Somehow I always end up doing stuff on my own. I was planning to auto-x with my friend today, but decided it was too expensive, plus I feel I really need some exercise... So I decided to do some biking on one of my favorite routes from Burnaby to Downtown, which I've always wanted to do again. I know most people don't have their own bikes, but if you do, maybe you can join me next time! Anyway, biking from home to Downtown is always fun. It's really not as big of a deal as some of you might think! Driving takes 1/2 hour, but biking takes only 1 hour because we don't have long waits in traffic lights.
While I can't really describe exactly how the route goes, I can try to give you some idea here.
From home I rode up to Burnaby North Secondary School. There's an entrance point for part of the Trans Canada bike route right across Hastings. It's very easy to miss 'cause it's dark and you're riding into the woods. But, once you're in it, you'd just follow the gravel trail and the Trans-Canada bike trail sign. You'd have to ride on the road on some part, but eventually you'd go back onto gravel. The gravel trail is right beside the water North of Hastings, so it's not as hot, with some view points. At the end of the gravel trail you'd go under the Second Narrow bridge, and continue on some small paved back road, shared with cars, but traffic is really minimal. And then somehow you'd turn to a park and go back south until you reach Adanac Road where the Adanac trail starts. Then you can follow the Adanac trail sign until you reach China Town! Quite easy hey? Going to Vancouver is more fun than going back because it's mostly down hill going out. You might not notice when you're driving but Burnaby is actually higher altitude than Downtown.
When going back, you just have to take it easy. If you're too tired already you can always take transit back. But if you can conserve your energy, it won't be too hard. I chose an easier route going back 'cause I know I'm not in the best shape. I went Adanac all the way instead, then Union street / Fransis Street in Burnaby. Less interesting route, but need less energy since it's one straight road and all paved.
You don't really need a fancy bike to do these trails. My bike is like 20 years old, bought from the Bay or something. Just make sure your brake is good, 'cause there are some steep hills on the Trans Canada Trail. And lube your chain too.
So here you go, the cheapest, healthiest, greenest entertainment you can find!
In the picture is my favorite bench. It's right after the second narrow bridge. It's on a little hill, looking out to the Burrard Inlet. Somehow I always like sitting there. The memorial plate on the bench describes someone who loved nature. She died in the age of 40 something, and the plate was dedicated by her parents. Tragedies happen every moment, but I guess if we can enjoy and live the fullest every God given moment, that is a good life.
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