Stanley Park Seawall Bike Ride

[mercyshooter]

This afternoon, I went to Stanley Park and rented a mountain bike to ride along the seawall. Wow, I have to say the track is so narrow and have couple sharp turns. Imagine slow people in front of you and you have to go slow! Shit! Luckily, I didn't fall.
I'm planning to go to ride again next month. Anyone wanna join?

 

[mimi]

Hey! I was wondering about that!!!

Sometimes I am in the city and I have been thinking of renting a bike and riding around, but, I wondered if perhaps early, early am would be the best 'm', like, 5 am. So the bike would need to be rented the night before...or I could byob...

It is so crowded down there on the wall and I can imagine what you are describing.

Now, 20 years ago I rode a bike around the seawall and it was practically empty...then a picnic and bottle of wine on a grassy knoll...

 

[wolverine]

Last time I visited Vancouver, I rented a bike at a place near the new convention centre. It was on a warm sunny weekend, and at 11 AM I was still able to get a bike, but they were all rented out when I returned 2 hours later.

The Seawall ride is an excellent and scenic route, something every citizen and tourist alike should partake. My trip was marred only by idiots who don't dismount where you're supposed to (at playgrounds and narrow parts), and the occasional idiot who stopped in the middle of the bike path instead of pulling to the side.

 

[mimi]

Was it pricey to rent?

 

[wolverine]

Was it pricey to rent?

I paid $10/hr, I think the price varies depending on where you rent from.

 

[mercyshooter]

Was it pricey to rent?

The cheapest that I can find is 4.75/hr! I went to the one that is 10.71/hr instead because I didn't know beforehand! Oh, and it depends on what kind of bike you rent!

If you can find one that's cheaper than that, tell me!

 

[mercyshooter]

Last time I visited Vancouver, I rented a bike at a place near the new convention centre. It was on a warm sunny weekend, and at 11 AM I was still able to get a bike, but they were all rented out when I returned 2 hours later.

The Seawall ride is an excellent and scenic route, something every citizen and tourist alike should partake. My trip was marred only by idiots who don't dismount where you're supposed to (at playgrounds and narrow parts), and the occasional idiot who stopped in the middle of the bike path instead of pulling to the side.

They have the dismount sign wherever they think you need to!

 

[ReluctantPooner]

Last summer, my buddy and I rode around the seawall on a warm, sunny, sunday afternoon. Yep, it was a fair bit crowded!!

 

[mimi]

Hey Nina, That is an awesome idea!

I am looking for the last bike of my life and I am going to get a fold up Dahon. Then I won't have to rent and I will have the bike seat that fits my 'nooshy'.

 

[SFMIKE]

For a really great ride, start at the cruise ship terminal and follow the path the entire route to UBC. You will be very tired, but you will also see lots of great scenery.

IMHO, the more crowded the route the more time to look at the scenery (human and natural). I have more than once met Japanese and Korean language students who have no clue how to shift. Stop and give them a hand, and the sky is the limit as far as where it goes from there.

No reason to be in a hurry when there is so much to see.

 

[twoblues]

Man, I dislike riding around Stanley Park unless it's before 10am. I bike to work everyday and biking home, I avoid the seawall and stick to streets.

Even through the park, I"ll stick to the streets. It's unfortunate because it's a pretty ride, but it's a very casual ride where you really have to watch out for rollerbladers and sightseers.

 

[Adriana✿]

I bought a new "vintage/retro" with the big seat in the spring. So comfy. I like to RUN around the seawall and bike on the paths INSIDE the park. You can go 15 minutes without seeing another person in that jungle. Its very serene and smells so earthy away from the hustle and bustle of the outer wall and the city.

Here is a cool map I use for my runs and bike rides.
http://www.prospectpoint.ca/Contact...ey_Park__/official_map_of_stanley_park__.html

http://www.stanleyparkecology.ca/news/library/maps/mapSPESLocations.php

 

[mercyshooter]

For a really great ride, start at the cruise ship terminal and follow the path the entire route to UBC. You will be very tired, but you will also see lots of great scenery.

IMHO, the more crowded the route the more time to look at the scenery (human and natural). I have more than once met Japanese and Korean language students who have no clue how to shift. Stop and give them a hand, and the sky is the limit as far as where it goes from there.

No reason to be in a hurry when there is so much to see.

I also can't figure out the shifting thing at first 'cause I haven't ridden a bike for many years!!

 

[mimi]

Thanks Nina! It's on my to do list for summer.

And thanks Adrianna! I printed out the map. I was thinking, Nina, of exactly that. Taking the sea bus and going through Stanley park.

Riding out to UBC sounds great too.

So, far I am up to about 20km per day.

I was going to buy one of those beach cruisers, the Pee Wee Herman type of retro bike, cause I love the basket and the bell! But I have used a fold up bike before and they are handy. Dahon makes funky looking bikes!

Another thing...the bending over position really works the back muscles harder than the sitting up position so that was something to consider when looking for a good bike.

 

[Devils_Advocate]

Thanks Nina! It's on my to do list for summer.

And thanks Adrianna! I printed out the map. I was thinking, Nina, of exactly that. Taking the sea bus and going through Stanley park.

Riding out to UBC sounds great too.

So, far I am up to about 20km per day.

I was going to buy one of those beach cruisers, the Pee Wee Herman type of retro bike, cause I love the basket and the bell! But I have used a fold up bike before and they are handy. Dahon makes funky looking bikes!

Another thing...the bending over position really works the back muscles harder than the sitting up position so that was something to consider when looking for a good bike.

Dahon makes great bikes, but spend a bit more and get one of the higher end models like the MU XL. Buying a bike really depends on your body type and making sure you find the best fit.

Another great ride to consider (but a bit more challenging) is Vancouver to Steveston.

The tough part is getting to the Knight Street bridge but Richmond is nice and flat.

Check out Bikely.com for routes. It even gives tips and feedback from riders.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Vancouver-to-Steveston-for-Lunch

Or

GreatRides.ca

http://www.greatrides.ca/

You might also want to consider joining a club.

Vancouver Bicycle Club

http://vbc.bc.ca/

 

[mimi]

Went for a ride around the seawall early Sunday morning, about 7am....very few people and was able to go quite quickly.

Hell, Robson st. was dead and you could ride right down the middle!

AM is absolutely the best time and it was a peaceful ride.

thanx for the info on bikes...I am off to peruse!

 

[mercyshooter]

Went for a walk along the seawall with my dog. One hell of a 3-hour exercise! My legs are sore!

So should we try rollerblade next month?

 

[oppai]

I find the seawall far to constraining so I would take the road..faster, no worries about hitting pedestrians, or kids that meander.

 

[mercyshooter]

Looks like next week is another sunny week. I plan to bike ride or rollerblade along the seawall on august 4th the wednesday. Anyone wanna join? If not enough, then I'll change it to another day!

 

[mercyshooter]

omg that is reminding me of the hugely awesomely fun times I had going around the park in my rollerskates.
.... that was a looooong time ago!

So, Nina, you wanna go there on wednesday afternoon?