Ride Report DB's Canadian Adventure...

[Dino Brown]

As many of you already know, I have been laying-low this Summer. Bike injuries, family issues, internet boredom, no desire to ride a bike, stress… I was in need of a vacation in the worst way. #-o

Where to go?:-k
I have been to Europe. I have visited 40 of the 50 states. I have been to Eastern Canada. Been to Mexico. Australia? No. Hawaii? No. Hiking? No. Scuba diving? Ehh, not feeling it.

How ‘bout WHISTLER?
I had never been. I have wanted to go. Whistler it is!
While researching I quickly realized my flight would take me to Vancouver!
Of all the cities in the world, VANCOUVER was the one I have most wanted to visit.
The rest (as they say) is... history!

Part 1: Victoria and Vancouver

A few of the 700+ photos…..

Vancouver


The Vancouver Airport


Victoria BC Parliament Buildings- Constructed in 1893 by a 25 year old architect.
Using over 3,300 lights…. You’ve got to see it to believe it!


One of the many hidden coves that Canada has to offer…


Vancouver’s Gastown Area
On the corner of Cambie and Water Streets stands the city’s most photographed attraction: The World’s First Steam Clock Tower. It plays Westminster Chimes every hour and whistles every quarter hour!



First Nation tribute to the "White Man" god :steppie:



An interesting little tree


One of the many wood carvings I saw along the way.
Most have something to do with Canada’s original inhabitants (i.e. First Nation)



Stanley Park
A cleaner, larger and more scenic version on New York’s Central Park






Granville Island
An island shopping district located in Vancouver. Host to hundreds of interesting shops and restaurants.
The coolest part of the island is the indoor MarketPlace.
Fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, flowers, bakeries... all under one roof!!!





Grouse Mountain
Located on Vancouver’s North Shore, The Grouse Grind (aka Mother Nature’s Stairmaster) rises 2,800 feet in less than 1.8 miles. Boulders, rocks, mud, great views, water… it’s got it all. Without a doubt, the steepest 1.8 mile hiking trail I have ever traveled





So what do all of these pictures have to do with Mountain Biking? PLENTY!
Most who make the trip to WHISTLER consider Vancouver a place where 1) their plane lands and 2) where the shuttle (to Whistler picks them up). Big mistake! Vancouver is TRULY a World Class City!!! If you have the time, you owe it to yourself to spend 3 or 4 days seeing all the city has to offer. Not into sightseeing? Rumor has it, the trails in and around Vancouver's North Shore are every bit as good as those in Whistler.8-[
The locals don’t want you to know that...

Part 2: Whistler..... Coming soon!

 

[Burner]

b b b b but you rode in whistler, right?

 

[Sprockethead]

Yeah yeah, I've seen all that, show me the Mountain Biking PHOTOS!

Glad you finally made it up there, Vancouver sure is a beautiful city. Food's good too!

 

[Kid A]

welcome back. hopefully ur batteries are recharged and ready to roll. ive been to vancouver 2x and its a great city but snow in Whistler is a bit better
show us part duex!!!!

 

[Dino Brown]

b b b b but you rode in whistler, right?

Damn straight I rode in Whistler! :bang:
Words can not describe how amazing that place is.
Makes Mammoth feel like The Loop.

Pictures do not do that place any justice. When standing on the A-Line drop, it looks pretty scary. The pictures make it look like a small rock. A ladder drop looks simple when viewed from one's computer. Standing on top of one (and looking at the 50 degree landing area)... it's just not the same. [-X

 

[Bryguy17]

Sweet dino! I love Vancouver as a city. It's so clean, so interesting, and the people are so nice. You're right, many people do miss a lot by bypassing it, but they are really missing out.

I'm looking through your post just remembering all these places I've been to too (I've seen the statue of Steppie in person too :steppie

Overall, I really love British Columbia in general. honestly, Vancouver, Victoria, and most of the places I've been to in that region have all been really neat. Whistler is also awesome, even though I didn't do any mountain biking when I was there #-o#-o#-o#-o

Can't wait for the rest :beer:

 

[mouse jockey]

A ladder drop looks simple when viewed from one's computer. Standing on top of one (and looking at the 50 drgree landing area)... it is just not the same.

You know it DB! And you are right Vancouver is an awesome city to visit, I've been there a few times and plan on going next year, both to ride Whistler and enjoy the fruits the city has to offer. :beer:

Great RR!

 

[Letyrides]

Awesome we drove there as a kid, I'd like to visit again. Can't wait to see the rest of the photos! Hurry up already.

 

[Kid A]

and enjoy the fruits the city has to offer.

wow, didnt see that one coming 8-[

j/k absolutely NO hating here and we all know "not that there's anything wrong with that"

 

[Dino Brown]

Whistler...

Sorry for the delay. I ran into technical difficulties. I will post the Whistler pics later this evening.

A few teasers....

DB's practice session...


A-Line!!! The greatest trail in all the land! :bang:

 

[Sprockethead]

Did you do the A Line drop? Sick bike to rent too!

 

[dubl_xl]

How'd you like the Flatline Pro?

 

[JoeTruth]

Dino, you're one sexy mo-fo...bike or no bike! You've been sorely missed. Especially yesterday in the San Gabes. Glad you went to BC and Whistler to get your vacation and riding on. Ride and scenery pics look sick. Welcome back, hommie!
:wave:

 

[autoduel]

I'd be funny if I ran into you last week. I just got back from Vancouver last friday. We hit up the Bumbershoot Music and Art festival the weekend before in Seattle Center. I'll save whistler for when I don't have my kid with me.

 

[sdyeti]

More biking pictures please!!!

(I am having Whistler withdrawl now...feed me!!!)

 

[surlygal]

Dino -
Great perspective ~ it is another world in Canada. We've only done winter vacations in Banff and will someday soon make it up north of the border AGAIN to ride Whistler (not sure if RIDING will be on the dirt or snow though ).

Your vacation sounds and looks like it was a success!!! I hope it soothed the soul - Thanks for sharing and bring on more pictures of Whistler please??



on another note: I personally know someone who's selling a Flatline Pro frame

 

[cbHarping]

BEAUTIFUL Vancouver & surrounding pics! Thanks for posting those, I so have to make a trip there and stay rather than just passing through. Looking forward to MORE PHOTOS! :clap:

 

[sailcalifornia]

Vancouver one of my favorite cities in the world. The people are very nice and friendly and the food is AMAZING!!!

 

[rmb socal]

Dino, your making that bike look good!!!!:bang:

Tracy, I may have to repo that frame...... Traders!!!!

 

[mfoga]

Damn straight I rode in Whistler! :bang:
OMG! Words can not describe how amazing that place is. Makes Mammoth feel like the Fullerton Loop.

With regard to the Whistler pics, I am uploading them.
As far as I am concerned, pictures do not do that place any justice. When standing on the A-Line drop, it looks pretty scary. The pictures make it look like a small rock. A ladder drop looks simple when viewed from one's computer. Standing on top of one (and looking at the 50 degree landing area)... it's just not the same. [-X

I agree I didnt do anything in Vancouver as I had limited time but Whistler was amazing.

Those ladders were too fun, another thing I hit the first time not even looking at them just trying to follow and keep up.:lol:

More biking pictures please!!!

(I am having Whistler withdrawl now...feed me!!!)

Me too I even looked to see if I could go back in Sept after the short trip.:lol: