I have finalised the last of the tasks I needed to get done, and with possible rain forecast for Monday, I will be leaving tomorrow (Sunday). I packed all my gear into my trailer yesterday as a final test pack and will take it out for a 20km ride this afternnon, following the Trans Canada Trail loop that circumscribes Stanley Park and the Seawall Trail.

I have started to get in some kms around Vancouver before I start my trip west on the 10th or 11th. On Monday (4th) I did a lap of Stanley Park with a friend to watch the sunset. I did some riding around town on Tuesday and Thursday finalising some things. On Wednesday afernoon I had a good ride from Vancouver up to Whytecliff Park and back, a little over 60km and a little under 2 hours.

I have been in Vancouver for a few days now, reading up on some recent trip logs and refining the route i will take. This has enabled me to determine topography and actual climbs that i will be riding. Some are more than a little intimidating and impressive at the same time. I am feeling a little daunted and have some excited anticipation for the ride.

My flight from Sydney (Australia) to Vancouver (Canada) has reinforced some past thoughts—the most clear being that I actually look forward to travelling with a pack and nothing else. As an aside, airlines are getting finicky about travelling with gear.