Demonstration Forest

May 8th – and our ride almost didn’t materialize. Koody was detained riding across the Lions Gate Bridge to our rendezvous point by some guy threatening to throw a rock at any cyclist who crossed his path. Fortunately the police arrived promptly and apprehended the individual.

Koody elected the Demonstration Forest for this next outing. It is a pleasurable ride through the glacier-carved Seymour River Valley. We drove to the parking lot at the Rice Lake Gate, got out of the car and it was then that I took notice of Koody – all buffed and decked out in official biking wear – complete with gloves and special shoes. Yikes – I might be in for some serious riding.

The scenic up and down hill ride on a paved forest path is about 11km’s one way. We caught up on the past weeks news while riding, probably Koody’s method of diverting my attention while riding up the one serious ‘big hill’. My struggle was minimal so I guess my fitness hasn’t deteriorated completely, unlike ‘buff’y here who barely changed gears. We took a welcome break at the Seymour River before retracing our steps back. Koody mentioned he should have brought a snack, so I guess our future outings might include a picnic as well. Or maybe he was still relishing his ‘big one’ – that giant cupcake.

So we begin our journey back which starts with a long, slow uphill climb. I geared down all the way, so much so my chain fell off. At that moment, what does Koody reveal to me? “I don’t know how to fix bicycles”. I thought bringing him along would be my safety net, not! Well, I’m working at getting the chain on with Koody taking a lesson in 101 bike maintenance, when who should pass us – slow and steady 80 year old grandma with her remark – ‘It’s easier if you turn the bike upside down”. I have to admit it worked like a charm and we were off in no time.

The rest of the ride back was fairly uneventful; passing grandma at warp speed, smelling the fresh pine laced with a faint hint of ‘wacky tobacky’ from the skateboarders and practicing a bit of hands free riding, something I did all the time as a kid and which Koody has never attempted. I’m beginning to wonder when Koody first rode a bike – is it possible it was our 1st trip to Point Roberts? Is his official dress all a façade? What else do I need to know that he isn’t telling me? In the meantime, we’ve clocked another 22km’s in about 3 hours, including rest stops.

An aside as there was one damper to our perfect day – we passed an accident on the way back. We’re not sure how serious but an ambulance did arrive to take the lady to the hospital. A word to the wise – always wear a helmet.

Point Roberts

This is the summer biking adventures of Hoody and Koody. With my newly installed hidden hitch and bike rack on my car, I feel immense freedom to begin exploring the great outdoors with my sidekick, Koody. But don’t be fooled, this is more than just riding trails around the lower mainland of Vancouver, it’s about friendship, camaraderie, helmet hair and anything else that might come our way.

May 1st - I chose our first ride –Point Roberts – strategically, according to the weather. The odds were in our favour we’d actually find a bit of warmth and sunshine the further we distanced ourselves from the North Shore Mountains. We parked the car at Diefenbaker Park in Tsawwassen and commenced with the opening ceremony. It included christening ‘the rack’, cutting the ceremonial ribbon and paying tribute to Numero Uno with a decadent ‘Big One’ – aka – an extra large size chocolate cupcake in celebration of Collin winning the Men’s 40 Singles Title at the Vancouver Lawn Tournament. With pomp and circumstance completed we were on our way.

First stop – U.S. Customs - a minor inconvenience. Passing with flying colours, we headed due east on the peninsula to Boundary Bay. The views across the water are lovely, and the serenity captivating.
No surprise finding ‘Green Gables’ at water’s edge (knock, knock, is Anne in?). Leaving the Bay behind, we turned inland, passing a few trinkets of antique farm implements and a windmill – ahh, the joys of Smallsville, USA. Next up, the only hill on the route – Hoody huffed and puffed while Koody blew her away. Then on to the south of the peninsula and low and behold – Murphy’s house – complete with a tennis court. It was obviously on the migratory route of the Herons at
Stanley Park as it was littered with giant sized bird shells and some doo-doo droppings. We made a fast exit before being hit, rounding a corner to a short stop at Lighthouse Marine Park and views of Georgia Straight.

It was now time to head back to the car but not before a quick stop at the American supermarket. Koody picked up a snack and bottle of wine. I assured him the alcohol was within his allowance. Wrong advice but the customs agent let him go. Probably the last time Koody listens to me.

Our first outing and we logged 15km in a leisurely 2 hour pace, now ready for a bite to eat. But not before a quick detour to check out the Tsawwassen tennis courts We were asked about joining so obviously they were impressed with the Number Uno branded on Koody’s forehead. Finally we carbed up on pasta and headed home. After a wonderful day in the fresh outdoor air our baby Koody was just ‘plum tuckered out’ and ready for a 2 hour beauty rest. Until next ride…….