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GranFondo Training Routes

Posted: Aug 18 2011 in Commentary, Events, We Ride

Some Great Local Rides

To help with your Fondo preparation

If you’ve signed up for the Whistler GranFondo but haven’t done the work yet - don’t fret, there’s still time to get out on your bike and prepare your body for the ride! Those new to the road cycling experience will want to familiarize themselves with a couple of popular routes that are easy to access and feel safe. Below are four great routes to try while preparing for the upcoming fondo.

Stanley Park - Loop.

I know the park is world famous, but as a longtime Vancouver resident I occasionally take it for granted. Every couple of years I seem to rediscover that the park has a beautiful 10km road loop. I like this ride because it has gorgeous views, traffic is generally respectful of cyclists, the loop is easily accessible for those downtown and on the North shore and it’s a great way to gain extra mileage before or after work.

View from Stanley Park looking to the North Shore

The route:
The 10km loop is essentially along Stanley Park Dr, and includes a brief connection along North Lagoon Dr. To complete the loop you’ll travel under the causeway and jump back to Stanley Park Dr. Pay attention as there are a few alterations to the flow of traffic as you move around the park and don’t confuse this road ride with the Sea Wall. The Sea Wall (and accompanying bike path) is a great place to take your time and soak in the views - it’s NOT the place to be ‘training’. Take the road I’ve described and be kind to the tourists. Do multiple laps and rack up the mileage. My favourite time to ride this is early in the morning.

Spanish Banks - Loop

On the west side of Vancouver you have the well known Spanish Bank ride. This ride along the ocean is incredible and the flat stretch along SW Marine, with minimal traffic from side streets, gives plenty of opportunity to work on your top end speed.

The route:
Starting at the east end of Spanish Banks head west on NW Marine Dr. Be especially mindful of vehicle traffic in and out of the beach parking lots. Climb the hill at the west end of the beach, at the top of the climb you’ll be at the west end of UBC, take your first right here and eventually NW Marine turns into SW Marine Dr. You’ll then have the option of turning around to return to the bottom of the hill and repeat the climb, or continue south and ride the parameter of UBC. To make it a loop (approximately 25km) turn left once past the endowment lands and head north working your way back to Spanish Banks. OR you can continue along SW Marine Dr to Richmond for some more great road riding.

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (LSCR) - Out and Back

The LSCR is one of my favorite little known sections of the GVRD and is located on the North Shore. This ride starts near Capilano College. If you are riding to this area, consult the cycling maps to determine the safest route as traffic patterns around the north side of second narrows bridge can be challenging for the new cyclist.

The route:
Starting from Mt Seymour Parkway, the ride north on Lillooet, and back, can be up to 30km. The road from the college to the LSCR is open to motor vehicle traffic but once you get to the conservation reserve the marked road is strictly pedestrian/cycling traffic. Be patient when riding this section especially on good weather days - its a great place to get your mileage while moving at a comfortable pace but it can be a busy park and there are blind corners on the route. Expect rolling hills and a general elevation gain as you head north.

Cypress Mountain - Out and Back

This is the best mountain to road ride in the GVRD for those training for the Whistler GranFondo. Spend the time and do the work to get comfortable climbing this hill and you’ll be in a great position to finish the fondo.

The route:
Take the Cypress bowl Rd exit off of the Upper Levels Hwy. Start at the works yard on the Cypress Bowl Rd, or to extend the climb, start at Ambleside. From the works yard to the ski hill parking lot the grade stays fairly consistent. This is a great place to work on a range of climbing skills including cadence and gearing. If you’re really struggling to get up to the first switch back, take note, you need to get back to doing more mileage on flatter terrain and incorporate smaller hills like Spanish Banks and Prospect Point (at Stanley Park) into your rides, then come back and try Cypress again.

We’re fortunate to have access to a long list of other great rides in the area that you could use to prepare your body for the Whistler GranFondo, or enjoy afterwards because you’ve caught the cycling bug! My short list includes:

Seymour and SFU Mountains
Ambleside to Horseshoe Bay, along Marine Drive
Dollarton Highway to Belcarra
Iona Causeway
Richmond/Steveston area

Get riding, enjoy and share your favourite training route with us!

Jason Bond is a passionate cyclist that enjoys a long ride on trails or on the road. He is available for group and one-on-one coaching in the gym and on the bike. Visit www.bondtraining.ca for details.