I’m a big fan of Vancouver. Located between mountains and ocean, the city setting is beautiful and there are several large parks and lively neighbourhoods to explore.

It’s been great spending two days here – especially given that I’ll be on the move for the next two weeks – and I’m hugely grateful to Darra and Helen (and their three adorable kids) for their Irish hospitality.

I got the bike building out the way first thing yesterday morning (thankfully it was unaffected by the 10hr flight) and then took it for a spin around the city, ticking off most of the ‘must see’ areas on my route (Granville Island, Gastown, Stanley Park, UBC campus), whilst braving a full throttle Canadian rainstorm.

Conscious I should squeeze in some ‘culture’ to my two day sejour, I bartered down an ice hockey ticket from a tout and spent a very entertaining evening watching Vancouver Canucks narrowly beat Arizona Coyotes. Despite going alone, I made a load of new friends during the game and left the stadium a die hard Canucks fan. Save for the grumpy git at immigration, everyone has been charming in Vancouver.

Today has been slightly less eventful – dragged myself to Vancouver Acquatic Centre for some Alcatraz swim training, made some last minute bike purchases and found a classic roadies cafe to plan the next couple of days.

Just returned from a fun evening with Darra & Helen at a Japanese Izakaya in Kitsilano (Japanese food is brilliant in Vancouver) and about to get some rest before I hit the road in T-8hrs – tomorrow is GAME DAY!!