September 25, 2019
Mission, BC –> Vancouver, BC

Distance: 87.9km
Ave: 18.1km/h
Max: 77.7km/h

Leaving town I took what is apparently known as the Mission bridge. At least the pedestrian/cycle lane was so full of broken glass it might be better recognized as “broken bottle bridge”. I dodged what I could and trusted to my marathon tires to do the rest.

Much of my route this morning was the Trans Canada Trail. (I know, I know, but I had to show the front rack who’s boss, and historically the TCT routes have been better near urban centres). It was slow with some loose crushed rock and frequent stops for wayfinding, but I admit it – the trail is pretty. Initially, it wound along the river, then turned in through forest and farmland, which gave way to more fancy farmland with estate-like dwellings and ornate gate entrances. Eventually, it opened out again to practical looking farmland with fields upon fields of corn and blueberries.

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Coming down into Glen Valley, there was one intense (15%!) downhill, on which I flew by some poor (insane?) soul pedaling up, and set a new speed record: 77.7km/h! I had to apply the brakes because of an unfortunately situated corner at the bottom, but the solid steel loaded bike held steady. 77.7km/h!

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Fort Langley was interesting, but not as good as Fort William in Thunder Bay. The lelem’ cafe did have excellent ice cream, which fortified me for the navigational challenge of negotiating through the lower mainland back to familiar Vancouver.

Alice