Hangin’ with Friends via Transit

You’ve combed through your directory, made your short-lists and weighed the pros and cons. You’ve chosen your bubble carefully. Now, you can safely venture out on TransLink for a full day of frolicking through Metro Vancouver with your closest friends.

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Hangin’ with Friends via Transit

Mobi Magic – Bike Sharing in Vancouver

Photo: Rob Weiss

As a full-fledged member of the Slow Bicycle Movement, I felt somewhat traitorous standing in front of the Mobi by Shaw Go Docking Station. Please understand. Over the years, my bicycle has become my travel companion, my trusted steed, a valued friend. We have covered thousands of kilometres together through rain, snow, sleet, hail and glorious sunshine, battling headwinds and savouring tailwinds. Most definitely our relationship is monogamous. Yet, here I stood, in front of a Mobi Station admiring the sleek fleet of intelligent bikes complete with their cute baskets, blue coloured accents, and built-in bells.

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Mobi Magic – Bike Sharing in Vancouver

Island Hopping – Barnston Style

Barnston Island Ferry Photo: Rob Weiss

Island hopping vacations are often described in tourism magazines as “active holidays combined with a relaxing cruise.”   Although Port Kells may not be considered by most as an exotic destination, it is a wonderful launch site for a bicycling day trip and island hopping excursion to Barnston Island. Home to the Katzie First Nation, this terrific, little island, is located on the Fraser River between Surrey and Pitt Meadows.   Charming, quaint, peaceful, this gem is the ideal destination for a family cycling adventure.

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Island Hopping – Barnston Style

Chase the January Blues away on the North Shore Spirit Trail

North Shore Spirit Trail Photo: Rob Weiss

Suffering from a case of the January “blues?”  Behind on your 2017 fitness resolutions?  The award-winning, North Shore Spirit Trail may be exactly what you are looking for! Rain or shine, a quick jaunt along the North Shore Spirit Trail is guaranteed to lift your spirits and chase the January blues away! Ultimately, this fully accessible Greenway and waterfront corridor will connect Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove – a real North Shore treasure!

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Chase the January Blues away on the North Shore Spirit Trail

BC Parkway – Searching for Fall

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Flickr Photo: Totororo

Exploring the lower mainland by bicycle is always a treat, and today was no exception.  We decided to begin our ride at the New Westminster Quay and head into Vancouver via the BC Parkway.  Formerly known as the 7-11 trail, this multi-use urban pathway is 26 kilometers long and follows the Expo Sky Train line from Surrey, to New Westminster, South Burnaby and into Vancouver.  Recent upgrades to the path, including new wayfinding signage and freshly paved sections, have improved safety for both cyclists and pedestrians.

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BC Parkway – Searching for Fall

Car Free Cycling on Vancouver’s North Shore

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Car free cycling, Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve Photo: Rob Weiss

Imagine a 10 km paved roadway through a lush and scenic rainforest.  Now remove all vehicle traffic and add the majestic North Shore Mountains.  Voila! You have arrived at the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, affectionately referred to by locals as the Seymour Demonstration forest.  Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages flock to the trail and employ all modes of transportation to explore this unique treasure.  Don’t be surprised to encounter sleek road racers, sturdy downhill mountain bikers, babies in strollers, inline skaters and tots on striders all sharing this unique North Shore experience.  A delightful mix of folk to be sure!

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Car Free Cycling on Vancouver’s North Shore

Bike the Blossoms – Saturday, April 9

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It’s time to Bike the Blossoms Photo: Rob Weiss

Grease the chain, grab your helmet and mark your calendars – it’s time to Bike the Blossoms!  As part of the 2016 Cherry Blossom Festival, and in partnership with Velapalooza, Vancouver is hosting Bike the Blossoms, a community ride and celebration of all things spring.  I intend to be there with “bells on!”  Over the years, blossom viewing has become an art form and I must applaud Vancouverites on their creativity!  We illuminate the blossoms, we paint pictures of them, photograph them, walk under them, sing about them, talk about them, display them on barges and even toss a few in our salads.  Only our imaginations limit our ability to celebrate our magnificent, flowering cherry trees.

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Bike the Blossoms – Saturday, April 9