Introducing the Hemlock Valley 300

Despite it's name this route does not solely meander tranquilly through valley roads, although there is a generous supply of that. There are some tough, yet scenic hills out there. From my other 300 routes you may find the hills of Dewdney Trunk and Stava Lake familiar. The eponymous Hemlock Valley road that heads towards the ski area may not be. The first 3km is viciously steep but relents in the last km before the turnaround control at the end of the paved section. Onward towards the east, the route takes the much loved Hwy 7 until diverting around Agassiz. The Rosedale-Agassiz Connector is not the best crossing but is mercifully less busy on the weekend this time of year. The route then follows quiet, flat roads of Ferry/Camp River/Hope River for ~15km. There is a right onto a mixed use path that continues by the water. Stay straight on this as it becomes a narrow trail and continue straight past a school until continuing straight on to Dike Rd. Lower Landing Rd will be off to your right. The route then winds around Chilliwack Mtn and up unforgiving Old Orchard Rd where you will find an Information Control. You leave the hills behind you for a while as you head south via a short section of gravel by Vedder Canal as you make your way to the oasis of Birchwood Dairy. This is again an info control as the store closes at 18:00 (although many of you should arrive in time for ice cream). The route pushes on north from there over Sumas Mtn via Whatcom Rd for an info control. You will then travel the familiar territory to Fort Langley where you have a choice of stops. The Fort Pub may not be the quickest choice but there is Guinness on tap. The home stretch stitches west and over the bike lane on the Port Mann Bridge. From there a respite from the Lougheed by way of Government/Winston before the final pedal strokes to the venerable Knight & Day.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/11446716@N07/albums/72157667366079992

Notes from John & Malou:

John: "I really enjoyed the scenery, the new (to me) roads and the challenge of this route. Chris' 300km rides (Crouching Rat, Ryder Lake and the new Hemlock Abridged) rank among the most memorable I've done in four years with the club. This ride added more new roads and challenges that won't soon be forgotten. Bonus points for avoiding highly trafficked roads and for a wide variety of dining options. We enjoyed: gas station pizza in Hatzic, snacks at Birchwood Dairy, burgers with an adult nutrient replacement drink at the Fort Pub and hot beverages with dessert at Knight and Day."

Malou:

Some people love hills--that heart-pounding, leg-burning challenge of reaching the top. I am not one of those people. Are there hills? Yes. Some are gradual, others are kind of long and steep: Stave Lake, Hemlock, Woodside (gentler side), Chilliwack Mountain, Whatcom. That said, there are also opportunities for recovery. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for climbing, I found this ride rather enjoyable. Maybe it was the new-to-me roads. Maybe it was the company. Maybe it was the pizza at the Hatzic Husky...? Whatever this ride brings you, just make sure you look up and enjoy the view.

See you on Saturday!

Bonne route, -Chris