Do you ever think about that very long straight line we know as the 49th parallel? It’s just a moderate bike ride to our North and just rolling over it lands you in a foreign country. How exciting is that! Fortunately crossing that line and entering Canada is still easy-peasy (despite trepidation felt by some) and it opens up a whole range of novel cycling experiences. Double your cycling pleasure…just do it!

Members of the MBBC venture North regularly and have posted plenty of club rides in Canada within easy reach of Bellingham.

Back in May, three of us headed up to Chilliwack on a quest for a gravel adventure. We found adventure on a glorious day filled with great vistas and variety. We started on a trail that skirted Mount Thom, then along a scenic ridge near Elk mountain. We continued to Cultus Lake on the Trans Canada Trail and finished with a flat gravel ride along the Vedder North dike trail.The possibilities just across the border are endless. Canadians are still generally a most friendly and welcoming bunch and see through the concocted craziness of late. A little respect and good manners go a long way in Canada.

Here are a few pointers to make your bike ride in Canada a pleasant and seamless experience: Bring a passport for the border crossings! If you have a Nexus card (for frequent Canadian border-crossers) it puts you in the short line. The NEXUS card saves a lot of time for frequent travelers and may even be used in certain airports as a trusted traveler ID to get you in the short security line. You may cross in your car or bike right across...your choice.

Don’t bring any fresh fruit or veggies to snack on during the ride. These are generally not allowed across the border to prevent invasive diseases and pests. If you must, grab some for consumption on your ride at a local grocery store across the border.

Don’t bring dog repellent spray or any personal protection pepper spray! (Although bear spray Is fine...go figure!)

Download a map of your ride area in google maps or your fave navigation app. I always download a route onto my Karoo or Garmin bike computer so I’m not at the mercy of unfamiliar phone network access. Several US cell phone companies include phone, text and data in Canada, some for an additional fee. Find out before you go. If you don’t have Canada roaming access or wish to avoid a roaming fee, switch off your cellular data and roaming in your phone settings before you cross the border.

Rules of the road are similar to those in Washington. But be aware that the “at your own risk roll” through STOP signs which is legal in Washington is not technically legal in B.C. You must stop! 911 is the Canadian emergency number. It will work. You might need to switch on your phone roaming.

There is a fantastic resource for those who wish to plan bike rides in the greater Vancouver area. Last time I was in Village Books Fairhaven they had copies for sale.The publisher also has other editions for Vancouver Island (a cyclist paradise with rail trails and quiet byways) and other areas within a days’ drive of Bellingham. Learn more about the guides from the publisher.

Expect to see some upcoming club rides in Canada and DO sign up!