Start: Alpine Meadows, Whistler
Turnaround: Hoseshoe Bay ferry terminal
Finish: Alpine Meadows, Whistler
Route: HWY 99
Distance: 212.85km
Elevation Gain: 2,195m
Time: 10h 34m
Objective completed by fair means without the use of a vehicle to and from a starting location. All food was packed, carried and unsupported.
Notables: Heading S from Whistler to Squamish is, for the most part, a high speed affair. A bit of sustained climbing a few km S of Daisy lake but at a moderate grade. There are other small climbs but primarily downhill heading to sea level and superb road surface/ample shoulders throughout. With 1290m total descending to Squamish the fabulous scenery changes constantly.
The HWY is flat for a while in Squamish with plenty of opportunities for food and drink. Another water fill option beside the public washrooms at Porteau Cove.
South of Squamish there is a notable climb just N of Britannia Beach and another N of Furry Creek. The rest of the southbound journey is rolling and by now the ocean is well in view and scenery phenomenal.
Vehicle traffic is progressively busier S from Whistler and caution required in regards to recessed storm drains throughout. There tends to be glass on the W shoulder near Brohm lake and S of Squamish there is substantially more gravel/debris. Shoulders are swept in spring but accumulate gravel and other debris thereafter. Multiple spare tubes advised. At Porteau Bluffs there is a stretch for a few hundred meters with very narrow shoulders both ways requiring extreme caution.
Enjoyable descent from #99 to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. Many food/drink options as well as the ocean providing opportunity for a swim.
Returning N is an immediate climb back up to the highway which is substantial but likely after a rest. Great vantage up the sound before rolling northbound terrain.
At Furry Creek and then Britannia Beach there are two more notable climbs before reaching Squamish.
Again some flats in Squamish before the long uphill drag northbound. A tailwind in the afternoon can help but this is a sustained slog with little relief. A fabulous descent N of the Sand Shed after passing through Cheak Canyon rests the legs but the effort is certainly not over here. More climbing awaits but the aforementioned descent marks the end of the unrelenting bit.
September 26.
After pedaling to Lillooet from Whistler I wondered what range was in play without a 1000+m climb on the itinerary. This was the resulting objective but fit, seasoned cyclists with 2 good knees may expect to complete this a solid many hours quicker.
Sunrise was 7:05 a.m. so departed Alpine a few minutes thereafter.
An overnight drizzle was tapering so conditions started wet employing rain gear and appreciating fenders.
A stop at the Cheakamus river before the notable southbound climb to shed rain gear and eat a bar by the water. Good rest options at both the southbound pullouts.
Leaving here I realized my sunglasses were no longer on my helmet and must have flown off somewhere. Bummer. I really need to figure this out. 3rd pair this summer.
The rest of the ride to Squamish offered improving views as the sun burnt off the cloud cover.
I filled bottles at the Husky gas station and spun through the flats quickly.
Leaving Squamish it became immediately apparent focus would be required as debris and gravel were abundant. It was here I wondered if my spare tube would be enough.
Keeping focus on the surface condition when the ocean is roadside and scenery fantastic is not easy.
A mixture of phenomenal landscapes and cruisy, rolling terrain makes this leg fly by. Horseshoe Bay Dr. is the exit to use which avoids the que for the ferry terminal and descends towards Horseshoe Bay Park. A bit of navigating roundabouts to stay on course but fairly straightforward.
The fountains at the public park were not operational so I opted to fill at Starbucks.
The climb back to the highway is a bit punchy at times but energy was high after a rest and some food.
Another stop to fill bottles at Porteau Cove but this time a sit at the now smaller beach during high tide.
Another break at Lilly’s Garden in Squamish. Well worth a peak and a brief stroll.
Another bottle fill before leaving Squamish but this time I filled my secret weapon which was another 500ml hydrapak I could now fit full in my handlebar bag after eating much of the food. Perfect for the toughest leg of the journey.
The drag out of Squamish was VERY hard. I was now about 150km deep and felt like I was out of gas. At one point I thought, “I’ll never make it, it feels like I’m riding a flat tire!” Turns out I was…wonder how long that was going on!?
With the bike already down and the tools out I opted to clean and oil the chain before hitting the road.
Turned tail-light on shortly afterwards and nearing Brandywine falls employed headlamp. This was the toughest leg with vision challenged and temps falling.
Gen waited for me in Function Junction after dropping her vehicle off at the shop and we biked the last 15 km together . An epic relief and boost to moral having company!
Keep stoking the fire!
Stoking the fire 