Annual Richmond bike tour gears up

ANNUAL BC BIKE TOUR: Perfect for the whole family. (ShutterStock image)

Get into gear and spin your wheels at the 14th annual Island City Bike Tour on Sunday, June 8. Everyone is invited to take their bikes for a spin at this popular springtime tour of the city. The tour is free and perfect for the whole family.

This annual bike tour promotes recreation, fitness and transportation in Richmond, as led by experienced and knowledgeable tour guides. Bike riders have the option of cycling along one of two routes, both of which will travel along the new Railway Greenway.

The short route is a scenic 9-kilometre ride starting at 11 a.m., consisting of on- and off-street biking along Railway Greenway, Williams Road and part of the Crabapple Ridge neighbourhood bike route, and takes about one hour to explore.

The long route begins at 10 a.m. and consists of 24.5 kilometres of on- and off-street biking. This route will take you out to Sea Island along the new off-street path parallel to Russ Baker Way, down the Railway Greenway and back along the Crabapple Ridge neighbourhood bike route. Both routes will start and finish at Thompson Community Centre, 5151 Granville Avenue.

In addition to their bike and helmet, participants should also bring their enthusiasm in the off-chance it rains. Cyclists who would like a pre-ride bike and helmet safety check are encouraged to arrive at 9:30 a.m. After an invigorating morning bike tour, participants will reconvene at Thompson Community Centre to enjoy refreshments and a raffle prize draw.

Cyclists are encouraged to register by quoting barcode #517858. To register, visit www.richmond.ca/register; call the city’s registration call centre from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 604-276-4300 (press 2 at the prompt); or visit any community centre during business hours.