Going to be in Whistler from 7/6-10, looking to ride once or twice while I’m out there. Two quick questions for the locals:
Any locals who would want to ride?
Can you ride on the big 'ol Hwy 99 without huge auto-related risks?
Thanks for any help from ST’ers in BC!
-Mike
I don’t live in B.C. any more, but when I lived in North Van, I used to go up to Whistler and Pemberton all the time. I would highly advise against biking on the highway, especially from Vancouver to Squamish to Whistler. Roads twist all over and the shoulders are narrow to non-existent, plus people drive like idiots on that road. Finally, with all the upgrades being done in anticipation of the Olympics, I would assume some sections are likely closed/hard to get through.
However, if you want to bike from Whistler to Pemberton and a bit beyond, that can actually be a relatively nice bike ride. Shoulders are better and traffic is not as heavy. Still some sketchy parts, but overall not too bad.
Chris
It is one of the most beautiful roads in the world in my opinion. Unfortunatley it is also very dangerous for cyclists. Many cars go way too fast for the bends and end up cutting corners. I strongly advise against it. I road from Vancouver to Whistler back in 1990 when there was a lot less traffic and I was still scared shitless by the cars whiping past me. Another option you may want to consider is riding the mountain bike route up to Whistler. I have not done it but I hear it is great. Check out http://www.cheakamuschallenge.ca/overview.html for more details on the route.
Agreed. I have not been in Vancouver since 2001, but I suspect that the Sea-to-Sky section of 99 from Horseshoe Bay to Squamish and then on up to Whistler is NOT the best choice. Shame, really, because this is a spectatcular and awesome ride. The scenery and the climbing( the road is constantly going up amd down) is outstanding. We used to do this all the time back in the early to mid 90’s but by the end of the decade the traffic was getting nuts, the road was constantly under construction and it was just too risky. Not sure what the Pre-Olym
Indeed, north of Whistler it’s a whole diffrent world, because for just about everyone, the world ends in Whistler! The road on up to Pemberton and then beyond that to Lillooet is some of the best cycling you will experience on the West Coast of Canada. Just be careful if you are doing an out and back north from Whistler. It’s a big climb back to Whistler from Pemberton and typically into a headwind that picks up steam as the day goes on. Beyond(north) of Pemberton, you are getting into some of the most beautiful scenery in the Coastal Mountains of BC. The climb up to Joffre Lakes from the Pemberton Valley is a monster, with a false flat before you reach the pass going on forever. From there it’s rolling Alpine terrain and scenery all the way to Lillooet.
Fleck
Are you a mountain biker? If you’re even slightly inclined towards mountain biking, you can’t miss riding in or around Whistler. It’s without question the best riding I’ve ever done. You can rent bikes at lots of different places and hit the resort (probably the best lift-access downhilling in the world), or miles and miles of beautiful xc trails. Don’t miss it!
Thanks for all the feedback – boy, if I actually did ride mtn bikes, it appears that I would certainly be heading toward heaven!
Unfortunately, I feel kind of like a mtn biker who is planning a trip to Kona and asks, “Anyone know where I can go for a good ol’ mtn bike ride out there?” 
We’ll make do, just wanted to see if there were any other easy answers…thanks again!