It's a sunny day and your thinking it would be great to go for a bike ride.  Yesterday just happened to be that day for myself and my husband. Now that we have our newest park close by we chose a ride to Bear Creek Park and a visit to our hatchery which lies within the park.  Our residence is Saratoga Beach but there are many great locations locally to start your ride from. You can certainly start from Saratoga Beach or Miracle Beach Provincial Park, Pacific Playgrounds Marina or the Mini Putt located along Highway 19A, just north of the Hamm Rd. Connector.  It's an easy bike ride along MacAulay Rd. to the entrance of Bear Creek Nature Park, which is clearly marked on the right hand side of the road. Once in the Park I like to use my bike bell so I don't sneak up on any bears that may be in the area. The road in the park and throughout the hatchery are dirt and gravel but easily accessible by bikes. The park road leads downhill across 2 bridges and into the Oyster River Enhancement Society hatchery area. Take your time and enjoy your ride.  Stop by either Bear Creek or the Oyster River and relax.  The park has been well received by bird groups and naturalists alike.  The many water channels throughout the hatchery area have wild salmon fry within them.  We live in paradise, remember to enjoy it. When your ready to leave the hatchery area you will remember that you will need to go uphill back to the park entrance.  It's a short hill but a good workout for those who want to give it a try. Walking the bike up the hill gives you more opportunities to enjoy the vistas.  I chose to ride the uphill portion and succeeded and I'm an average biker. When your finished your ride you will have at least 2 reasons to be happy.  You have had some exercise so your body will thank you.  Your mind and soul will have been refreshed from enjoying what nature has to offer.  Now if you want to reward yourself even further, both the Mini Putt and Pacific Playgrounds Marina offer Ice Cream.The total trip was just over 15 kilometeres for us. We will definately do this ride again.  Hopefully this will inspire you to come see our hatchery and the Bear Creek Park by bike.  You won't be disappointed.

Laine.