About Eastcapades Frank & Sylvia
Not racing, just traveling at human power and learning
January 6 2025, starting our new bike journey in Hanoi-Vietnam
2024 cycling Romania & Balkans. May - Sept 2024
Follow our cycle trip live: polarsteps.com/FrankJanssens23/11307587-cycling-the-balkans-and-western-europe
Tuk tuk travel through South Africa-Namibia-Botswana-Zimbabwe January-June 2023
Cycling (April-Oct 2022) from Lisbon to Norway- to Faroe island - Iceland
Gravel bike circumnavigation the Himalayas from Kazakstan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China, Bangladesh, India, Darjeeling, Nepal.... (2018-19)
Multi local bike, gravel, fat bike multi day journeys in all seasons: British Columbia, Yukon, Alaska. Washington states, Oregon
Mongolia-Kazakhstan- Tibet-Karakoram-Afghanistan- Pakistan - Kashmir - Ladakh-Sikkim- Nepal (1995)
South America 1993 (from Buenos Ares to Ushuaia to Columbia )
1990 cycling New Zealand-Fiji-Tahiti-Hawaii-British Columbia-Yukon-Alaska
1988 Australia - New Zealand
45,910 km
2778:47 h
Recent Activity
- Eastcapades Frank & SylviaSeptember 9, 2025
As usually on the western coast of British Columbia, a hike starts with a steep climb. Sometimes to reduce the erosion it is a staircase that kills the legs not prepared for a such warm up. Eventually we find our pace and progresd can be done in that very beautiful and mix terrain. Close to 1000m of
- Eastcapades Frank & SylviaSeptember 8, 2025
A steady climb that forced you to take a steady pace soon you hit the trailhead. Very good for a sunny hot day as big segments are in trees. Yet, other sections are in open ski runs allowing nice views and contemplate what you already accomplished and ... not what remains 😉. A good workout with good
- Eastcapades Frank & SylviaSeptember 7, 2025
In a quest of clean and clear air , smoke free. It was not high enough but better than at lower elevation where we feel like smoking a full pack of cigarillos. The trail is remote enough to keep crowds busy in other popular corners of beautiful Lower mainland.
- Eastcapades Frank & SylviaSeptember 1, 2025
... the "classic must do " in Vancouver, challenging our visitor guests and testing us at the moment where i am just about to anchor my both feet in the confirmed Senior Community. A little extra ascent before the official trrailhead as a bonus and the Ego comes out rejuvenated for the next 12 months. 🎂 😅🥳😎
- Eastcapades Frank & SylviaAugust 12, 2025
The night passed without a hitch. The altitude of 1000m makes for a cool and refreshing night. As the heat wave sets in, we opt for an early start. 7:30 hasn't yet struck and we begin our descent. It's just under 5km before we warm up with another 12km climb. The gradient is a steady 5-6%. A grade almost
- Eastcapades Frank & SylviaAugust 12, 2025
5:45am and we stand on our feet, 7:00 am and we push on our pedals. A bare 2.5km and the climb starts. A quite brutal start with a grade around 8%+for the first 3km. It is a 22km and 1200m of ascent on a gravel road. We progress slowly in the shaded side of the mountain. Everyone is taking his/her own
Eastcapades Frank & Sylvia went gravel riding.
December 2, 2025
Because it is not always and only about mountains.
03:25
57.8km
16.9km/h
80m
90m
Eastcapades Frank & Sylvia went for a hike.
November 29, 2025
Two waterfalls, a small viewpoint, a forest steeped in history, some big centuries old stomps and trails that are rarely used. Between forest logging tracks where a few cyclists occasionally venture and mountain hiking trails typical of the British Columbia coast, the going is sometimes steep but never long enough to complain, especially as there are many sections where you can recover and calmly contemplate the next hill. Never too easy, never too difficult, and easy to navigate. A hike for everyone.
02:01
9.53km
4.7km/h
420m
420m
Eastcapades Frank & Sylvia went for a bike ride.
November 9, 2025
90% gravel endless scenery. Superb in fall. An autumn day spent searching for a trail without being in the undergrowth to enjoy the last rays of sunshine of the year, watching the salmon swim upstream to their spawning grounds and, with a bit of luck, surprising – or being surprised by – a bear or two in search of food before hibernation. Coquitlam, in the suburbs of Vancouver, offers all the advantages, plus the recent opening of Widgeon Marsh Park to the public. It is a very small part of a vast expanse of flooded land protected as a nature reserve, but it is a superb environment that gives us a goal. Accessibility by car is limited to only a few vehicles. A free permit for a 3-hour shift can be requested online due to very limited parking. By bicycle, we pass the checkpoint without any problems. This circuit is a superb loop with only two relatively short climbs, but with a gradient of more than 12%. The rest is rolling and free of traffic. It's an atmosphere that encourages you to stroll rather than sprint.
03:39
53.9km
14.8km/h
490m
530m
Eastcapades Frank & Sylvia went for a hike.
October 26, 2025
It kicks off with a gentle road shoulder (around 10-15% grade). Then, as we zip past the gate at the road’s end, the trail throws us into a whimsical world of dreams and fantasies, which might make you think the hike will be a breeze. But hold on, because the real adventure is just around the corner! We’ll be tackling steep climbs, a well-marked trail, no need for red flags. The forest is alive with nice big trees, offering a fantastic atmosphere and a variety of tree species. A steep section that might be slippery if it’s wet signals the creek we need to cross. A sturdy plank serves as a bridge. The water is high, and some of the “bridge” is covered with water from the recent rain. It might be a bit tricky, but with caution, it’s totally doable. On the other side, after about 80 meters, stop climbing and turn right (look for the blue tape on your right). It might be a bit confusing since the trail isn’t super visible, and a big stump almost blocks the path. Only after crossing another stream does the trail get steep again. Further along, we find a beautiful bluff with a fantastic view of Howe Sound. A good spot for a short break before tackling the next steep section. The forest is stunning. You point out the furthest point and start the return loop. It’s a fun section that follows the contour for a fairly long while. The trail is easier here. We’ll cross two more creeks, soaking again our feet before the trail drops and eventually merges onto the Unnecessary peak access (if you decide to climb it). Instead, steeply down, you’ll find yourself back at the beginning of the trail hiked about 2.5-3 hours ago. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but if you’re up for a good challenge, it’s a super fun loop!
03:33
10.3km
2.9km/h
740m
760m
An autumn day spent searching for a trail without being in the undergrowth to enjoy the last rays of sunshine of the year, watching the salmon swim upstream to their spawning grounds and, with a bit of luck, surprising – or being surprised by – a bear or two in search of food before hibernation. Coquitlam
Like