Sat April 6/24 North Van and Van bike ride

[Ye Chu]

We had 12 people sign up, but two dropped out thinking it would rain.

Four bikers met in East Van and we biked through lovely historic Strathcona, Downtown Eastside/Crab park’s new revamped tent city and Stanley park. We met six bikers on the north side of Lions gate Bridge. Even thought this was a 35 km bike ride, we discovered that you needed to add about 15 minutes/person for clothing adjustments, washrooms, snack, lunch, traffic lights, gravel downhills and water breaks.

This bike trip was a new offering to the club and there were new bike routes sections even for those who live on the Northshore. I have no track for this route as it is all in my head. See comments below from riders:

“It is so impressive how you just have the route in your head. I was looking at it on my fitbit and inreach and there were a lot of twists and turns to remember. Even if I tried to repeat that with my records, I would struggle to stay on course.” SM

“Thank you so much for a great ride. Very interesting. I don’t know how you find those routes.” HM

“It was fun but a lot cooler than I expected, I needed more uphill than downhill.” HY

Yes, we had more downhill than uphill on this trip. A shout out to Mark and Sue, who completed the entire route.

I would encourage ALL members to lead trips as it will keep your memory strong and your hippocampus growing larger in size. As we age, our memory starts to falter as out hippocampus shrinks. Studies have shown, when people, especially seniors lead a hike/bike or other outdoor adventures, their hippocampus grows, delaying the onset of dementia. We need more leaders and you maybe amazed how your memory grows with it.

As many of you know, I am organizing a self-guided bike trip to Sicily in May 2025, next year. Being unguided, gives us an opportunity to think, be present, unravel unknown challenges in a different culture and language. It is exciting, satisfying and rewarding on so many levels. It brings out joy to those who have an adventurous hearts. The key is to be kind, patience and thoughtful to others. You will learn a lot about what kind of person you are, your values and beliefs.

I enjoy leading trips, as it keeps my mind agile and fresh, I get to meet new wonderful people and most of all it has taught me to stay open-minded and be patience as we are all different and that is okay.

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