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!
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| 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.
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| Border marker on zero avenue |
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| 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.
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| Welcome to Washington - Unofficial Signage |
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| 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.
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| 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!
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| 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.
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| Peace Arch Monument in the background |
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| What traffic? |
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| 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.
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