Road cycling in Whistler, BC, Canada - routes?
 

Whistler is famous for its mountain biking, but I'm trying to find some information on any possible routes for road biking. It's not safe or legal to cycle on the highway (or is it? correct me if I'm wrong!), so does anyone out there know which roads we could hit up there for some nice, medium distance (20-40KM) cycling? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks for any help. Great forum!

If you mean Sea-to-Sky, AFAIK, it is legal to ride on it. Now, for safe... that's entirely a different issue. :p

I see a lot of guys riding north on Hwy 99 towards Pemberton. I believe its about 80km one way with some great climbs and descents and pretty good scenery too.
Far as I know, north or south on 99 is the only way in and out of Whistler.

Yep, hwy 99 is the only choice. Well, that or helicopter. :p

I found "Alta Lake Road" that also runs north-south, but on the other side of the lakes which are to the left of hwy 99. Problem is, I've never been on this road so I dont know what it's like. Paved or gravel? Lots of car traffic? Extremely challenging or newbie-friendly?

Here's a visual of the area: (Yahoo Maps):
http://maps.yahoo.com/#mvt=m&q1=whis...0.106405&mag=4

If anyone out there can comment on this road, that would be great. Cuz as cuski says, the Sea-to-Sky ain't famous for being safe. :D

cheers!

Hwy 99 north of Whistler is a lot better than the Van-Whistler section

I've ridden North of Whistler into Pemberton, quite scenic and not much traffic. South of Whistler is a death trap, avoid it all costs.

Cycle-Clops, can you elaborate a bit on the hwy north of Whistler? Wide lanes? Lots of width on the shoulder? Steady incline, or lots of hills and descents? How far north of Whistler before the hwy becomes safe and scenic?

BIG thanks to all you guys. i think you may have saved my plans... i was this close to canceling the trip!

I went up there a few weeks ago for the first time and it is beautiful. I would not ride on any roads that I saw, however, due to the high speeds and lack of shoulders. There is also lots of construction work going on. I would highly recommend renting a mountain bike and exploring some of the wicked trails in the area. You will definitely get a workout. I even saw a black bear on the trail.

I second everyone's recommendation for staying away from the Van - Whistler section. Too much construction and craziness with the highway. If you stray even a bit, I could see carnage as cars are whizzing by at over 100km/hr.

I'm open to hearing more about the Whistler - Pemb section though. Anyone else tried this? Sounds nice.

As a local who's been to whistler more than a few times, I can say you guys are absolutely right. The section from Vancouver to Whistler would be suicidal by bike. Mostly single lanes (you get the occasional double lanes for passing, but those are only for 1-2kms or so), and narrow. And tons of sharp curves.

Side note: yep, lots of construction going on. they're widening and adding lanes for the 2010 Olympics.