by Laurie McConnell, Editor
The Sunshine Coast looks gorgeous over the handlebars of a bike
PART OF THE COAST MOTORCYCLING SERIES – What are two travelling ingredients that should always be mixed well and enjoyed together? The winding highway and sideroads of the Sunshine Coast, and motorcycles. Whether you are coming over from Vancouver Island and winding your way down to the city, or are on a trajectory out of the valleys of the Lower Mainland, the Sunshine Coast makes an exceptional destination for motorcycling day trips, overnights and the Circle Tour that includes the southern portion of Vancouver Island.
Locals on the Coast who only drive cars or trucks may be heard to guffaw at such a statement in an area where only having one main road to get from Langdale to Lund can be seen as a drawback. One can only make so many Sunday drives to Gibsons or a ferry terminal in a quadrafoot vehicle before it gets old. Motorcyclists, however, are a different breed, and the two-wheeler enthusiast finds much to enjoy on a highway that winds through tall forests and skims past gorgeous views of Vancouver Island from either direction.
The highway, which is ‘Hwy 101′ or ‘the Sunshine Coast Highway’ to locals, has seen many upgrades in the last 25 years. As a result, if you haven’t been here before you might find yourself in long lines of boat (ferry) traffic, chafing at the lights and stop-and-go behind all the cars peeling off the main artery for off-highway destinations until they get to the open stretch outside of Gibsons. If you were here 25 years ago you will be amazed at the changes, and noone notices roads more than cyclists and motorcyclists.
After a couple of years re-riding the Sunshine Coast, I’ve come up with an itinerary that will get you out of the traffic and enjoying some great rides over a couple of days. Take a ride on the Coast, and let me know what you think. The itinerary assumes a start from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, so if you are coming from the Vancouver Island side, reverse the order.
Tomorrow: Getting On the Coast
THIS SERIES IS SPONSORED BY:
Sunshine Coast Resort
www.sunshinecoastresort.com
Guest Chalets, Oceanview Suites & Rooms, Luxury Penthouse
& Complimentary Dinner Boat nightly.
The perfect accommodation for your motorcycling holiday!
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