Trip
Reports
Bike
Trip - TCT Across BC:
1.Vancouver
Island
2.West Vancouver
to Coquitlam
3.Coquitlam to
Albion Ferry
4.Albion Ferry to
Cultus Lake
5.Keith Wilson
Bridge to Hope
6.Hope to Princeton
7.Princeton to
Penticton
8.Penticton to
Creston
9.Creston to Alberta
border
2.
West Vancouver to Coquitlam (June 2 - 3 / 2001)
June 2: West Vancouver
Horseshoe Bay to Cleveland Dam: 2 hrs.
Overall, the bike ride through West Vancouver was quite pleasant. The
TCT from the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal makes it way to the Upper Levels
Highway. Road construction around the terminal may mean you have to detour
a little, but head for the highway. Once I reached Exit #4, the TCT crosses
to the East side of the Highway and follows an established bike route
along quiet suburban roads. The only problem I encountered was just past
Pauline Johnson School. I was climbing a short steep hill up Inglewood
and missed the signs to Kings ave. It was not a big deal as I found Burley
Drive a short time later.
North Vancouver
Cleveland Dam to Lonsdale Quay (Sea bus): 45 min.
The TCT through Capilano River Park is wonderful. The higher elevation
meant I was cycling through a steady cloud mist as I approached the Cleveland
Dam. The water roars through this rain forest and for the first time I
got a sense of the majesty of this place. Ancient Douglas fir, Hemlock
line the riverbank. The trail begins to head down with a few twists and
turns along the way.
From the park the trail moves through Edgemont Village where SUV's converge
to do battle for scarce parking spaces. I moved quickly through, trying
to avoid over-burdened locals balancing bags of groceries with their café
lattes. The mosquito Creek Trail is really cool. It heads south down to
Marine Drive. When in doubt stick to the river. The sea bus was not running
as there is a bus strike still continuing in Vancouver. So I detoured
around the Second Narrows Bridge through East Vancouver to the Gas town
side of Burrard Inlet. Gas town is great as the bricked streets were filled
with tourists eager to hear about the City. Being on my bike allowed me
to chat with tourists and people on the street. Driving through town in
my car is very isolating, while bike riding is so much more social.
Seabus (Gastown) to Science World: 2hrs
(lots of rest breaks)
The TCT follows some of the best sights and sounds Vancouver has to offer
as it curves around Coal Harbor, English Bay and False Creek. This section
offers so many diversions; it seems to take forever to reach Science World.
The TCT heads east along artery roads past China town (stop and have a
'sticky bun') and eventually reunites with Burrard Inlet.
June 3:Vancouver to Coquitlam
I began the day around 11:00 am near Nanaimo Street where I finished yesterday
afternoon. It had been about a six-hour bike ride yesterday, but today
did not look to bad except for Burnaby Mountain near the end.
The TCT follows the water along the Southside of Burrard Inlet past Cascadia
Grain Elevators. I like the fact the TCT offers many different landscapes
and cultural settings through Vancouver. This industrial section was unique
as the TCT provides views of the massive steel structure of Second Narrows
Bridge from some unusual and seldom viewed angles.
The TCT is not signed through the CN tunnel. My advice is to make your
way along the best path suitable for bikes and you will bypass the very
busy Trans Canada Highway. Just make your way to the foot of Boundary
Road by heading north.
Burnaby
Boundary Road to Port Moody(Barnet Highway): 2 hrs.
At the foot of Boundary Road you will see the Trail, which is called Montrose
Trail. Wow! I was really impressed with the trail through Burnaby. I had
never walked or cycled any of this section before and was impressed by
the wilderness feel the area has. The trail follows a steep escarpment
along Burrard Inlet offering vertigo views of the water below. The trail
has a few steep bits but is well graded. There is even a miniature railway
located at one of the gasoline refineries along the way. The TCT skirts
the busy traffic of Burnaby and reconnects with a few quiet roads at the
base of Burnaby Mountain.
What can I say about Burnaby Mountain? I followed the parkway road for
a few hundred meters before crossing the road to join a trail. This trail
meets up with a wide (one meter plus) well-graveled path that simply goes
straight up. I think they should rename this section as 'The lung buster'.
Rivers of sweat were lashing off me as I fought my way uphill. I would
just focus on a tree or a power pole and peddle to that landmark only
to collapse standing over my bike almost too tired to swallow my own spit.
I must have lost 3 pounds of water by the time I reached the top, but
I will tell you this . . .It really was worth it. There is something very
gratifying about a view from atop a mountain after you have just toiled
your way to see it. And as for the ride over the other side, yikes!! It
was a white-knuckle death ride for someone like myself not used to trail
riding. I sat so far back I was almost had the seat between my knees.
My fingers were cramping from clutching the hand breaks. I just hoped
the break pads were fastened nice and snug. In no time at all I was back
down at the Barnet Highway. The last 30 meters of trail is single track,
but was easy to negotiate.
Port Moody
Port Moody (Barnet Highway) to Hoy Creek (Coquitlam):
1 hour
After crossing the highway at the lights, I followed a private road for
another 30 meters. Watch for TCT stickers on power poles alongside the
road. There is an unfinished route that leads from the road. I pushed
my bike through this and joined up to the main trail.
The trail is pleasant and follows the inlet towards Rocky Point Park.
The TCT makes its way through Port Moody following roads and parkways.
The turnoff towards the Port Moody Rec Centre is not signed, so take your
time. You cross a railway track to the parking lot and then the TCT signage
begins again. From there you are back on roads until you reach Hoy Creek
Trail, about 3 blocks from my home. The bike ride from Vancouver to my
home took a total of 3 hours.
PICS
False
Creek looking towards Granville Island and downtown Victoria.
Rain
clouds threatening along Inlet Trail in Port Moody.