I was touring the perimeter of Lulu Island, aka the City of
Richmond, in a counter-clockwise direction and, late in the afternoon of a
sun-kissed day, had reached the easternmost point. With a pleasant feeling of
fatigue I turned westward along the northern edge of the island. Residences and
light industry changed briefly to major roads and big box-stores and then back
to residences. I detoured to seek out Paulo`s Pizzeria, the easternmost
restaurant in Richmond. Starved, I wolfed down a House Special pizza.
Delicious!
Refreshed, I headed toward the sinking sun in a rural
landscape along River Road, which was narrow, gently winding and seemed
endlessly long to my tired body. A log boom about 600 metres long snaked
upriver towed by three tugs. More logs were anchored all along the shoreline.
Much of my enjoyment, I realized, was because I had never
cycled these paths and roads before. I felt like an explorer, with a sense of
exhilaration, anticipation.
Twice, bike racers, dressed in colourful, sleek garb, flew
past making me look like a doddering slowpoke. But I didn’t care; I was
enjoying myself immensely. Finally, I entered an urban area, passed under the
Knight Street Bridge, cycled along some streets and dismounted at the Accent
Inn, which features a Bike Love program, complete with washing and tune-up
area. 
After a shower and brief rest, I place my weary butt back in
the saddle and pedalled to the International Summer Night Market. What a
vibrant place! Over 60 vendors offered a wide variety of mostly Asian food
including hurricane fries, squid jerky and fish balls. I munched a
waffle-on-a-stick while mingling with the happy throngs. A continuous stage
show featured local young people hip-hop dancing and singing. Vendors sold
crafts, mobile phone covers, jewellery and assorted odds and ends, all at
cut-rate prices. As dusk crept over the market, I headed to a well-earned
sleep.
Next morning, I gently rubbed my sore behind, mounted up and
headed north to rejoin the river-side path. I rolled along watching sleek
Canada Line trains cross a bridge, log booms in the river and beautiful purple
loosestrife and other wildflowers along the shore. Ah, the lazy dog-days of
summer. I briefly joined two young ladies picking the first blackberries of the
season. Yumm!
The path ended and I followed streets through an industrial
area to the River Rock Casino. I stepped into the main lobby, which towered
elegantly over me. Feeling out of place in my scruffy biking gear, I mumbled an
apology to a statue of a Chinese man and departed.
I detoured inland a few blocks to explore the Golden
Village, an area that feels like the Orient for Richmond has an enormous
Chinese population. I entered the Yao Feng shopping centre and the Osaka
Supermarket where I was almost the only non-Chinese shopper. The store had a
Dim Sum bar and the shelves were stocked with unusual Asian foods. Next I
cycled along Alexandra Road with more than 200, mostly Asian, restaurants in a
few blocks. Alas, it was too early for lunch.
Need to Know
International Night Market - www.summernightmarket.com
Accent Inn - www.accentinns.com/vancouver-airport
River Rock Casino & Hotel - www.riverrock.com
More Info - www.tourismrichmond.com
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