Extending the Bike Season

All photos taken on December 11, 2023.

OK, so December 11, 2023 was officially the latest in the season we had ever ridden our own E-bikes. It mattered not that we were in Vancouver or that we would likely extend the latest date on future rides before we headed home. We were thrilled how comfortable we felt and after Stanley Park, opted to keep on cycling.

After exiting Stanley Park, we rode along the bike lanes on Beach Avenue, until we found the Howe Street turn to allow us to head back down to the Sea Wall.

The last of the red leaves shone brightly in the late afternoon sunshine as we paused near the Granville Bridge.

Looking across to the houseboats moored at Granville Island. Brightly coloured water taxis flitted back and forth.

Looking back at the Granville Bridge

The bike path followed the curves of the parkland beside False Creek. Everyone seemed to be out enjoying the day.

Some shrubs were still flowering.

Down by the Quayside Marina, Patty suggested an easier way to get home, rather than retracing our route.

We found the pedestrian on ramp for the Cambie Bridge, cycled our way up to bridge level and followed the off ramp sidewalk back down…

…to the Smithe Street bike route. Everything started to look very familiar.

We were in a protected bike lane, which made us feel safer than riding with the cars. Still, we had to keep our eyes open for turning and entering cars as we passed intersections and driveways.

We turned right on Jervis and rode back downhill towards our bike parking spot back at our home away from home.

This portion had added another 8.8 km (5 1/2 miles) for a total ride on 17.8 km. (11 miles). A good first outing, but we were sure, we would be back on our bikes, before we drove home.