So one night, we’re lying in bed, and I open my big mouth.
I’ve got an idea! Let’s go on a bike tour for our honeymoon!
At that point, I realized that I didn’t have a bike, nor had I ever really ridden a bike further than 8 or ten blocks. In fact, shifting had always remained a mystery to me… it must have been my higher self speaking in bed that night! Next, we bought me a bike - a catrike road - a recumbent, three wheeled armchair on wheels from a source I will not devulge because their service was less than excellent. Justin already had a great handcycle from Schmicking.
Of course then came the training (photos) We rode out to my mom’s first (30 km each way) then doubled our tolerable clicks out to Mission for my sister’s wedding (80 km approximately each way). I began riding to UBC and praying that I would be ready for our crazy journey.
The Journey
Packing ended up taking us 48hours (not straight), so we were finally ready to go on Monday morning, the 18th of June, around 11 am! Finally on the road, we biked to the ferry terminal and Northish to Roberts Creek, where we layed down our tent for the first time in our 4 year relationship. We saw so many camper vans and RVs! We were both left with a profound feeling of how heavy those types of recreational vehicles are for the earth to sustain - they are loud, use tons of fuel, electricity, and above all let a person get a little carried away with their packing. Our two bikes stocked with gear felt like ants amidst these other outdoors vehicles.
Our journey continued along the hwy, camping in smugglers cove, provincial camp grounds and staying at the occational hotel. The road was much, much hillier than we expeced, so out of necessity we had to cut cortez island out of this trip.