincial parks along the way or travel to Tsawwassen for the ferry to Vancouver Island for a nice wine tour or two. Don’t quite have the sea legs for an ocean voyage? Weave your way down the coast to Washington and beyond.
Staff Pick: Argus - It offers great gearing for the long and winding road and has mounts for both racks and fenders.
4. Cyclocross
When the weather turns in the fall, check out Queen Elizabeth or Vanier Park to catch a glimpse of spandex-clad groups doing hot laps of a created course, practicing their mounts and dismounts, bunny-hopping logs, and generally enjoying some cycling tomfoolery. They may look like they’re on road bikes off road but they’re on specially designed cyclocross bikes that offer knobby tires for extra grip but still a light and fast frame and a geometry geared towards better off-road handling than a road bike, but still ready to rip.
Staff Pick: Ronin - Offers a comfortable ride on or off gravel thanks to a relaxed geometry, wide tires, and disc brakes that make sure you stop when you need to.
5. Trails
Feeling a little more woodsy? Head up to the North Shore for some well-needed forest adventure time. Not quite ready for the rocks, roots, and man-made rollercoaster features? Take your bike up to Burnaby Mountain, which is a little tamer so you can sharpen your bike skills. Or, if you have the time, take a trip up to Squamish and enjoy the rolling cross-country trails of Alice Lake or the Garibaldi Highlands.
Staff Pick: Tact - Roll over rocks and roots with the larger 650b/27.5 wheels and absorbent front suspension.
Whether you love them or hate them, you can’t deny the bike routes of Vancouver offer endless commuting possibilities for those that may not be completely comfortable playing leapfrog with the 99 on Broadway or tag with the cars on Main Street.
Test them out on the weekend and see how quick you can zip to work. Or pick one you’ve never been on before and follow it along to explore new neighbourhoods. Need some tips on where to ride? Check out this amazing resource at “Let’s Go Biking.” Whether you're on a Brodie Bicycle or not, we’d love to see you out there! Linnaea Kershaw
