This journey alongside the gravel coated Steveston Dyke (aka the West Dyke Path) from the fishing village of Steveston to the north arm of the Fraser River is flat, usually windy and fashionable with pedestrians and strollers. However the scenic views to the north and west make it price slowing down and becoming into any journey round Richmond, and is an ideal early season refresher when flat gradual miles are on the coaching plan.
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Oh it’s good to be getting out of that winter deep freeze right here on the west coast (apologies to anybody who’s nonetheless caught in it elsewhere).
However I believe we’ll all agree that was one lengthy winter. I for one didn’t contact my bike for a superb 8 weeks within the center there – simply plain misplaced my mojo. However as soon as January hit, and I used to be so sick and uninterested in dwelling in lockdown, that I simply threw up the center finger to the chilly and crappy moist climate round right here and resolved to get my ass on the market.
The bike was by no means a extra becoming escape car. I’ve logged round a dozen or so rides now, however these first few had been the same old slogging grinders the place my legs and physique had been utterly devoid of energy, and pace, and simply turning over the pedals was an effort that lasted round 8 rides.
Then I had my first yearly milestone – that breakout journey the place I truly felt some pace again in my legs – and even a contact of energy. Extra importantly was the lifting of my spirit in response to my very own physique’s response to the driving. There have been sufficient endorphines left floating round my system over the following few days that I couldn’t wait to get again on the market.
These good vibes led to barely longer rides and pushing myself add in some climbing and simply extra of the whole lot.
So on the say of this journey, with the climate seeking to be it’s better of the yr thus far, I aimed south for a kind of lengthy gradual flat days to construct in some quantity, and go to some neighbourhoods I hadn’t seen for a lot of months.
The southern most vacation spot is the historic neighborhood of Steveston – an previous fishing port and nonetheless an lively recent fish market as we speak with a vibrant previous really feel, and loads of cafes and eating places. It’s within the southwest nook of pan-flat Richmond, and an ideal draw for early season rides.
Regardless of Covid distancing guidelines nonetheless being in full impact right here, I did see a number of massive teams of riders. I used to be driving solo, and didn’t miss the group one bit. My favourite a part of the journey is a 5-6km stretch of gravel pathway alongside the dyke. To the west is marshy wetland, after which the Straight of Georgia, throughout which you’ll discover Vancouver island, and to the south Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. On the east facet is residential, the place individuals hand over basements as a result of excessive water airplane, however do take pleasure in some wonderful views in a secluded setting.
The pathway is extensive sufficient for comfy two-way site visitors, but additionally fashionable with walkers, joggers and folks. There’s often a wind blowing in a single course, and on this present day it was behind me.
In case you’re ever on the town – test this route out.
– Pez.
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