Cross Border Shopping

On the weekends, the border beckons many a Canadian shopper looking for great deals down "south."  I must confess, we take a sick pleasure in doing our cross border shopping by bicycle, although the size of our panniers does severely limit the shopping experience.  None the less, it is a cheap thrill to cycle past those long weekend lineups of weary shoppers idling in their cars.

This trip we decided to venture across the line in search of Tillamook cheese.  Yes - we are the cliche.  Canadians who cross the line for cheese.  I have stopped being embarrassed by the "cheese head" label, and have instead proudly embraced the name.  Years ago, on a family camping trip to Oregon we stumbled upon the Tillamook Cheese Factory and have been faithful connoisseurs ever since.  The Cheese Factory is an award -winning farmer-owned dairy co-op based in Tillamook, Oregon and the cheese is fantastic....not to mention the ice cream!

Improved bike lane on 20th Ave. in Surrey, BC

Our route took us along Zero Avenue on the Canadian side of the border.  Although, quite hilly, the route is peaceful and scenic.  As you cycle along the border, you pass large estate homes and farmland.

Border marker on zero avenue

Welcome to Washington - Official Signage

We followed Zero Avenue to the border crossing at Highway 13 near Aldergrove.  The Custom's Officer was friendly and teased us as we produced our Nexus cards.  He seemed to enjoy the irony of cyclists using Nexus cards to speed up the entry process to the United States.

Welcome to Washington - Unofficial Signage

For those who may miss the Welcome to Washington State sign, the sight of the Marijuana Tour Limo provides a clue that you have entered Washington State, where pot has been legalized.

Dairy farms line the road

The return trip on the US side of the border is a little less hilly.  Once again, farms line the road and you begin to feel miles and miles away from the big city.  Today we enjoyed a quiet ride.  Only the odd cow seemed remotely interested in our presence.

Prior to heading home, we stopped in Blaine to take in the view of the harbour and of course, pick up our cheese!  We proudly purchased 7.5 pounds - yes pounds - of Tillamook Cheese.  I tried to put it all in Rob's panniers when he wasn't looking, but unfortunately, he seemed to read my mind and we ended up sharing the load.

Viewpoint of Harbour - Blaine, WA

Border traffic was very heavy by the time we were ready to return to Canada.  Amid the good natured catcalls and folks taking our pictures we made our way to the front of the line.  Quite a testimonial to the benefits of active transportation!

LOVE the lineups - when on a bike

As we approached the Douglas Border crossing we hopped off our bikes in order to enjoy Peace Arch Provincial Park.  This 9 hectare park straddles the border and is a beautiful, well maintained park space.  The Peace Arch Monument serves as a landmark and symbol commemorating the lasting peace between Canada and the United States.  The arch is engraved with "Children of a Common Mother" on one side and "Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity" on the other side - powerful messages.

In the summer months, the park is full of tourists and the Arch is a popular gathering place for folk from all around the world.

Peace Arch Monument in the background

What traffic?

Welcome to BC - Visitor Centre

Giggle of the day:

The ride along 0 Avenue features a series of hill climbs.  You will often see road cyclists using the loop for training as this route is generally free of traffic and the rolling hills are perfect for providing that little extra challenge. Now, I must confess I am not the fastest rider even on flat terrain, with the wind at my back, but I do try my best.  Today was no different.  I took a look at the hill, dug-in and worked hard on keeping a steady cadence as I began to climb.  I was feeling quite proud of my efforts until I came up to a radar trap.  The policemen were happy to inform me that I was doing a nice, comfortable leisurely 17 mph.  They snickered a little at the word "leisurely."  I waved and tried to smile as I grunted and groaned my way past them.  And, yes, Rob was quite a distance ahead....his mashing technique does seem to be effective on those hills!  I did not ask what he was clocked at!  Sometimes, it is just better not to know.

Map and Route Tips:

On the return to Canada there is a special entrance for bikes, and if you have a Nexus card, you will fly through the lineup.

The shoulders on this route are very narrow or non-existent, so cyclists should be comfortable riding in traffic.  Not a good route for families.

Urban Mushing and Steelhead Fishin"

Urban Mushers and determined Fishers were the highlights of this ride along the Vedder river dyke trails.  Our day began at the Mckay Creek Trail head, part of the Trans Canada Trail.

Trans Canada Trail marker points the way

As we were unloading our bikes and getting ready to hit the trail, we were greeted in the parking lot by Kathy, an Urban Musher.  Intrigued we delayed our start to chat with her.  We learned all about this dry land, dog-powered sport called Urban Mushing.  Her dogs were more than happy to give us a demo and before we knew it they were harnessed up and ready to pull.  Kathy and her team were busy training for the upcoming Iron Paws event.  I must confess, Iron Paws brought a smile to my face.  As we bid farewell, it struck me yet again that there are countless ways for people and pets to get outside and play!

Urban Musher and her dog team

We planned our route for the day to take us along the dyke trails on the both the north and south side of the Vedder river and Vedder canal.  This loop was scenic, flat and fascinating!

View of the Vedder Canal

We departed the parking lot and as we pedaled we could hear distant rumblings.  At first we thought there must be blasting going on in the area but soon we discovered we were nearing the Abbotsford Fish and Game Club.  Judging by the noise, it was clearly a busy day on the range!

Dark Sky Park courtesy of the Fraser Valley Astronomers Society

After cycling past McDonald park, we passed by an Astronomy Viewing Area, and joked about the "mini Stonehenge" in the background.  We later discovered that McDonald Park is officially designated a dark sky park with the hopes of offering views of the Night sky, minus light pollution, for many years to come.  The Fraser Valley Astronomers Society host educational programs and events at the park throughout the year.

Vedder South Dyke Trail marker

The trail was very well marked, easy to follow and yes - FLAT!

Heavily treed area of the trail

Although the trail was on a dyke and flat, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety.  From open farmland to tight, twisting turns through forested areas, the trail was an interesting ride....and did I mention FLAT?

Snow capped mountains and cherry blossoms mark an early spring

River view

Scenic viewpoint along the dyke trail

It was quite a busy day on both the trail and on the river.  At every turn we stumbled upon another fisher in search of Steelhead trout. 

The Steelhead seem to be facing big odds 

Log Jams - Paddlers beware!

During a quick lunch break we had the pleasure of meeting Dave.  Clearly, Dave had spent many an hour on the river.  He shared stories of his big catches and of course the one that got away.  He did manage to catch a record breaking 41 pound Steelhead earlier this year and delighted us with pictures of the catch.  He recommended Steelybeads as the bait of choice and Fishbum as the apparel of choice. I am embarrassed to say that at times we had no idea what he was talking about, but he spoke with unbridled passion and enthusiasm so we listened intently!  Maybe, it is time for us to take some of Dave's advice and explore fishing by kayak?

Hmmm.....should kayak fishing be next?

Giggle of the day:

As we made our way along the south dyke trail we stumbled upon a retired gentleman out fishing for the day.  He was the picture of happiness....deep laugh lines marked his weather beaten face.  We chatted for a while about the trail and the river and then the conversation turned to fishing.  He was out looking for Steelhead and to quote, "the fish taste like $@%# this time of year, but my wife doesn't nag me or give me jobs when I am out fishing.  And best of all if I catch something, I don't have to pay for dinner!"


Maps and Route Tips:


The trail for the most part is hard packed gravel, best suited for touring or mountain bikes.

Great ride for families, especially along the Rotary Trail in Chilliwack which features a virtual tour.  (another example of technology in the outdoors)

Be sure to check out the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve

Parks and Trails in Chilliwack

Trans Canada Trail

Fishing the Vedder River