Chapter 6

Chapter 6

 

 

Headed out this morning from Vancouver to head south (finally). Going to Tsawwassen to get the ferry to Vancouver Island and then cycle south to City of Victoria. Vancouver is a series of Islands and in order to get somewhere you need to know what bridge to cross or what ferry to take.

This is the first day I have headed out fully loaded.... and boy does it make a difference. Four pannier bags. Two at the front , carrying specific clothes, two at the back carrying specific clothes, one handlebar bag carrying all the small stuff, like camera, computer, phone, maps and a selection of cables and bits including food and snacks for the day. Behind the saddle is my tent, my sleeping bag and my mattress. Full load!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bike has a mind of its own and it’s difficult to keep it under control. I have a lot of weight on board. (No wise crack comments guys) I know all the jokes. I will either have to dump stuff or lose weight myself. I think I’ll do both.

 After about an hour of riding I seem to be getting the hang of carrying the extra load. The bike is going where I want it to go. But on the hills, I am my usual self... tailing off.. I think to myself. How will I ever get to Mexico at this pace carrying this load??

Getting out into the traffic is a nightmare. It’s not like the road bike... up on the pedals and out into the flow! I’m driving a tractor with my feet!! There are hard shoulders and some 'bike lanes' but even so. I’ve got to ride aggressively. Hold my road. Long stretches of flat roads I can just spin along. And it’s great when I get a tail wind. 

As I said before,Vancouver is a series of islands and you have to cross bridges everywhere. This time to get out of the city I must cross a bridge, but cyclists are not allowed on this one. You must take a shuttle bus specifically for walkers and bikers! I'm told the bus has gone and the next one is in about for 2 hour’s time. Lady in the kiosk suggests I take the municipal bus which should be coming soon. All these buses have bike racks on the front where you load your bike and you travel inside looking out at your bike.

Here I am, looking at my 'house and home' swaying precariously on the front of the driver. If it comes off there is only one place it will go and that’s straight under the wheels of the bus. I can’t bear to look!

However, I needn’t have worried; me and the bike arrive intact. I meet a few guys on the bus, one a biker and another, a 'travel adviser' and they give me some good tips and visiting suggestions

This is my first experience of what will be a common occurrence on this trip. American people all want to help you with advice on stuff. They love to meet the visitor. They are always very welcoming and interested. It’s a wonderful trait in them.

The guys suggest I should go island hopping, telling me it a great way to explore Greater Vancouver. Inviting as it sounds, my mind is on getting south, no back tracking. Just head south.  Curiously, this will be an attitude of mine that will pervade all or most of what I do on this trip. Consequently, I will miss seeing a lot! Anyway, I’m committed! So, off I go.

 

The new version of the book 'Bicycling the Pacific Coast' has added a couple of hundred miles travelling north of Vancouver and whereas it sounds a beautiful, I am not inclined to travel north. South is the goal!!

 

 

 

 

 

I have a bit of detouring to make because the bus I got is heading for Seattle. So, they leave me off as close to the port as they can, which is about 10 miles away. It’s a nice easy flat spin and I’m enjoying the Canadian countryside.

 

I arrive at Tsawwassen port, get my ticket and have to wait a while for the ferry. There is no one else here and I found a nice cafe where I stop for some food. I’m sitting out in the sun eating my food when a Chinese waiter joins me on his break and wants to know what I’m doing, where I’m going. He is totally impressed with my story and I think by the time I leave him he is purchasing a bike and following me to Mexico:-)).

On to the ferry to the island. It is quite crowded now. Lots of people want to know where I’m going and want to tell me their stories. I met a couple who are off to take part in a water-skiing tournament for a week off Victoria Island. This, I figure, is what Vancouver is all about. Work to play and Vancouver seems to have it all right here. A lunch of chicken and chips on the boat sustains me. It would indeed be a good place to spend some time go island hopping. 

That’s a bridge cycle lane.

 

 

 

 

 

 

But its Vancouver Island I’m heading for and south from there.

Off the ferry now and  25miles of highway riding on the side of a 3 lane highway barrelling along. Like the Naas dueller without the frills. I can see the Olympic range in the distance across the border in America.

 

Arrive tired and sunburnt in Victoria..... Tomorrow cross the border into the US of A. (If they let me in) Thanks for all your posts guys it great to get them all. Keep 'em coming.

 

 

Comments:

1. Peter said: - Great photos, is there a bike under those sacks? Whoever's using the camera is so much better than you

2. SDCC said: - John, I am just looking out at the driving rain here and wondering what it is like to be sunburned. What with recessions and doom and gloom here at home it is great to have something to raise one’s spirits (even if we cannot be with you in body), so keep up the blog. You do the cycling and we will follow you on Google maps, and be with you in spirit at least. The photographs are great.

3. Gavin said: - Looking good Boyler! Sounds like you’re having a ball. Celebrating Maggie’s birthday tonight. Emily is staying at her Auntie Trisha's so it’s going to be a mad one. Take it easy and stay safe

4. #1 Son said: - Well done!!! On the road, like the original beatnik, everything you own on your back. Well not quite, but you look like you are enjoying yourself. Hope they let you in to the States and all that 1960's peace march demonstrating isn't held against you. Keep it between the ditches!

5. Linda said: - How cool are you!!! When Dad told me about it I was so impressed! So good luck on the start of your wonderful journey - I will keep watching and will keep in touch xxx love you xxxxx

John replied; - Thanks Peter. The photographer was a Chinese waiter who was having his lunch. I think I inspired him. He ran off screaming 'I want bikee' Thanks Chris you forget the driving rain, but you don’t forget the hills Happy birthday Maggie. I’ll have a beer on you tonight. Don’t tell the guys in the cycling club tho’.